The Bum's Off Season News, Notes, Rumours !

[StarDust Bum]

Blackhawks ship F Kruger to Las Vegas
July 2, 2017

The Chicago Blackhawks traded forward Marcus Kruger to the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday in exchange for future considerations.

Kruger, 27, registered 105 points (33 goals, 72 assists) in 398 career regular-season games with Chicago over seven seasons, including winning two Stanley Cup titles. He had five goals and 12 assists in 70 games in 2016-17.

The 6-foot, 186-pound Kruger just completed the first year of a three-year deal that carries a salary-cap hit of $3.083 million. The Blackhawks reportedly were over next season's salary cap of $75 million by about $2.1 million prior to the trade.

"We thank Marcus for his many contributions to our team -- most notably, two Stanley Cup Championships," general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement. "His work ethic, reliability and strength as a two-way player made him a valuable member of the organization. We wish him the best with Vegas."

The Stockholm, Sweden, native was a member of the Blackhawks' 2013 and 2015 Stanley Cup championship teams, collecting six goals and 10 assists in 87 career postseason games.

Kruger was drafted by the Blackhawks in the fifth round of the 2009 NHL draft.

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Habs lock up G Price on 8-yr, $84M deal
July 2, 2017

The Montreal Canadiens signed goaltender Carey Price to an eight-year, $84 million contract extension Sunday to keep him with the team through the 2025-26 season.

The deal is worth a reported $10.5 million per year starting with the 2018-19 season.

Price, 29, completed his 10th season in the NHL, all with the Canadiens, in 2016-17. He maintained a record of 37-20-5 in 62 games, recording three shutouts, a 2.23 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.

Price was one of three finalists for the Vezina Trophy, awarded annually to the best goaltender in the NHL. He took part in his fifth All-Star Game.

Since 2007-08, the 6-foot-3, 226-pound Price owns a 270-175-55 record in 509 regular-season games, with a 2.40 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage. He ranks fourth in Canadiens history with 39 shutouts.

During the 2014-15 season, Price set a Canadiens record for a goaltender with 44 wins, and earned the Hart, Vezina, Jennings and Ted Lindsay trophies.

Price, a native of Anahim Lake, British Columbia, was the Canadiens' first-round pick (fifth overall) in the 2005 NHL draft.

On the international stage for Canada, Price has won the gold medal at the 2007 World Junior Championship, at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and at the World Cup of Hockey last September. He also helped the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs win the Calder Cup in 2007.

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Penguins sign D Schultz to three-year deal
July 1, 2017

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed restricted free agent defenseman Justin Schultz to a three-year, $16.5 million contract, the team announced on Saturday.

The contract has an average annual value of $5.5 million and runs through the 2019-20 season.

Schultz recorded career highs in goals (12), assists (39), points (51), plus-minus (plus-27) and power-play points (20) in 78 games last season with the Penguins. The 26-year-old is coming off a one-year, $1.4 million deal.

"Justin plays a very important role for our team," general manager Jim Rutherford said. "It's very good to know that he will be returning to us for the next three years."

Schultz has collected 41 goals and 119 assists in 344 career NHL games since being selected with a second-round pick by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2008 draft. He was unable to agree to a contract with the Ducks and later signed with Edmonton and spent four seasons with the Oilers.

Schultz was ultimately dealt to the Penguins at the trade deadline for a 2016 third-round pick.

[StarDust Bum]

Mason, Elliott cash in on robust free agent goalie market
July 1, 2017

Brian Elliott looked at the free agent landscape for goaltenders and knew it wasn't pretty.

There were only a handful of openings for starters or in platoon situations, making the process plenty stressful for him and his goaltending counterparts around the NHL.

Even in this climate, the goaltending market was robust on the first day of free agency as Elliott signed a two-year deal with Philadelphia, Steve Mason with Winnipeg and Ryan Miller with Anaheim.

''With the spots open to play a majority of the games and be a major contributor and not a backup, there weren't that many spots,'' Elliott said after signing a $5.5 million deal worth $2.75 million each season with the Flyers.

''You kind of knew what was out there and knew what everybody was thinking, so you just make your decision from there.''

Though there were no deals of any kind beyond seven years or more than $30 million, it was a big day for the goaltending carousel.

Despite an inconsistent season, Mason cashed in with an $8.2 million contract to start for the Jets, and despite being on the verge of turning 37, Miller got $4 million from the Ducks to split time with John Gibson.

Mason got the biggest contract among free agent goalies even after his .908 save percentage ranked 34th among those with at least 30 appearances last season.

Five teams expressed serious interest, and Winnipeg was willing to pay him $4.1 million a season to shoulder the load and mentor young Connor Hellebuyck.

''At 29 years old right now, I feel I'm entering the prime of my career,'' Mason said. ''I can come up with the big saves that we can need on any given night that can help us get over the edge here.''

Elliott had a number of teams calling about him after an up-and-down season with the Calgary Flames that ended with a first-round sweep. The 32-year-old has led the league in save percentage twice and will be given the chance to win the No. 1 job for the Flyers, competing against Michal Neuvirth in a market that's no stranger to goalie controversy.

While Mason said upon leaving Philadelphia that he didn't think a platoon works, Elliott pointed to the Pittsburgh Penguins winning the Stanley Cup with a two-goalie system as evidence.

Explaining his roller-coaster career that led to this free agent opportunity wasn't so easy.

''I'd write a book if I knew that,'' Elliott said. ''Everybody's been the best goalie in the NHL one night and everybody's been the worst. ... The NHL, there's so much pressure on every night that you have to perform.''

Miller has endured that pressure as the starter in Buffalo, St. Louis and Vancouver and found a home in Anaheim close to where actress wife Noureen DeWulf works. A good fit for his family also got Miller a two-year deal that's increasingly rare for goalies in their late 30s.

''I was exploring what people were open to, and the Ducks were open to that,'' Miller said. ''I feel like I have a lot of hockey left in me. I've been able to take care of myself. I can still play at a fairly high level.''

The biggest goalie contract of the day belonged to the San Jose Sharks' Martin Jones, who was extended for $34.5 million on a deal that kicks in for the 2018-19 season and counts $5.75 million per season after that. GM Doug Wilson said Jones plays big when it matters.

Not long ago Jones was a backup in Los Angeles to Jonathan Quick, and on Saturday a handful of current or new backups got good money. Jonathan Bernier signed a $2.75 million, one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche, Chad Johnson got $2.5 million next season from the Buffalo Sabres and Anders Nilsson got $5 million over two years from the Vancouver Canucks.

''I had good conversations with different agents, with different goaltenders, but Jonathan Bernier, he's a guy that we thought was a good fit for us, especially with his experience,'' Avalanche GM Joe Sakic said. ''With (Semyon Varlamov) coming back (off surgery), we don't want him playing much more than 50 games. Jonathan played almost 40 games last year for Anaheim, so we know he can do it.''

Former Jets starter Ondrej Pavelec signed a $1.3 million, one-year deal to be Henrik Lundqvist's backup with the New York Rangers, Darcy Kuemper signed for $650,000 with the Kings and Antti Niemi went from being bought out by the Dallas Stars to taking a $700,000, one-year deal to join the Penguins and play behind Matt Murray.

The shifting goalie landscape means Mason and Miller are moving into more mentorship roles at this stage of their careers as they try to compete for jobs at the same time. Mason pointed to teaching young Anthony Stolarz the ropes in Philadelphia, and Miller had a similar circumstance in Vancouver with goalie of the future Jacob Markstrom.

''My role is going to change, and I'm aware of that heading into it,'' Miller said. ''You need to play the best you can to give your guys a chance to win. That's still a priority. That's what I'm focusing on. If I can help John along the way, I hope to.''

[StarDust Bum]

Golden Knights get to know each other in development camp
July 1, 2017

LAS VEGAS (AP) While the rest of the NHL chased veteran players in free agency, the Vegas Golden Knights finished up the franchise's first player development camp Saturday with optimism for their young future.

The expansion club's prospects spent the week working out at the diminutive Las Vegas Ice Center, about 15 minutes southwest of T-Mobile Arena and 10 minutes from its nearly-completed practice arena. The rink was packed with fans when the Golden Knights held intrasquad scrimmages over the final three days of camp.

Vegas general manager George McPhee wasn't active in the veteran free-agent market, only signing six players to minor-league deals. Although he took plenty of calls and swung a trade to send defenseman Alexei Emelin to Nashville for a third-round pick, McPhee largely used the week to learn more about the talent in the Golden Knights' system.

''I hope they had a great week,'' McPhee said of his youngsters. ''I hope they learned something while they were here, hope they got to know future teammates, hope that for the rest of the summer they do what we've instructed them to do, in terms of training and eating right and accelerate their development process. It's been nice to be able to be here and focus on these players that are here.''

The lone player in Golden Knights camp with any NHL experience was Alex Tuch. He wasn't expected to attend after being acquired in an expansion draft trade with Minnesota last week, but the 21-year-old forward showed up anyway.

