Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, and Chicago Blackhawks forward Dominik Kubalik were voted as the three finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy, the NHL announced Wednesday.The trophy is awarded to the league's top rookie.Makar - who made his NHL debut with the Avalanche during last year's playoffs - led all rookies in points per game (0.88). He also led rookie defensemen in goals (12) and even-strength points (31) despite playing 11 fewer games than fellow nominee Hughes. Makar finished the 2019-20 regular season with 12 goals and 38 assists in 57 games.Hughes led all rookies this season in points with 53. He averaged the second-highest time on ice per game at 21:53 and played meaningful minutes with Vancouver all season long. He was a vital reason why Vancouver's power-play ranked fourth in the league, as he collected 25 of his 53 points with the man advantage.Kubalik was selected in the seventh round of the 2013 draft and seemingly came out of nowhere to shock the hockey world this season. He notched 30 goals and added 16 assists in 68 games. His 46 points led all rookie forwards, and he also led all rookies with 38 even-strength points, 26 even-strength goals, and 157 shots on goal.Canucks forward Elias Pettersson took home the Calder Trophy last season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Artemi Panarin believes that going undrafted in 2010 was the best thing for his career."I would like to thank all the (general managers) for not choosing me in the draft," the New York Rangers star said Tuesday, according to Lohud's Vincent Z. Mercogliano. "It allowed me to choose the team where I wanted to play, that played my style of hockey, and allowed me to be successful to begin with."Panarin put up eight points in 20 games while playing in the KHL during his draft year. The dynamic forward was then passed over by every team, perhaps due to a fear that he would remain in the KHL.He then blossomed into a star in Russia. Panarin totaled 26 goals and 62 points in 56 games and added 20 points in 20 playoff games in 2014-15, the season before he joined the Chicago Blackhawks.Panarin once again had the opportunity to sign with the team of his choosing when he hit free agency last summer and inked a massive $81.5-million deal with the Rangers.The 28-year-old turned in an MVP-caliber performance during his first season with New York. He tallied 32 goals and 95 points in 69 games and was named a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award on Tuesday."Obviously, when I came, I felt a little bit of pressure," Panarin said. "That's normal. But with both the surrounding people that I met in New York, and also the decision to read less press and look at less social media, allowed me to focus on my craft and drop that level of pressure and stress I might have felt."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL announced an exhibition schedule and the start times for the first three games of each play-in series and round-robin tournament of the 24-team playoffs.Each team will play one tuneup game before the postseason begins Aug. 1.DateMatchupTime (ET)July 28Penguins vs. Flyers4 p.m.July 28Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens8 p.m.July 28Oilers vs. Flames10:30 p.m.July 29Lightning vs. Panthers12 p.m.July 29Avalanche vs. Wild2:30 p.m.July 29Hurricanes vs. Capitals4 p.m.July 29Blues vs. Blackhawks6:30 p.m.July 29Islanders vs. Rangers8 p.m.July 29Canucks vs. Jets10:30 p.m.July 30Predators vs. Stars4 p.m.July 30Bruins vs. Blue Jackets7 p.m.July 30Golden Knights vs. Coyotes10:30 p.m.Broadcast information for each game will be released in the coming days.Below are the start times for the first three games of each play-in series and round-robin tournament. Details for additional play-in games, if necessary, will be determined at a later date.Eastern ConferenceRound robinDateMatchupTime (ET)Aug. 2Flyers vs. Bruins3 p.m.Aug. 3Capitals vs. Lightning4 p.m.Aug. 5Lightning vs. Bruins4 p.m.No. 5 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. No. 12 Montreal CanadiensDateTime (ET)Aug. 18 p.m.Aug. 38 p.m.Aug. 58 p.m.No. 6 Carolina Hurricanes vs. No. 11 New York RangersDateTime (ET)Aug. 112 p.m.Aug. 312 p.m.Aug. 48 p.m.No. 7 New York Islanders vs. No. 10 Florida PanthersDateTime (ET)Aug. 14 p.m.Aug. 312 p.m.Aug. 412 p.m.No. 8 Toronto Maple Leafs vs. No. 9 Columbus Blue JacketsDateTime (ET)Aug. 28 p.m.Aug. 44 p.m.Aug. 6TBDWestern Conference Round robinDateMatchupTime (ET)Aug. 2Blues vs. Avalanche6:30 p.m.Aug. 3Stars vs. Golden Knights6:30 p.m.Aug. 5Avalanche vs. Stars6:30 p.m.No. 5 Edmonton Oilers vs. No. 12 Chicago BlackhawksDateTime (ET)Aug. 13 p.m.Aug. 310:30 p.m.Aug. 510:30 p.m.No. 6 Nashville Predators vs. No. 11 Arizona CoyotesDateTime (ET)Aug. 22 p.m.Aug. 42:30 p.m.Aug. 52:30 p.m.No. 7 Vancouver Canucks vs. No. 10 Minnesota WildDateTime (ET)Aug. 210:30 p.m.Aug. 410:45 p.m.Aug. 6TBDNo. 8 Calgary Flames vs. No. 9 Winnipeg JetsDateTime (ET)Aug. 110:30 p.m.Aug. 32:30 p.m.Aug. 46:45 p.m.Teams will arrive at their respective hubs July 26. Western Conference clubs are stationed in Edmonton, while the Eastern Conference will congregate in Toronto.