''I wanted to get my bearings under me, get the lay of the land and everything,'' said Tuch, who played six games for the Wild last season. ''I hadn't been to Las Vegas at all, so I wanted to get the feel of that, see how the weather is, which is pretty nice. It's a brand-new organization, a lot to learn, new set of eyes, new management, new coaching staff, and that was my first thought coming in, that it would be awesome to get some more experience and comfortability with the staff and management coming into training camp.''

Tuch said the Golden Knights' camp was a bit different than the three he has attended in the past, in that they involved more conditioning drills and were overall a bit more grueling. This week was more about fundamentals and going through seminars with coaches and guest clinicians, not to mention bonding with a group of players who barely knew one another.

''They're not trying to kill us,'' said Tuch, who had 37 points in 57 games with Iowa in the AHL last season. ''It's a learning experience. This has been a real good camp. Everybody has worked hard and you can see everyone wants to be here and wants to make an impact. There's a lot of younger guys ... and I think everyone has learned a lot this week.''

Tuch was an elder statesman in camp with the likes of 18-year-old Cody Glass, Vegas' first-ever draft selection. The Portland Winterhawks center was chosen sixth overall last week, and while he probably won't see any NHL action for a couple of years, the camp was a key milestone.

''I think the week went by really fast, but it was a really good experience,'' Glass said. ''For me, I was just trying to take it all in. Getting into those games, obviously there's some strength-related issues I need to work on. To get to the next level you've got to be bigger and faster, and that's why in the summertime, that's a huge thing for me.''

The Golden Knights are two months away from their first training camp, but they've already got most of their inaugural core in place from the expansion draft. McPhee won't stop looking for talent.

''We talked to people, but we just didn't see a fit with anyone for our club this year,'' McPhee said. ''We'll keep talking to clubs. If there is a deal there that makes sense, we'll move the player. If not, we'll keep him until we get to camp. We did really well in expansion ... so why don't we just see how they can do?''

Vegas retained just under $1.2 million of Emelin's salary

[StarDust Bum]

End of an era: Jagr's time in Florida is over
July 1, 2017

Jaromir Jagr gave the Florida Panthers some star power, helped them win a division championship and unquestionably played a role in energizing what had been a stagnant fan base.

And now his tenure with the Panthers is over.

Making official what was suspected for some time, the Panthers revealed Saturday that they are going forward without the future sure-fire Hall of Fame forward. On a day dominated by free-agent signings - like adding forwards Evgeny Dadonov, Radim Vrbata and Micheal Haley - the biggest news out of Florida was that Jagr is no longer in the Panthers' plans.

''I can't say enough. It was an honor to be touched by a legend,'' said general manager Dale Tallon, who ultimately made the call to move on. ''I was torn. It was a tough couple weeks, or months, whatever it was. Can't thank him enough. What he did for our kids, for myself and everyone in this organization, you can't measure it.''

Jagr was with the Panthers for 2 1/2 seasons. He'll turn 46 next season, still wants to play and is coming off a 46-point season for a Florida team that wasn't exactly loaded with offensive weaponry. But in the end, a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press, the two sides were simply too far apart on financial terms to make any more talks feasible.

Jagr was a massive presence in the locker room, and teammates picked his brain constantly about his obsession with fitness and how he keeps his game as sharp as possible. He's the No. 2 all-time scorer in NHL history, behind only Wayne Gretzky.

''I think it's time now for our guys to take over,'' Tallon said. ''Our core young guys need to take over this team.''

Tallon said the Panthers needed to get younger and faster - part of the thinking behind both the decision to move on from Jagr and to give forward Jussi Jokinen a buyout on Saturday. The 34-year-old Jokinen had 28 points in 69 games last season.

''It's just a matter of going in a different direction,'' Tallon said.

Dadonov is the most likely candidate to join young standouts Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau on Florida's top line, filling the role that Jagr has held.

Dadonov is starting his second stint with the Panthers after being out of the NHL for more than five years. Dadonov appeared in 55 games for Florida between 2010 and 2012, with 10 goals and 10 assists. He's spent the past five seasons in Russia's KHL, with 101 goals and 123 assists in stints with Donbass and St. Petersburg.

''In all the three world championships I've been involved with with Team USA, he's been the best player in the tournament,'' Tallon said. ''He's a totally different player than when he first came over.''

Vrbata is 36, but is coming off a 20-goal season with Arizona. And with forwards Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith now gone to Vegas, Florida needed to find more scorers.

''Dale is excited about this team,'' Vrbata said. ''And so am I.''

[StarDust Bum]

Ducks to sign G Miller, ink D Fowler to extension
July 1, 2017

Ryan Miller has agreed to sign a two-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks, the team announced Saturday.

Terms of the goaltender's contract were not released by the team, but TSN reports Miller's deal is worth $4 million.

The Ducks also signed defenseman Cam Fowler to an eight-year contract extension through the 2025-26 season. Fowler will receive $52 million over the life of the deal, the Orange County Register reported.

Miller, 36, won the Vezina Trophy as a member of the Buffalo Sabres in 2010 and ranks 19th all-time in NHL history with 358 victories.

The 14-year veteran is 358-262-73 with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage in 709 career games.

Miller entered the league as a fifth-round draft pick of the Sabres in 1999 and spent his first 10 1/2 seasons with Buffalo. He was traded to the St. Louis Blues during the 2013-14 season and signed with the Vancouver Canucks as a free agent the following season.

Last season with the Canucks, Miller posted a subpar 18-29-6 record with a 2.80 GAA and a .914 save percentage over 54 games.

Fowler, 25, was a first-time All-Star with the Ducks last season after totaling a career-high 11 goals and 28 assists (39 points) in 80 games. He spent his first seven NHL seasons with Anaheim, totaling 45 goals and 172 assists (217 points) in 494 games.

"Cam Fowler is the type of player we want here long term," Ducks executive vice president and general manager Bob Murray said. "He has the obvious skill set, but also tremendous character and a drive to succeed. As good as he is, he's not yet in his prime years, so we know the best is yet to come."

Anaheim went 46-23-13 (105 points) to win the Pacific Division and finish third in the Western Conference last season. The Ducks advanced to the Western Conference finals before being eliminated by the Nashville Predators in six games.

[StarDust Bum]

Sharks lock up key cogs Vlasic, Jones with long-term deals
July 1, 2017

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) The San Jose Sharks opened free agency Saturday by signing long-term contracts that will keep two key players off the open market next summer.

The Sharks signed shutdown defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic to a $56 million, eight-year contract and goalie Martin Jones to a $34.5 million, six-year deal. Both players had one year remaining on their contracts and got modified no-trade clauses.

''They were really important,'' general manager Doug Wilson said. ''These are guys who fit for now and the future. They are core pieces for our team at key positons.''

The Sharks did not reach deals with longtime stalwarts Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau before they hit the open market officially. San Jose has offers out to both players but Wilson wouldn't comment about where negotiations stand.

Marleau has been with San Jose since being picked second overall in 1997 and has 508 goals in his career. Thornton was the top pick by Boston that same year and came to San Jose in November 2005. He ranks in the top 25 all-time in assists (1,007, 13th place) and points (1,391, 22nd place).

The team has made three conference finals with the duo and went to the Stanley Cup Final before losing to Pittsburgh in 2016.

''I'd love them to be back,'' Vlasic said. ''If they're not, I totally understand the game. We'll try to find other guys in the league or in our system to fill the roles as much as they can.''

If Thornton or Marleau leave, the Sharks will have to replace their scoring. The defense should be in good shape for years to come thanks to the new deals with Vlasic and Jones and an eight-year extension for Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns last November.

The Sharks also have key forwards Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture under contract for two more seasons and several young players they hope will develop in the next few years.

''That's a good starting point,'' Vlasic said. ''We've been competitive every year since I've been on this team. I don't see us dropping off in the near future and I see us being very competitive many years down the road.''

The 30-year-old Vlasic was a second-round pick by San Jose in 2005 and became a constant presence on the blue line the following year. If he finishes this contract with San Jose he will spend 20 seasons with the Sharks.

Vlasic has played 812 games over 11 seasons and is usually tasked with shutting down the opponent's top scorers. He had six goals and 22 assists last season, while blocking 146 shots and playing more than two minutes a game short-handed.

''Marc-Edouard is one of the most respected players in the league, certainly one of the best defenseman,'' Wilson said. ''Not only the best stopper against other teams' top players but he can move pucks. We expect even more offense going forward. We think he's coming into prime of his career.''

The 27-year-old Jones has been a rock in goal since being acquired in a trade with Boston two years ago that included a first-round draft pick for a player who had never been a consistent starter in the NHL.

Jones backed up San Jose's belief in him and helped the team reach the Cup Final in 2016 and the playoffs this past season.

''Ultimately he plays big when it matters,'' Wilson said. ''That's always been his history. Obviously we don't get to the Stanley Cup Final two years ago without him. The ultimate compliment for a goalie is that a team loves playing in front of him and trusts him. He has that.''

Jones leads the NHL with 130 games started the past two seasons and is tied for second with 72 wins. He has allowed 2.33 goals per game with the Sharks.

''All I have to worry about is focusing on playing hockey right now,'' he said. ''It's important. I didn't have a lot of doubts it wouldn't get done anyway. But it's nice to get it out of the way and just focus on hockey.''

[StarDust Bum]

NHL notebook: Avalanche sign former No. 1 overall pick Yakupov
July 4, 2017

The Colorado Avalanche signed former top overall pick Nail Yakupov to a one-year contract, the team announced Tuesday.

Yakupov, a forward, collected just nine points (three goals, six assists) in 40 games with the St. Louis Blues last season. The 23-year-old Russian, who is coming off a two-year, $5 million contract, was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer until the Blues opted against sending him a qualifying offer.

"Nail is a young, skilled winger who will add depth to our lineup," Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said. "We look forward to seeing him at training camp."

Yakupov has yet to live up to expectations since being selected by the Edmonton Oilers with the first overall pick of the 2012 draft. He spent four seasons in Edmonton before being traded to St. Louis in October for forward Zach Pochiro and a conditional third-round pick of the 2017 draft. Yakupov has recorded 53 goals and 67 assists in 292 career contests with the Oilers and Blues.

--The San Jose Sharks signed forward Brandon Bollig to a one-year contract, the team announced.

Financial terms were not disclosed for Bollig, who recorded 11 goals, 11 assists and 136 penalty minutes in 60 games last season with the Stockton Heat of the American Hockey League.

The 30-year-old Bollig spent his previous two campaigns with the Calgary Flames, collecting three goals and six assists in 116 games.

A Stanley Cup champion with Chicago, Bollig notched 10 goals, 13 assists and 392 penalty minutes in 241 career contests with the Blackhawks and Flames.

--The Carolina Hurricanes acquired center Marcus Kruger from the Vegas Golden Knights for a fifth-round pick in the 2018 NHL draft.

Kruger recorded five goals, 12 assists and a plus-7 rating in 70 games last season with the Chicago Blackhawks. The 27-year-old is set to enter the second campaign of a three-year deal worth $9.25 million with a cap hit of $3.083 million.

Kruger also represented his home country of Sweden for the 2017 IIHF World Championship, where he won the gold medal along with fellow Hurricanes Elias Lindholm, Victor Rask and Joakim Nordstrom.

A two-time Stanley Cup winner, Kruger has collected 33 goals, 72 assists and 176 penalty minutes in 398 career games with the Blackhawks.

--The Arizona Coyotes signed forward Michael Latta to a one-year, two-way contract.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed for Latta, who notched four goals and 17 points in 113 games over three seasons with the Washington Capitals from 2013-2016.

Latta, a former third-round pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2009 draft, split last season with the Ontario Reign and Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League.

[StarDust Bum]

2017-18 Season Win Totals
September 17, 2017

The 2017-18 NHL season begins in October as the Pittsburgh Penguins shoot for its third consecutive Stanley Cup title.

The oddsmakers at BetOnline.ag released season win totals for all 29 teams in the league, including the expansion Vegas Golden Knights. Not surprisingly, Vegas is listed with the lowest win total in the league at 26½, while the Avalanche (who finished with the least amount points in the NHL) are the only other squad below 30 wins by getting posted at 29½.

On the high end, the Capitals were one of four teams to reach the 50-win mark last season and are the only squad to be listed above 50 at BetOnline.ag with 50½ victories. The upstart Oilers have the highest win total in the Western Conference at 47½, while the defending champion Penguins sit at 46½.

Listed below are the odds in alphabetical order per BetOnline.ag.

Regular Season Wins

Anaheim Ducks
Over 46 Wins -115
Under 46 Wins -115

Arizona Coyotes
Over 33 Wins -115
Under 33 Wins -115

Boston Bruins
Over 44½ Wins +100
Under 44½ Wins -130

Buffalo Sabres
Over 37 Wins -130
Under 37 Wins +100

Calgary Flames
Over 42½ Wins -115
Under 42½ Wins -115

Carolina Hurricanes
Over 41½ Wins -115
Under 41½ Wins -115

Chicago Blackhawks
Over 44½ Wins -130
Under 44½ Wins +100

Colorado Avalanche
Over 29½ Wins -115
Under 29½ Wins -115

Columbus Blue Jackets
Over 46½ Wins +100
Under 46½ Wins -130

Dallas Stars
Over 43½ Wins -115
Under 43½ Wins -115

Detroit Red Wings
Over 34½ Wins +105
Under 34½ Wins -135

Edmonton Oilers
Over 47½ Wins -115
Under 47½ Wins -115

Florida Panthers
Over 38½ Wins -115
Under 38½ Wins -115

Los Angeles Kings
Over 40½ Wins -115
Under 40½ Wins -115

Minnesota Wild
Over 46½ Wins +100
Under 46½ Wins -130

Montreal Canadiens
Over 44 Wins -145
Under 44 Wins +115

Nashville Predators
Over 44 Wins -115
Under 44 Wins -115

New Jersey Devils
Over 31½ Wins -130
Under 31½ Wins +100

New York Islanders
Over 42½ Wins +105
Under 42½ Wins -135

New York Rangers
Over 44½ Wins -115
Under 44½ Wins -115

Ottawa Senators
Over 40 Wins -115
Under 40 Wins -115

Philadelphia Flyers
Over 38 Wins -130
Under 38 Wins +100

Pittsburgh Penguins
Over 46½ Wins -115
Under 46½ Wins -115

San Jose Sharks
Over 43½ Wins -115
Under 43½ Wins -115

St. Louis Blues
Over 44½ Wins -115
Under 44½ Wins -115

Tampa Bay Lightning
Over 44 Wins -130
Under 44 Wins +100

Toronto Maple Leafs
Over 44½ Wins +100
Under 44½ Wins -130

Vancouver Canucks
Over 30½ Wins -130
Under 30½ Wins +100

Vegas Golden Knights
Over 26½ Wins -130
Under 26½ Wins +100

Washington Capitals
Over 50½ Wins +115
Under 50½ Wins -145

Winnipeg Jets
Over 41½ Wins -115
Under 41½ Wins -115

Odds subject to change

[StarDust Bum]

NHL Note - Anaheim Ducks Beauchemin, Francois
August 22, 2017

D Francois Beauchemin is returning for a third stint with the Anaheim Ducks, who signed him to a one-year contract Monday. Terms were not disclosed, but deal is worth a reported $1 million with an additional $500,000 that can be earned through performance incentives. Beauchemin, 37, appeared in 525 career NHL games with Anaheim, recording 179 points (53 goals, 126 assists), and he was a member of the 2007 Stanley Cup champions.

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NHL Note - Colorado Avalanche Kerfoot, Alexander
August 24, 2017

F Alexander Kerfoot signed a two-year, entry-level contract through the 2018-19 season, the Colorado Avalanche announced Thursday. Kerfoot became a free agent last week when his rights with the New Jersey Devils expired. New Jersey initially selected the now-23-year-old British Columbia native in the fifth round of the 2012 draft. "We are thrilled that Alexander decided to sign with the Avalanche," Colorado general manager Joe Sakic said. "He's a highly skilled, playmaking center who is responsible at both ends of the ice. We look forward to seeing him take the next step of his hockey career with our organization."

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NHL Note - New Jersey Devils Butcher, Will
August 28, 2017

D Will Butcher, the 2017 Hobey Baker Award recipient, agreed to a two-year, entry-level contract with Devils on Sunday.

Butcher will receive an average annual salary of $925,000. The 22-year-old was selected by the Colorado Avalanche in the fifth round of the 2013 draft, but elected not to sign with the club and became an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 16. A college player has four years to sign with the team that drafts him before he can become an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 16 of that fourth year.

Butcher spent four seasons with the University of Denver and served as team captain in 2016-17, helping the Pioneers win the NCAA national championship. He collected seven goals and 30 assists in 43 games last season.

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NHL Note - New York Rangers Pirri, Brandon
August 30, 2017

F Brandon Pirri is returning to the Florida Panthers on a professional tryout, the team announced Tuesday. Pirri collected eight goals and 10 assists in 60 games with the New York Rangers last season.

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NHL Note - Arizona Coyotes Doan, Shane
August 31, 2017

RW Shane Doan, the former Arizona Coyotes captain, announced his retirement from the NHL after 21 seasons.

The 40-year-old Doan only played for the Coyotes during his career, dating back to before the franchise moved from Winnipeg to Arizona in 1996. The forward was the seventh overall pick by the Jets in 1995. Doan had been an unrestricted free agent after the Coyotes informed him on June 19 that they would not be re-signing him to focus on younger players. He made his announcement in a first-person letter to fans published in the Arizona Republic. Doan is the team's career leader in games played (1,540), shots (3,945), goals (402), assists (570), points (972), power-play goals (128) and game-winning goals (69). He is tied for 14th for most games played in NHL history.