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Washington Capitals forward Lars Eller expects to leave the Toronto bubble during Phase 4 of the NHL's return-to-play plan to attend the birth of his child.The qualifying round of the 24-team playoff (Phase 4) begins Aug. 1, and Eller and his wife are expecting the birth of their second child on Aug. 8. The 31-year-old pivot said he thought about opting out of the league's return altogether."A lot of thoughts going into the decision," Eller said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "Weighing the pros and cons. We're going to have a new addition to our family in a couple of weeks. But at the same time, I want to be with my team and win another Cup."We're working on making the necessary arrangements so I can be there for the birth and then come back to the bubble after that."Under the Phase 4 agreement between the NHL and NHLPA, players are permitted to leave the bubble for medical or personal reasons if authorized by their club's general manager.However, those who leave the bubble must return a minimum of four consecutive negative test results over a four-day period. The player will be required to quarantine in their hotel room until such testing requirements are fulfilled.Eller is confident an appropriate plan will be put in place for him to complete the trip safely."You're going to have to take a lot of precautions when you leave," Eller said. "Depending on how you're going to travel and who you travel with ... I'll have to serve some time inside the bubble and test a number of times before I could rejoin my team and play games. We're working on trying to figure out how to do this in the best possible way. But that's what's going to happen."The Capitals are slated to compete against the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Philadelphia Flyers in a round-robin tournament to establish the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 11 major professional sports teams based in the greater Los Angeles area will form "The Alliance: Los Angeles," a five-year commitment to supporting social justice initiatives, particularly within communities of color, they announced Tuesday.It will include the following teams:LeagueTeamMLBLos Angeles AngelsMLBLos Angeles DodgersMLSLA GalaxyMLSLAFCNBALos Angeles ClippersNBALos Angeles LakersNFLLos Angeles ChargersNFLLos Angeles RamsNHLAnaheim DucksNHLLos Angeles KingsWNBALos Angeles SparksThe initiative will support the Play Equity Fund across the greater Los Angeles area as well as Accelerate Change Together in Orange County, and it hopes to inspire similar cooperative measures at the national level.Play Equity Fund president Renata Simril said the organizations "should be commended for seeking to make significant changes in communities of color," especially in light of their rivalries on the field of play."The Los Angeles region is one of the world's most competitive markets, and sports is one of the world's most competitive industries," Simril added. "But these organizations are putting their competitive instincts aside to work collaboratively for social justice."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Islanders signed netminder Ilya Sorokin to a one-year contract extension for the 2020-21 campaign, the team announced Tuesday.The deal will pay Sorokin $2 million, with half coming by way of a signing bonus and the other half as salary, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte FriedmanSorokin, 24, inked a one-year pact for 2019-20 with the Islanders on Monday that allows him to join the club at training camp. However, he will not be permitted to play in Phase 4, which marks the beginning of the qualifying round.The Russian puck-stopper has spent the previous five seasons with CSKA Moscow of the KHL. He posted a 1.50 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage over 40 appearances this season.Sorokin was selected by New York in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Nathan MacKinnon, Leon Draisaitl, and Artemi Panarin have been voted the three finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award, the NHLPA announced Tuesday.The honor recognizes the most outstanding player in the NHL as selected by his peers.Draisaitl is this season's Art Ross Trophy winner as the league's leading point- scorer. The Edmonton Oilers star tallied a career-high 110 points while adding 43 goals in 71 games.MacKinnon was a force all season for the often shorthanded Colorado Avalanche, leading the club with 35 goals and 93 points in 69 games. The 6-foot pivot finished with 43 more points than his next closest teammate.Panarin enjoyed a career campaign during his first season with the New York Rangers. The dazzling Russian set career bests in goals (32), assists (63), and points (95) to help accelerate the Blue Shirts' rebuild and lead the club to the 24-team qualifying round.Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov earned the honor in 2018-19.