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NHL Note - Pittsburgh Penguins Archibald, Josh
September 1, 2017

F Josh Archibald cherished his day with the Stanley Cup, although it's highly unlikely his three-week-old child will retain the memory. Archibald, 24, and his wife had Brecken baptized in the Stanley Cup during a ceremony held in Brainerd, Minn. While babies have "celebrated" with the Stanley Cup over recent years, Archibald's baptism is believed to be the first such event since 2008. At that time, Detroit forward Tomas Holmstrong arranged for his seven-week-old niece to be baptized after the Red Wings defeated Pittsburgh in the final.

[StarDust Bum]

Blue Jackets lock up top-line center Wennberg for 6 years
September 1, 2017

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed free-agent center Alexander Wennberg to a six-year, $29.4 million contract.

The Blue Jackets announced the deal Friday, locking up their top-line center through the 2022-23 season, with a cap hit of $4.9 million a year. The 22-year-old Swede was a key part of a young team that set franchise records for wins and points and advanced to the playoffs last year.

Wennberg posted NHL career highs in 2016-17 with 13 goals and 46 assists for 59 points and a plus-9 plus/minus rating in 80 regular- season games. In his third year in the league, he led Columbus in assists and finished second in points to Cam Atkinson.

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Canucks sign Thomas Vanek to 1-year deal, $2 million deal
September 1, 2017

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) Thomas Vanek and the Vancouver Canucks agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal Friday.

The 33-year-old forward had 17 goals and 31 assists in 68 games last season with Florida and Detroit.

''Thomas has been a prolific scorer throughout his career and we're excited to add his offence and experience to help with the continued growth of our forwards,'' Canucks general manager Jim Benning said. ''His skill and ability to contribute on the scoresheet, combined with his lead-by-example style will help our team this year, and will benefit our younger players as they continue to develop their game.''

The former University of Minnesota star from Austria has 333 goals and 364 assists in 885 regular-season games with Buffalo, the New York Islanders, Montreal, Minnesota, Detroit and Florida.

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NHL Note - Arizona Coyotes Duclair, Anthony
September 4, 2017

F Anthony Duclair signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed, but it was reported to be a one-year, $1.2 million deal. "We are very pleased to sign Anthony to a new contract," Coyotes general manager John Chayka said. "Anthony is a highly skilled forward with great speed and scoring ability. We are confident that he can be an impact player for our team and look forward to having him in our lineup this season."

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Canucks: We're not trading Sedins
September 5, 2017

Henrik and Daniel Sedin will not be asked to waive their no-trade clause this season, Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning said.

Both Swedes, who will turn 37 on Sept. 26, are entering the final season of their respective four-year, $28 million contracts.

"We're not moving the Sedins unless they come to me at some point and they say, 'Well, we want to move on,'" Benning told Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver. "When we've talked to them, we're not going to go to them and ask them to waive their no-trade. We're not going to approach them for them to move on to another team."

Daniel and Henrik were selected with the respective second and third overall picks of the 1999 NHL draft. Henrik, the team's captain, tops the franchise in points (1,020), assists (783) and games played (1,248) while Daniel is first in goals (370) while his assists (616), points (986) and games plaed (1,225) rank second.

Last season was not a particularly productive one for the Sedins, as Henrik recorded just 50 points (15, goals, 35 assists) in 82 games while Daniel mustered just 44 (15 goals, 29 assists).

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Red Wings sign D Russo to two-year contract
September 6, 2017

The Detroit Red Wings agreed to terms with defenseman Robbie Russo on a two-year contract Wednesday.

The deal reportedly will pay Russo a salary of $650,000 when playing for the Red Wings, and $125,000 this season and $250,000 next season at the American Hockey League level.

Russo, 24, appeared in 19 games for the Red Wings at the end of the 2016-17 season, making his NHL debut on March 7, averaging 16:04 time on ice and recording two penalty minutes, 18 shots on goal, 24 hits and 13 blocked shots.

The 6-foot, 195-pound Russo played in 58 games with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins in 2016-17, picking up 32 points (seven goals, 25 assists) and 37 penalty minutes in 58 games and earning a spot at the AHL All-Star Classic.

Russo also skated in 19 postseason games with Grand Rapids, registering seven assists and 22 penalty minutes to help the Griffins to their second Calder Cup championship in five seasons.

Russo owns 71 points (12 goals, 59 assists) and 79 penalty minutes in 129 regular-season games for Grand Rapids and 12 points (one goal, 11 assists) and 31 penalty minutes in 28 AHL playoff contests.

Originally drafted by the New York Islanders in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL draft, Russo joined the Red Wings as a free agent on Aug. 16, 2015. The Westmont, Ill., native spent four seasons at the University of Notre Dame prior to signing with Detroit.

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Senators' Karlsson has no timeline to return after surgery
September 6, 2017

NEW YORK (AP) Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson has no timetable to get back on the ice following offseason foot surgery.

Karlsson, the runner-up for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman, said Wednesday he hasn't been able to do anything for three months since the operation in June to repair torn tendons in his left foot. The 27-year-old played with foot fractures and torn tendons during the playoffs as the Senators reached Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final.

''It's going to be a while,'' Karlsson said in an interview with The Associated Press at the annual NHL/NHLPA media tour. ''We'll see when I can start skating again. We don't have a timeline for that, either. I think once I do that, we will know a little bit more clearly when I'll be able to play again.''

At the time of the surgery, Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion forecast a four-month recovery that would allow Karlsson to start the regular season. With the Senators opening Oct. 5 against Washington, that's now in doubt.

Karlsson, who came back from a torn Achilles tendon in 2013, hopes taking it slow ensures this won't be a long-term problem. The smooth-skating Swede who was third among defensemen with 71 points last season was glad the injury came at a time that allowed him to focus on his wedding and isn't worried about having no target return date.

''It's actually been pretty nice,'' Karlsson said. ''Sometimes you put timelines and you expect certain things and with injuries you're always going to have things that are not going to go the way that you want. And I think with this we've been really good in taking our time and making sure that this is not something that's going to affect me down the road.''

Despite playing with so many foot problems, Karlsson led all defenseman with 18 points in the playoffs. Ottawa lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins in double overtime, and Karlsson earned a lot of respect around the league by playing and performing well while injured.

''You can't help but respect a player like that that plays in a ton of situations and just seems to be so effective and make it look it easy at times even when it was known that he was injured and he was playing through it,'' said Ryan McDonagh, whose New York Rangers lost to the Senators in the second round. ''I've played through injuries similar to my foot, too, in past playoffs. It was pretty incredible to see the things he was able to do.''

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Parros to head NHL's Player Safety
September 7, 2017

Former enforcer George Parros was named as the NHL's senior vice president of player safety, the league announced Thursday.

Parros will take the place of Stephane Quintal, who is stepping down to pursue other opportunities within the game. Quintal, however, has agreed to remain with the department through the end of the 2017-18 season to assist in the transition.

"George possesses one of the brightest and most innovative young minds in our game," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "He has immersed himself in all aspects of player safety during the last 12 months and his selection to run this department not only will maintain the stability and consistency in decision-making that have been essential to the department's success but also will enable it to continue evolving in step with our game.

"We thank Stephane for the passion and dedication he brought to the National Hockey League from the day he first joined us soon after the Department of Player Safety's inception in 2011 and since taking over as the head of the department three years ago. We expect Stephane will play a valuable role in the transition process and we intend this season to utilize his many talents and relationships in the game to further other league initiatives outside of player safety as well."

The 37-year-old Parros, who served as director of the department under Quintal, racked up 1,092 penalty minutes - including 150 fighting majors - in his nine-year NHL career.

Parros won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Anaheim Ducks in 2007. He also played for the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens, finishing with 36 points before retiring from the NHL in 2014.

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Ryan Ellis out 6 months after surgery
September 7, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Nashville defenseman Ryan Ellis will need a full six months to recover from offseason knee surgery, and general manager David Poile says they don't expect him back until possibly 2018.

Poile gave an update on injuries Thursday to Ellis and new center Nick Bonino after a rookies' practice. Both were hurt during the Stanley Cup Final that Nashville lost in six games to Pittsburgh , and Bonino was playing for the Penguins.

''The discussion with our doctors at this time, they would like to take it a little bit slower with his recovery,'' Poile said of Ellis.

The original timetable called for a recovery of four to six months. Poile said the Predators and doctors feel Ellis will need the full six months to recover.

''Ryan is not skating yet, probably will be skating in approximately another three weeks and the recovery will go from there,'' Poile said. ''We don't expect him back until at the end of the year, maybe the New Year, maybe right around Christmas time.''

Ellis scored 38 points in 71 games last season, but he was even better during the playoffs. Ellis tied Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Johansen for third among the Predators with 13 points. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Ellis paired with Mattias Ekholm to help anchor the Nashville defense along with All-Star P.K. Subban and Romani Josi.

The defenseman even played despite being hurt in the decisive Game 6 before having surgery. His recovery is why the Predators traded with the Vegas Golden Knights to acquire defenseman Alexei Emelin.

''Obviously we had a little bit of a heads up and that is really one of the reasons why we got Emelin from Las Vegas to add to not only our depth but the quality of our defense,'' Poile said.

The general manager says Bonino, who broke a foot in the final, will not be playing in any preseason games. The Predators signed Bonino away from Pittsburgh with a four-year, $16.4 million deal in July as protection when captain Mike Fisher later announced his retirement.

''We are very hopeful that he will be ready at or near the beginning of the season,'' Poile said.

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Crosby hangs with rookies as Pens prep
September 7, 2017

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) Sidney Crosby likes his summers short. Really short. Short summers for Crosby means long playoff runs for the Pittsburgh Penguins, ones that usually end with parades through the city in mid-June, the Penguins captain holding the Stanley Cup aloft.

There is no other feeling like it. So the question isn't why would Crosby want to cut the celebration short, but why would he want to put off starting the process all over again?

So just 88 days after Pittsburgh closed out Nashville in six games to become the first team in nearly two decades to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, Crosby found himself out on the ice with assorted prospects, many of whom have little chance of making it to the NHL this season.

That didn't stop Crosby and his familiar No. 87 jersey serving as perhaps the most decorated ''welcome wagon'' in professional sports. For the better part of an hour the face of the game skated with the newcomers. Later in the afternoon the more established players went through a workout of their own, well aware of the message Crosby's appearance in the building earlier in the day sent.

''I think that's where it starts with this team,'' said forward Carl Hagelin after a voluntary workout. ''Any new guy that comes up or any new guy that gets traded here, they get treated extremely well by Sid first of all and then the organization. You kind of follow his lead. There's a good culture within this locker room and within this organization. When you get here, you've got to follow or you're going to get left behind.''

Crosby makes it a point to be the first one to extend a hand, even though it can make for occasionally awkward moments, particularly for players like forward Ryan Reaves. The Penguins acquired Reaves from St. Louis over the summer looking to give their lineup a physical presence. The issue, of course, is that part of Reaves' responsibilities during his time in St. Louis was making Crosby as uncomfortable as possible whenever the two teams met.

''I would say me and Sid's relationship before this was rocky,'' Reaves said with a laugh. ''But I don't know many people that like me on the ice though. But we've hung out a couple times. Really nice guy for sure.''

Reaves joined some of his new teammates in a fantasy football draft over the weekend. Reaves believes he has an eye for talent. He also has an eye for leadership. He wasn't exactly surprised when he arrived at the rink and Crosby was already out there working with kids who may never actually play alongside him.

''That's why he's the best in the world,'' Reaves said. ''He does things like that and he makes the younger guys better and he pushes everybody to be the best. He's the best in the world for a reason.''

One intent on guiding the Penguins to a third consecutive Cup, something that hasn't been done since the New York Islanders ripped off four straight in the early 1980s, long before the salary cap came around, a move designed to level the playing field both financially and competitively. It didn't look like that last spring as the Penguins raced by Columbus, outlasted Washington and Ottawa then pulled away from the upstart Predators in the final.

''Last year everyone said it was impossible to do, winning two in a row,'' said Hagelin, whose empty-net goal in the final seconds of Game 6 quieted the ''Smashville'' crowd and clinched Pittsburgh's fifth Cup. ''Everyone is going to come after you. Now we're used to that and we're expecting the same thing this year. There's going to be no surprises this year obviously.''

Doing it means enduring training camp, a six-month regular season followed by eight more weeks in the crucible of playoff hockey. The Penguins were supposed to be too tired from the Cup run in 2016 to do it again. And yet they did. As the official opening of camp looms, the lure of history is giving even established players like Hagelin a dose of adrenaline.

''Usually this time of year, you have such a short summer, maybe you're kind of dreading it a little bit,'' Hagelin said.

Not Hagelin. He missed a chunk of the regular season and the playoffs with injuries but returned in time to make an impact in the final, his legs a blur as he sped away from the Predators to flip in the goal that secured his name on the Cup for a second time.

''Focusing on coming out and getting a good start, that's usually the tough part, to have every guy on the same page in the beginning of the year to really dig down and make sure you win those games,'' he said. ''That's our goal. After that we just keep playing and keep getting better, that's the type of team we're trying to be.''

[StarDust Bum]

Ovechkin sees his effect on Washington
September 7, 2017

SPRINGFIELD, Va. (AP) Even though Alex Ovechkin doesn't want to talk about the upcoming season just yet, he got a chance Thursday to survey evidence of his 12 seasons with the Washington Capitals.

Another pair of NHL-sized rinks is set to go up in the suburbs next year, a testament to the so-called Ovechkin effect on the growth of hockey in the area.

''I don't think it's an `Ovechkin effect,''' Ovechkin said. ''But it is nice to be part of it. It's nice to be involved. And it's nice to see how fast it grows. It's just an unbelievable feeling when you see the place gets crazy. It's amazing.''

Ovechkin talked in front of a construction site for The St. James, a planned sports complex that will focus on hockey and other athletic opportunities for children. Hockey has taken hold significantly in the D.C. area since Ovechkin arrived as a precocious teenager in 2005 who barely spoke English.

''It was very interesting for me when I just came here from Russia to find a new world, a new place,'' Ovechkin said. ''It was kind of hard decision for me and my family to come to D.C. because I was 19 years old. It was a different world for me. Different culture, different people, different atmosphere. But as soon as I get in here I start to feel like everybody love me, everybody can't wait to see me on the ice.''

The Capitals have yet to make it past the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs during Ovechkin's tenure, but that love affair hasn't wavered. The popularity of the sport continues to rise locally even as Washington enters an uncertain period of Ovechkin's career.

Ovechkin turns 32 on Sept. 17 and has four years left on his 13-year contract. With training camp starting next week, there aren't many chances left at that elusive Cup.

These days Ovechkin talks about the past as much as he does the future.

''As soon as I step on the ice, I always knew we we're going to have a good team, we're going to have a great organization and the fans are going to come and we're going to have a hockey town,'' Ovechkin said. ''It was a huge honor for me to be a part of it and you can see where the organization's grown up. I hope this building is gonna be growing up the same like when I came here. It's going to be famous and it's going to be huge.''

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Canucks sign forward Bo Horvat to 6-year extension
September 8, 2017

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) The Vancouver Canucks signed restricted free-agent center Bo Horvat to a $33 million, six-year contract extension Friday.

The 22-year-old Horvat had 20 goals and 32 assists in 81 games last season for the Canucks.

''Bo has quickly become a foundational player on our team and we're thrilled for him to be a part of what we're building here long term,'' Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a team release. ''His commitment and work ethic have helped his game improve each season. He's already a leader on our team and a young player fans can be excited to watch for years to come.''

Horvat has 49 goals and 68 assists in 231 career games in three seasons with Vancouver.

The Canucks open training camp Tuesday at Rogers Arena.

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Flyers G Stolarz (knee) out indefinitely
September 8, 2017

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Anthony Stolarz underwent surgery on his left knee to repair a meniscus tear on Thursday and will be out indefinitely.

Stolarz spent the summer rehabbing at the Flyers' practice facility after being injured at the end of the American Hockey League season with Lehigh Valley.

Selected by the Flyers in the second round in 2012, Stolarz recently completed his third pro season with the organization.

Stolarz made his NHL debut last season, stopping 29 of 32 shots in a 5-3 victory over the Calgary in November. He appeared in seven total games for the Flyers in 2016-17, going 2-1-1 with a 2.07 goals-against average and .928 save percentage.

In the AHL last season, Stolarz went 18-9-0 record with a 2.92 GAA and .911 save percentage.

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Devils sign defenseman Severson to 6-year, $25M contract
September 11, 2017

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) Being an unrestricted free agent without arbitration rights, defenseman Damon Severson was hoping to get contract from the New Jersey Devils that would carry him over for a couple of years.

The Devils instead gave the 23-year-old Severson a vote of confidence, signing him to a six-year, $25 million contract that will keep him with the team through the 2022-23 season.

''Damon brings an important dimension to our hockey club and he is a young defenseman that we are excited to work with,'' general manager Ray Shero said Monday in announcing the deal that gets Severson signed in time for the opening of training camp this week. ''This deal shows our ownership's commitment in what we continue to build here.''

Severson will earn $2.5 million this season and his salary will escalate to $5.1 million in the final year of the contract. He set career highs with 28 assists and 31 points in 80 regular-season games last season, leading all New Jersey defensemen in assists and points.

It is expected that Severson will get a chance to pair with Andy Greene on the Devils' top defensive unit.

Severson had hoped that the contract would be settled before the start of training camp, but this was pushing it.

''I just didn't want to be the type of guy that missed training camp or took some time skating away from the team,'' he said in a conference call. ''I wanted to be here with the guys in camp preparing the same way as everybody else.''

Severson said he was open to signing a contract to bridge a couple of years or getting a long-term one.

''With the long-term deal I am happy to be here,'' Severson said. ''I am comfortable now and I guess just forward to what is to come here with all the moves we made in the offseason. I am very happy to get it done. Long term in New Jersey was what the main goal was.''

The Devils have not made the playoffs since going to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012. They drafted Nico Hischier with the first pick overall in the NHL draft in June, signed veteran free-agent center Brian Boyle and defenseman and Hobey Baker Award winner Will Butcher, and acquired left wing Marcus Johansson from the Capitals.

''You can tell we want to turn the page here and get this going in the right direction,'' Severson said.

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NHL Note - St. Louis Blues Lindbohm, Petteri
September 13, 2017


D Petteri Lindbohm signed a one-year, two-way contract, the St. Louis Blues announced Tuesday. Lindbohm did not record a point in seven games with the Blues last season. The 23-year-old Finland native collected eight goals and as many assists to go along with 54 penalty minutes in 52 games in 2016-17 with Chicago of the American Hockey League. Lindbohm has posted two goals, an assist and 37 penalty minutes in 40 career NHL contests since being selected by St. Louis in the sixth round of the 2012 draft.

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Fiddler announces retirement after 14 NHL seasons
September 13, 2017

Forward Vernon Fiddler announced his retirement from the NHL following a 14-season career with four different teams.

The 37-year-old Fiddler's announcement was made in The Players' Tribune on Wednesday, approximately three months after his Nashville Predators fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals.

"The Cup run that that followed was the perfect way to finish my career," Fiddler wrote Wednesday. "Even though we didn't quite get the job done, it was an amazing few months. And to be honest, it was just icing on the cake -- my whole career was."

Fiddler was acquired by Nashville from the New Jersey Devils in February last season for a fourth-round pick in the 2017 draft. He scored just one goal in 20 games with Predators.

Fiddler, who made his NHL debut with Nashville in 2002, collected 104 goals 157 assists and 558 penalty minutes in 877 career contests with the then-Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, Devils and Predators.

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Duchene situation hovers over Avalanche
September 13, 2017

Even with two years left on his contract with the Colorado Avalanche, Matt Duchene's situation is anything but simple.

With his name in trade talks at the deadline and then again at the draft, Duchene went about his business playing for by far the NHL's worst team. But after another offseason of general manager Joe Sakic not making a move, Duchene is unhappy in limbo and now training camp has arrived.

Unlike the NFL, where holdouts are commonplace, it's unprecedented in the NHL's salary-cap era for a player under contract not to report to camp, and Sakic has said he expects Duchene to be there. But it's probably the strongest leverage the $6 million center has to effect change as interest swirls from teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets and two-time Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

''I'm not the GM, so whoever Joe and the staff decide to put on the team, I know it's going to be for the best and it's going to make us better,'' Avalanche forward Nathan MacKinnon said last week. ''With Duchy, I'm not sure what the situation is exactly. I know there's trade rumors and things like that, but he's not traded as of today and he's my teammate, so getting ready for him to be on the team this season.''

Duchene being in Colorado's opening night lineup Oct. 5 at the New York Rangers is far from any kind of certainty. The Avalanche are in rebuilding mode after their 48 points were 21 fewer than the next-lowest team, and at age 26 Duchene is their best trade chip in the hopes of landing a young defenseman.

Here are some more things to watch as training camps open around the NHL:

TAVARES WATCH

If the New York Islanders don't sign captain John Tavares by July 1, he can be an unrestricted free agent. That's a terrifying thought for the Islanders. His situation will be a never-ending story line made complicated by the Islanders' unsettled arrangement at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The smart money is on Tavares trying to shove contract distractions aside in camp but wait to sign a big-money, eight-year contract later.

NICO AND NOLAN

New Jersey Devils No. 1 pick Nico Hischier and Philadelphia Flyers No. 2 pick Nolan Patrick will each get a good opportunity to make the NHL. Hischier's chances improved with Travis Zajac out four to six months following pectoral surgery, and the Swiss center is part of New Jersey's excitement that this may be a better year. Taylor Hall, the top pick in 2010 who could be Hischier's left winger this season, said it's up to teammates to make him as comfortable off the ice as possible so he can perform.

''I think if he's comfortable there he's going to play well on the ice,'' Hall said. ''And we need him to play well.''

UNSIGNED, UNSEALED, UNDELIVERED

Six restricted free agents remain unsigned: Boston's David Pastrnak, Columbus' Josh Anderson, Colorado's Nikita Zadorov, Detroit's Andreas Athanasiou, Minnesota's Marcus Foligno and St. Louis' Petteri Lindbohm. Athanasiou's agent said Russia's Kontinental Hockey League is an option, though Pastrnak is vital to his team's success, so all eyes are on the Bruins. Jaromir Jagr and Jarome Iginla are unsigned greybeards still waiting for a call.

TRY AGAIN

Among the 60-plus players attending camp on a professional tryout agreement, Brandon Pirri in Florida, Jimmy Hayes in New Jersey, Alex Chiasson in Washington, Cody Franson in Chicago and Daniel Winnik in Minnesota have some of the best chances to earn a contract.

KARLSSON ON HOLD

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson said last week he has no timetable to skate, let alone play, and he'll miss at least the start of camp after offseason foot surgery. As soon as Karlsson gets on the ice in Ottawa it's a significant accomplishment for a team that was the closest to knocking off the Penguins in the playoffs last spring.

OVECHKIN'S ADJUSTMENT

A salary-cap crunch brought changes for the Washington Capitals after another playoff disappointment, and star winger Alex Ovechkin isn't getting any younger. General manager Brian MacLellan challenged Ovechkin to train differently to prioritize speed over power as the captain is about to turn 32, and now it's time to see if it worked.

''It's a great message that he's sending to Mac, to the coaches, most importantly I think it's a great message he's sending to the rest of us as teammates, saying that we have to change, we have to get better and it starts with him,'' said teammate T.J. Oshie, who signed a $46 million, eight-year deal to stay. ''Hats off to him, and I think the rest of us will have no trouble following.''

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Wild, Koivu agree to 2-year, $11M extension
September 18, 2017

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) The Minnesota Wild and captain Mikko Koivu have agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract extension.

The Wild announced the deal on Monday night. The 34-year-old Koivu was entering the final season of his contract. He is coming off of one of his best years with 18 goals and 40 assists in 80 games and was a finalist for the Selke Trophy, given annually to the best defensive forward.

Koivu will make $6 million in the first season of the extension in 2018-19 and $5 million the following season. He is first on the Wild's career list for points, assists and multipoint games.

The agreement was first reported by The Athletic.

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Wild sign G Baribeau to entry-level deal
September 18, 2017

The Minnesota Wild signed goaltender Dereck Baribeau to a three-year, entry-level contract on Monday.

Baribeau, 18, appeared in two games for Minnesota at the Traverse City Prospect Tournament, stopping 49 of 56 shots for a 3.65 goals-against average and an .875 save percentage.

The 6-foot-6, 199-pound native of Quebec City, Quebec, was ranked 10th amongst North American goalies by NHL Central Scouting for the 2017 draft.

Baribeau was 12-15-2 with a 3.93 goals-against average, an .881 save percentage and one shutout in 35 games with Val-D'Or and Quebec last season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He went 0-2 with a 3.68 GAA and a .917 save percentage in two playoff starts.

[StarDust Bum]

Sharks begin 1st camp without Marleau
September 15, 2017

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) There was something familiar missing in San Jose when the Sharks opened training camp.

For the first time since 1996, the Sharks took the ice for their first training camp practice without Patrick Marleau on the team as the franchise's career leader in games and scoring left as a free agent for Toronto this summer.

''I've spent a lot of years with him. It is kind of strange,'' said Joe Thornton, who came to San Jose in 2005. ''It's his birthday today too. It's a little weird, but he's going to do great up in Toronto.''

Marleau had been with San Jose since being picked second overall in 1997 but left the Sharks to sign an $18.75 million, three-year deal with the Maple Leafs in July.

Marleau has 508 goals and 574 assists for 1,082 points. He had 46 points in playing all 82 games last season as he rebounded from a disappointing 2015-16 season by scoring 27 goals, including the 500th of his career. He ranks first in San Jose in career goals, games and points.

Only six players in NHL history have played more games with one team than Marleau's 1,493 in San Jose. The Sharks haven't played a game without him on the ice since April 7, 2009.

''Obviously Patty has meant so much to this organization and this group,'' captain Joe Pavelski said. ''Everyone in this room has pretty much played with him and Patty has done something to help them out. He'll be missed. ... Just by committee somebody will step in and fill that kind of hole. That's what we'll need.''

The Sharks made no major additions this offseason so will need to replace Marleau's 27 goals by getting development from younger players like Tomas Hertl, Timo Meier, Kevin Labanc and Danny O'Regan, as well as bounce-back seasons from veterans like Thornton, Mikkel Boedker and Joonas Donskoi.

Only Pavelski, Logan Couture and Brent Burns are back after scoring more than 12 goals last season.

''When I look back at last year we had key people either have down years or miss significant time with injuries or coming off injuries,'' coach Peter DeBoer said. ''I think if we can stay healthy I think we've got a large group of guys that can really take a step this year and I expect a step out of them.''

While the Sharks lost Marleau in free agency, they did manage to keep Thornton by giving him a one-year, $8 million contract despite dwindling production last season and offseason knee surgery.

He scored just seven goals - his fewest in an 82-game season since his rookie year in 1997-98 - and was a key part of a power-play unit that uncharacteristically struggled last season. But he still managed 43 assists, teaming with captain Joe Pavelski on San Jose's top line.

Thornton missed the final week of the regular season and the first two playoff games with a left knee injury before returning for the final four games of a first-round loss to Edmonton. Thornton then underwent surgery to repair his MCL and ACL after the season but was back skating in August and started ramping it up for training camp two weeks ago. Thornton believes the lower-body work he did in rehab this offseason will pay dividends on the ice.

''They feel real strong,'' he said of his legs. ''I feel a lot of pop out there. They're probably as strong as they've ever been just because I had to rehab that knee so much.''

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Rangers set to begin camp practices
September 15, 2017

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) The New York Rangers are set to start training camp practices this weekend having undergone some changes since a second-round playoff exit just over four months ago.

After another disappointment for a team perennially expected to compete for a Stanley Cup - which it has won once in the last 77 years - the defense was shored up with the signing of top free agent Kevin Shattenkirk and the infusion of some younger players. However, there are questions in the middle and behind Henrik Lundqvist in goal.

The Rangers knew they had to make some changes to their core group that reached three conference finals in four years, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014, before a first-round exit to eventual champion Pittsburgh in 2016 and then Ottawa last season.

Veteran Dan Girardi, 33, was bought out and 32-year-old Kevin Klein retired. Shattenkirk, 28, was signed to a four-year, $26.6 million deal, and Tony DeAngelo, 21, was acquired as part of the trade that sent Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta to Arizona.

''We wanted to go out and change our defense and give it a different look and get a little more puck movement,'' Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton said Friday at the team's practice facility.

The offensive-minded Shattenkirk has had at least 30 assists and 40 points in six of his first seven seasons - with the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign the exception - and should help a power play that ranked 10th in the NHL last season at 20.2 percent.

''He has been one of the best power-play guys in the league for quite some time,'' Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said when he addressed media the previous day. ''(He) is going to help our whole group. It's a new season, we need to figure out who fits where and who does what.''

Brendon Smith, acquired at the trade deadline, was re-signed and Vigneault said he expected Brady Skjei to build on his stellar rookie season in which he had five goals and 34 assists.

Shattenkirk won't be paired with captain Ryan McDonagh on the team's top defensive pairing at the start of training camp so Vigneault can get a look at other guys and combinations, but the coach said that could change as the start of the season gets closer.

Players had their physicals on Thursday and on-ice tests Friday. The first day of practice is Saturday.

Other things to know as the Rangers open camp:

MILLER TO THE MIDDLE: Stepan's departure will likely result in Kevin Hayes and Mika Zibanejad moving up to center the top two lines, and J.T. Miller will also play in the middle to start camp. Miller was drafted as a center and played there in the minors, but has been mostly on the wing in the NHL. After playing center in stretches the last two seasons, he expected the possibility of the move.

''I kind of had an idea this summer with what happened with some of our players,'' Miller said. ''It's a responsibility I'm willing to take on. I think they know that. I've proved I can play there before so they're just going to feel it out and see how it goes, see where it fits.''

Asked if the team was still exploring trade options at center, Gorton said: ''It's fair to say we're always looking, but were comfortable with J.T. ... He hasn't played a lot of center at the NHL level, (but) we know in the past in his career he's been able to do it so preseason we'll take a look at him there.''

NO LIMIT ON HENRIK: Lundqvist is coming off a 31-20-4 season in which he had career worsts with a 2.74 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. Raanta was a solid backup the last two seasons but he's now in Arizona, Ondrej Pavelec was signed to fill the role. Pavelec has struggled the last few seasons and had a 3.55 goals-against average last season with a .888 save percentage in eight NHL games

Vigneault said he doesn't have a specific number of games in mind for the 35-year-old Lundqvist, who helped Sweden win the world championships in May.

''I always like that mindset, not to focus on one number,'' Lundqvist said. ''That's the approach I like. Feel it out, it's a long season. You got to go with the flow a little bit. ... It's hard to know in November what's best for you come April.''

FIGHTING FOR JOBS: One day after Vigneault said Marc Staal was one of the players who would be ''fighting for ice time, fighting for a spot on the team,'' the veteran defenseman wasn't bothered by the coach's assessment.

''This is my 11th season, I'm not naive,'' Staal said. ''I don't take anything for granted. I come to camp with that mindset every year - you have to earn your minutes. ... I've been a Ranger a long time and I plan on being here for a lot more years.''

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Sabres C Eichel has plenty to prove
September 18, 2017

Sabres center Jack Eichel isn't mincing words when assessing his first two NHL seasons.

''Actually, I think I've proven nothing,'' the 20-year-old face of the franchise said before bluntly outlining his lack of accomplishments.

''If you look at what I've done, it hasn't been a whole lot,'' Eichel said. ''Two mediocre seasons on a losing team.''

The player selected No. 2 in the 2015 draft behind Connor McDavid might be overstating his case given he produced at nearly a point-a-game pace last year despite missing 21 games with a sprained left ankle. And yet, the comments reflect Eichel's level of motivation to establish himself as one of the league's top young players.

The competitor in Eichel was miffed watching rookie Auston Matthews help the cross-border rival Toronto Maple Leafs vault ahead of Buffalo in the standings and clinch a playoff berth.

Then there's Eichel's contract status , entering the final year of his rookie deal. While he and the Sabres are still negotiating an extension, McDavid's was completed in July, when he signed an eight-year, $100 contract.

An eight-year contract is on the table for Eichel, though the two sides are divided on a dollar amount. That makes Eichel an intriguing player to follow, given his production will help determine his value.

''I look at myself to be one of the leaders on this team,'' Eichel said. ''I think if I do that, guys will follow and we'll be successful.''

A number of other players to watch in 2017-18:

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Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, Vegas Golden Knights.

The three-time Stanley Cup-winner has departed the Penguins to become the face of Golden Knights after being selected in the NHL expansion draft in June.

The 32-year-old Fleury became expendable in Pittsburgh following the emergence of Matt Murray. Fleury will be the last line of defense on a patchwork Golden Knights team that includes forwards James Neal and Vadim Shipachyov, who made the jump from playing in Russia, and defenseman Shea Theodore.

Selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft, Fleury has a 375-216-68 record, putting him 25 wins short of becoming just the 13th player to reach 400.

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Forward Patrick Marleau, Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 38-year-old Marleau left behind Joe Thornton and 19 seasons in San Jose to join the youth-laden, Mike Babcock-coached Leafs, who reached the playoffs for just the second time in 12 seasons last year.

Marleau's experience and leadership are valuable to a team that had seven rookies play at least 50 games last season, including Matthews, the NHL's rookie of the year. Marleau can still score after finishing with 27 goals and 19 assists last season - the 14th time he's topped 20 goals.

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Forward Jonathan Drouin, Montreal Canadiens.

The Habs need offense, and they're counting on the 22-year-old French-Canadian for help after acquiring Drouin in a trade with Tampa Bay. The third player selected in the 2013 draft, Drouin has 29 goals and 66 assists for 95 points in 164 career games with the Lightning.

Drouin's career-best 21 goals and 53 points last season both would have ranked third on the Canadiens.

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Center Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils.

The No. 1 draft pick will be given every opportunity to make the young and rebuilding Devils, who also acquired forward Marcus Johansson in a trade with Washington. The Swiss-born Hischier is a play-making center who was the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's rookie of the year last season.

The Devils took somewhat of a gamble in selecting Hischier ahead of NHL Central Scouting's top-ranked prospect Nolan Patrick, who was drafted second by Philadelphia.

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Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, New York Rangers.

The top prize in free agency went to the Blueshirts in adding an established seven-year veteran to a revamped blue-line already featuring 28-year-old captain Sean McDonagh and 30-year-old Marc Staal. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist is 35.

Shattenkirk had a career-best 56 points (13 goals, 43 assists) split between St. Louis and Washington last year. He struggled in both ends during the playoffs, in which Washington was eliminated by Pittsburgh in the second round.

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Goalie Scott Darling, Carolina Hurricanes.

If the Hurricanes are going to deliver on being pegged the preseason chic pick surprise playoff contenders, the 6-foot-6 Darling might have to play a key role. Carolina acquired the former Blackhawks backup in a trade in April, putting him in a position to usurp long-time starter Cam Ward for the No. 1 job.

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LOOSE PUCKS

Lightning captain Steven Stamkos returns after tearing a ligament in his right knee in November. ... The John Tavares contract watch is on, with the New York Islanders captain entering the final year of his six-year deal. ... Forward Artemi Panarin, the NHL's 2015 rookie of the year, is now in Columbus after being traded by the Blackhawks. ... Brandon Saad, acquired in the Panarin trade, and free-agent addition Patrick Sharp are both back in Chicago after a first-round playoff sweep against Nashville led to the Blackhawks shuffling their roster. ... The Dallas Stars hope to have rectified their goaltending issues with the addition of Ben Bishop in a trade with Los Angeles. ... Will someone finally call 45-year-old free agent forward Jaromir Jagr ?

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Vegas routs Canucks in 1st preseason game
September 17, 2017

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) By the time the Elvis Presley impersonator singing tunes between whistles had left the building, the NHL's newest franchise was already well on its way to victory in its first exhibition game.

Tyler Wong scored three times and added an assist to help the expansion Vegas Golden Knights rout the Vancouver Canucks 9-4 on Sunday. Wong scored the first exhibition goal in club history.

''It's a huge honor,'' Wong said. ''The city's very excited to get a team. To be a part of excitement like that is something special. It's a pretty cool moment for all of us.''

The Golden Knights dressed a roster of mostly prospects and fringe NHLers, leaving behind the likes of forwards James Neal, Jonathan Marchessault, David Perron and Cody Eakin, defensemen Brayden McNabb and Deryk Engelland, and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.

In the spirit of Vegas' debut, the Elvis impersonator sang classics like ''Viva Las Vegas'' and ''Burning Love'' during some of the TV timeouts at Rogers Arena for some added Sin City flair to what was, for the most part, a sloppy game.

''It's a once in a lifetime opportunity being able to be part of an expansion team,'' said Golden Knights forward Cody Glass, the sixth pick in the draft this summer. ''I'm just trying to take it all in.''

Vegas coach Gerard Gallant was happy with the way his youngsters performed, but like his players, also took the opportunity to soak in the moment.

''We had two rookie games last week, but this is the first real NHL game,'' Gallant said. ''The first time stepping on the ice was real good and you do feel good about it.''

Tomas Hyka scored twice, Tomas Nosek had a goal and two assists, and Nick Suzuki added a goal and an assist. Paul Thompson and Alex Tuch also scored, Brad Hunt chipped in with three assists, and Glass had two assists.

Wearing their road white uniforms with grey, gold and red trim, along with black pants and white and gold gloves, the Golden Knights survived a 5-on-3 power play for 1:44 early in the first period before Wong opened the scoring. The winger collected a chipped feed from Glass on a power play, cut down the right and beat goalie Richard Bachman with a short-side backhander at 4:58.

''The puck was finding me in good spots,'' said Wong, who had 43 goals and 46 assists in 72 games last season in junior with the Lethbridge Hurricanes last season and signed as an undrafted free agent. ''I was able to bury them.''

Brock Boeser scored twice and had an assist for Vancouver. Philip Holm and Jordan Subban also scored.

Almost all of the Canucks' veterans were on a charter plane on their way to China for games against the Los Angeles Kings in Beijing and Shanghai. Trent Cull, the head coach of the Canucks' AHL affiliate in Utica, New York, was behind the bench, with Travis Green and his assistants on their way to China.

The Golden Knights will play three more times on the road before their first preseason home game Sept. 26 against Los Angeles.

''I hope (Vegas fans) don't expect that every night,'' Gallant said. ''It's a lot of fun in our market and I am sure they are going to enjoy that, but it's an exhibition game.''

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NHL notebook: Devils' Boyle has leukemia
September 19, 2017

New Jersey Devils forward Brian Boyle has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, the team announced Tuesday.

The type of leukemia Boyle was diagnosed with forms in bone marrow. Team doctor Michael Farber said it was discovered early and is treatable.

The 32-year-old Boyle doesn't plan on being sidelined long, though the team doesn't yet have a formal timetable for his return.

Boyle signed a two-year, $5.1 million deal in the offseason with the Devils. He knows the season opens on Oct. 7 and is keeping that date in mind in case his treatments go well.

Boyle recorded 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) last season while splitting time with Tampa Bay and Toronto.

--The St. Louis Blues already are dealing with two significant injuries in training camp.

Defenseman Jay Bouwmeester will be re-evaluated in three weeks after sustaining a fractured left ankle. The team also announced that forward Zach Sanford is expected to be sidelined five-to-six months after undergoing surgery for a dislocated left shoulder.

Bouwmeester, 33, recorded one goal and 14 assists in 81 games last season. Sanford, 22, collected two goals and three assists in 13 games after being acquired in a Feb. 27 trade with the Washington Capitals for defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk.

--Ottawa Senators forward Colin White sustained a broken left wrist and will be sidelined six to eight weeks, the team announced.

White was injured while blocking a shot in the third period of Ottawa's preseason victory against the provincial-rival Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday. The 20-year-old Boston native already underwent surgery.

White, who was selected by Ottawa with the 21st overall pick of the 2015 draft, joined the Senators in April after finishing his season at Boston College. He did not record a point in two regular-season games and one playoff contest with Ottawa last season.

--Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi was named as the eighth captain in franchise history, the team announced.

Josi, who was an alternate captain last season, will wear the "C" on his jersey after Mike Fisher announced his retirement on Aug. 3. Fisher was named Nashville's captain after defenseman Shea Weber was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in June 2016.

Josi recorded 49 points (12 goals, 37 assists) and netted a career-high seven power-play goals last season.

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NHL notebook: Kings-Canucks play first exhibition game in China
September 21, 2017

Tanner Pearson scored two goals in an exhibition game, which would typically be no gigantic feat. But it felt like more of an accomplishment to the Los Angeles left wing with Thursday's contest being the first NHL game played in China.

Standout goalie Jonathan Quick made 31 saves and the Kings posted a 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks before 10,088 fans in Shanghai.

The atmosphere certainly wasn't a problem as Chinese fans were enthralled by the action. One of the biggest cheers inside Mercedes-Benz Arena came when NBA icon Kobe Bryant appeared on video to pass on a message to the Kings.

The Kings and Canucks play again on Saturday in Beijing, host of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

--Montreal Canadiens prospect Noah Juulsen will be sidelined at least six weeks with a fractured foot.

Juulsen, a defenseman, sustained the injury during Monday's preseason game against the Boston Bruins in Quebec City. The 20-year-old did not practice on Tuesday due to what the team called a bruised foot.

--Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug will miss the remainder of training camp with a broken jaw.

Krug sustained the non-displaced fracture after he was hit in the face with a puck during Tuesday's preseason victory against the Detroit Red Wings. The Bruins said Krug will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

--The St. Louis Blues named Hall of Famer and nine-time Stanley Cup champion Larry Robinson as their senior consultant to hockey operations.

Robinson is a former NHL defenseman, coach and executive. The 66-year-old most recently served as an associate coach with the San Jose Sharks from 2012-15.

--Forward Joffrey Lupul apologized over social media for writing in an Instagram comment that the Toronto Maple Leafs "cheat" after he failed a physical for the team on the first day of training camp.

"I responded earlier this week to some negative comments on Instagram. It was an inappropriate response, and I deleted it, but I take full responsibility," Lupul posted.

Lupul posted a photo on Instagram Sunday of himself snowboarding with the comments, "Haha failed physical? They cheat, everyone lets them," and "I'm ready. Just awaiting the call."

Lupul is under contract through the end of this season but hasn't played since the 2015-16 season because of numerous injuries.

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Penguins accept White House invitation
September 24, 2017

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) Sidney Crosby is backing the Pittsburgh Penguins' decision to accept a White House invitation from President Donald Trump.

The reigning two-time Stanley Cup champions announced their decision Sunday morning.

''I support it,'' Crosby said after the Penguins' 4-1 loss against the St. Louis Blues during the annual Hockeyville USA exhibition game Sunday night. ''It's a great honor for us to be invited there.''

The Penguins' decision came on a day that President Trump's criticisms of players who kneel during the national anthem sparked a mass increase in such protests around the National Football League. President Trump also rebuked NBA star Steph Curry this weekend for saying he wouldn't attend a White House visit with the league champion Golden State Warriors before rescinding the team's invitation.

The Penguins said they respect the office of the president and ''the long tradition of championship teams visiting the White House.'' The team also attended White House ceremonies following Stanley Cup championships in 2009 and '16, touring the building a visiting briefly with Presidents George H.W. Bush and Barack Obama.

''I think we all really enjoyed it last year, being able to see something that not everyone gets to see, and to be able to experience the White House,'' forward Bryan Rust said. ''I think for us, as an organization, we relish the opportunity, and it's something we get to do because we are champions, and we're going to make the most of it.''

About 200 NFL players sat, knelt or raised fists in defiance on Sunday. A week earlier, just six players protested. Most NFL players locked arms with their teammates - some standing and others kneeling - in show of solidarity. A handful of teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, stayed off the field until after ''The Star Spangled Banner'' to avoid the issue all together.

There were no such protests during the exhibition hockey game between the Penguins and Blues.

The Penguins said the organization respects the rights of other individuals and groups to express themselves as they see fit, but added that any agreement or disagreement with a president's politics, policies or agenda can be expressed in other ways.

''Everyone's got the right to go or not to go,'' Crosby said. ''But we've been invited and we accepted the invitation. I don't think you have to read into it any more than that.''