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug doesn't know where he'll play beyond this season but understands he may have to consider finding a new team."I don't really know what's going to happen," Krug said, according to The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa. "I'm just trying to take it day by day and worry about the playoffs right now. I'll have to probably prepare for free agency. Then we'll see what happens there. In terms of what's going on with the Bruins and everything else, that's probably a question for someone else."The 29-year-old would be among the best defensemen available if he does hit unrestricted free agency at the conclusion of the season.Krug, who has spent his entire career with the Bruins, added that his mindset is different now to when he signed his last contract in 2016."My priorities have changed quite a bit," Krug said. "To be a husband and to be a father, it's quite a different change in where your priorities lie. You have to think about schools. You have to think about quality of life. Living in certain climates, things like that. They're all something you take into consideration. We'll see."I think at the end of the day, competing and being part of a core leadership group have all been important to me, trying to build something and be part of something special. You always want to do that. There's a lot of things that go into it."Krug's chances of signing a lucrative contract in Boston may have been impacted by the recently ratified CBA, which will keep the salary cap at $81.5 million for the foreseeable future. The Bruins' have just under $18 million in projected cap space for next season with only a few players needing new deals, but key players like David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Brandon Carlo will also need new contracts over the next few years.The dynamic Krug has long been one of the NHL's best offensive defensemen. Since 2013, he ranks seventh in league scoring among blue-liners with 335 points. He amassed nine goals and 49 points in 61 games this season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Travis Dermott looked down at the dressing room floor for a moment before staring at the questioner with a curious grin."This is deep," said the 23-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman.Dermott had just been asked a very specific question: What's the hardest skill or trick to master, the most difficult thing for you to do on the ice, as a professional hockey player? Kevin Sousa / Getty ImagesIt's a simple yet loaded inquiry. By the time NHLers reach the pinnacle of the sport, most hockey-related skills are second nature. But no player, not even Connor McDavid, has mastered every aspect of the game. There's always something to work on, a skill or trick that still regularly stumps them."High-flipping a puck really consistently is a pretty sought-after skill," Dermott said after some reflection. "I could be better at that."Dermott then referenced a sequence in the Maple Leafs' Jan. 2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Handling the puck deep in his own end with 13 seconds left in the first period, he flung a Hail Mary pass to streaking teammate William Nylander. The puck traveled over the heads of three Jets players and found Nylander. He couldn't corral the bobbling rubber disc, killing the rush."That's it," Dermott said, locking in his answer. "Getting high flips to land flat."In the months following that January conversation with Dermott, theScore posed the same question to several of his NHL peers. Here are some of the best answers and explanations as training camps ramp up ahead of the 24-team postseason:Practice makes perfect Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesFact: Nobody has tipped more shots on goal than Anders Lee since the 6-foot-3 center made his NHL debut on April 3, 2013. The New York Islanders captain has scored 38 goals from 214 recorded tips, trailing only Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers (42) in tipped tallies over that period.One would think Lee has the net-front playbook mastered. Not so, he says, noting that freeing himself from defenders to find perfect tipping positioning at the perfect moment is a skill he still polishes during practice."It's timing, right? And you've got to be careful with pushing off," Lee said. "There's a little bit of gamesmanship in front when shots are coming through from the point. If I see (teammate Mathew Barzal) rolling off and I think he's shooting, then it's a small jab or a turn of my body the right way."At the same time, you have to screen the goalie and then find the rebound. There's a lot of moving parts. Sometimes you do two of the three things and it goes in. Sometimes you don't do any of them and the puck doesn't go in."Emulating LidstromKeep your head up, kid!It's a coaching order usually reserved for young players carrying the puck into dangerous areas of the ice. But the phrase has another meaning for Calgary Flames defenseman Noah Hanifin: Keep your head up, kid, when you walk the blue line."You look at a guy like (Hall of Fame defenseman Nicklas) Lidstrom and he was probably the best at it - ever," Hanifin, 23, said. "He would walk the line and take a slapper, and he'd have his head up the whole time so he could find the guys who were looking to tip." Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesHanifin, the fifth overall pick of the 2015 NHL Draft, played in all situations during the 2019-20 regular season, earning 21:10 of ice time a night. Skating has always been his calling card and he has decent puck skills; a change of habit - head up! - while handling the puck at the point could go a long way toward increasing his middling production (22 points in 70 games)."It's a practice thing. I mean, it is hard, not an easy thing to do," he said. "But Lidstrom got a lot of his goals and points by having that ability to see everything while he was walking the line. He kept his head up. Erik Karlsson does it really well, too. I think that's something I want to master."Quick feet, quick hands, quick mindAsk 100 scouts to identify the one thing that vaults McDavid above other NHL stars, and you'll likely get a unanimous vote for his propensity to do everything at warp speed.McDavid can blaze down the ice at upwards of 30 mph, and he consistently keeps his brain and hands operating at a similar rate. This triple-whammy of quickness is the envy of players across the league, according to forward Evander Kane, whose San Jose Sharks were victims of McDavid's brilliance earlier this season: Your browser does not support the video tag. "If you ask any player, that's almost impossible to do," Kane said. "Because when you have the puck on your stick, you have to concentrate a little bit more, with people trying to hit you. Yet you have to have your head up. So to stickhandle with your head up and to go as fast as possible, that's what separates McDavid from everybody else, by far."The two-time 30-goal scorer continued: "In the NHL, whether it's a first- or fourth-line guy, everybody has hands. But can they use their hands to the best of their ability with any sort of speed? That's the key. That's the really hard part."Outsmarting the forecheckBy Tyson Barrie's estimation, there's an optimal mindset for the puck-retrieving NHL defenseman trying to elude a pesky forechecker, and it starts with assessing the zone and controlling the sequence of events.Easier said than done."You try to read where the forechecker is, where your D partner is, where your outlet - the forward - is. All while trying to not get put through the end wall," the Maple Leafs defenseman said. "If you can get the net (involved) with the puck (on your stick), they should never get the puck from you. But that's not always the case. It's just the ideal scenario." Mark Blinch / Getty ImagesBarrie has dressed for a total of 554 NHL games across eight seasons with the Colorado Avalanche and the Maple Leafs. He's learned over the years to avoid being predictable and, under some circumstances, to allow the forechecker to make the first move."Instead of going 100 miles an hour back to the puck, it's better to almost let the guy ride you in and get a feel for where he's going and try to use his body to push off and go the other way," he said of the cat-and-mouse interaction between forwards and defensemen."They're reading off you, essentially, so if you can give them some misinformation, you're going to be able to beat them if they bite on it. If not … "Clean shots, every single timeRod Brind'Amour has called Warren Foegele "a perfect Carolina Hurricane." The head coach's compliment stems from the winger's honest game.Part of what makes Foegele effective is his mobility on the defensive side of the puck. He strives to always get a piece of himself or his equipment into passing and shooting lanes, leaving little or no room for creativity from the puck carrier. His job, in essence, is to disrupt any offensive momentum by the opposing team.But when Carolina has the puck, escaping the grasp of a harassing defender and firing an unabated shot on goal can be a troublesome undertaking for Foegele - and, truthfully, for every other NHLer who doesn't fall into the "elite offensively" category."Someone who's really good at separating the puck from his opponent is Nathan MacKinnon," Foegele said."Yes, he's so fast, everybody can see that, but he separates himself when he has the puck with this quick, shifty movement by changing the angle of the puck. He finds a way to get that clean shooting opportunity. His edgework is really good, too, which allows him to do that more frequently and effectively."In the clip below, MacKinnon is forced to cut to the middle of the ice to find a spot from which to shoot, and he does so with incredible ease: Your browser does not support the video tag. Bend it like KucherovKevin Shattenkirk entered the league in 2010 as a 21-year-old defenseman for the Avalanche. In the decade since, through stints with the St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Rangers, and Tampa Bay Lightning, he's witnessed an evolution of sorts."Guys are doing things that I've never done before," he said.In particular, Shattenkirk often shakes his head at the goal-scoring tricks he sees from Lightning teammate Nikita Kucherov."He has this little hitch in his shot that he uses as deception. I know that I've tried to do it in practice, but I certainly don't have it. That would be one (difficult-to-master) skill," Shattenkirk said. "You can see some examples of it, off the power play on the half wall, the way he works it. It's this little kind of fake shot, push, and release it quickly." Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesKucherov, who followed an incredible 128-point campaign in 2018-19 with 85 points in 68 regular-season games this year, routinely terrorizes defenders with his deceptive ways."He has a defenseman in front of him, he's almost stationary on the half wall or the top of the circle, and he'll drop his shoulder, fake the shot to get the defenseman to freeze up," Shattenkirk said. "And then he pushes it to the inside and shoots around him. It's a very quick and - for him - smooth play."In doing it, he gets a screen from the defenseman, and he freezes both the defenseman and the goalie. It's pretty amazing."Creating from the pointJakob Chychrun enjoyed the best regular season of his young career in 2019-20. Finally healthy, he asserted himself well, taking advantage of more than 22 minutes of ice time per night to post strong counting stats and underlying numbers for the Arizona Coyotes.Still missing from the defenseman's arsenal, though, is the ability to consistently get shots off quickly from the point, pouncing on the puck and firing it through a sea of bodies to the net in the manner of Brent Burns of the division rival Sharks."I don't know how he does it, and it plays right into their system," Chychrun said of the 2017 Norris Trophy winner. "In the O-zone, all of their forwards rim pucks (around the boards). They'll be in the corner and they'll rim it around, all the way around the wall to the other side of the ice, and Burns is just sitting there." Norm Hall / Getty ImagesIt seems relatively straightforward when broken down step by step: Pick the puck up off the boards, immediately switch to a shooting posture, and fire a shot on net. But in real time? With nine other skaters and a goalie all occupying the same third of the rink? Good luck."That's a hard skill, actually: to get a puck off the wall on your forehand and get it off quick," Chychrun said. "That's something he does so well."Next-level one-timersConsidering Alex Kerfoot has logged a mere 14 slap shots through 222 career NHL games, it's safe to say he's hesitant to unleash one-timers."It's something that I'm horrible at - I am really horrible at - and I'm trying to work on it," said the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Maple Leafs forward.Kerfoot then praised all-world sniper and teammate Auston Matthews, former 60-goal scorer Steven Stamkos, and Alex Ovechkin - the ultimate marksman whose one-timing expertise is on clear display below - for finding ways to execute even when receiving an imperfect pass. Your browser does not support the video tag. That ability to fire a one-timer when the puck is "anywhere around them" is what separates the three superstars from their NHL peers, Kerfoot said. Ovechkin, in particular, can seemingly guarantee his one-time howitzer makes its way to the opposing goal no matter how inaccurate the pass."It's really hard when the puck's not in your sweet spot or not perfectly in position," Kerfoot said. "Really hard to get good contact on the puck, and then to put it where you want to put it. And those guys can do it better than anyone."The flashy flip Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesThere is something Noah Dobson would never think about trying in an NHL game, even if the extremely rare opportunity presented itself."Just looking around the league and seeing all of the guys doing the plays behind the net, where they're picking up the puck and going high," the young Islanders defenseman said.The lacrosse-style goal made famous this season by Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov - who tallied twice on behind-the-net trick shots - is extremely difficult to accomplish, even in practice."I've tried it a couple of times, and I haven't even been close to it," Dobson said with a smile.John Matisz is theScore's national hockey writer.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

St. Louis Blues captain and marquee pending unrestricted free agent Alex Pietrangelo hopes he and the club can work out a new contract that keeps him in the Gateway City."The goal is to get something done. That's been the goal since the beginning. We'll see where things go," Pietrangelo told NHL.com's Louie Korac on Monday as the Blues opened training camp. "(The) focus right now is to get through this thing healthy and playing. We'll see where things end up."Pietrangelo is in the final season of a seven-year, $45.5-million contract signed in 2013. He could be one of the top players available when free agency opens in October, and the veteran has proven he's worthy of a considerable raise after leading the Blues to a Stanley Cup last year and following that up with 52 points in 70 regular-season games in 2019-20.With so much uncertainty over the past few months, Pietrangelo said he and general manager Doug Armstrong didn't hold any negotiations."It's kind of a tough question to answer right now," Pietrangelo said. "There's wasn't a whole lot going on. There's a whole lot of questions regarding everything moving forward, a lot of things that both sides were kind of sitting down waiting to see what was going to happen before any discussions."Quiet, but we're worrying about the playoffs right now. We'll move forward and see what happens here."Armstrong was also asked about Pietrangelo's situation, but he didn't offer much."We know what the (NHL salary) cap is ($81.5 million for next season)," Armstrong said. "And we'll make decisions based on that."As part of the NHL and NHLPA's recently ratified CBA extension, the two sides settled on a flat salary cap until hockey-related revenue can reach its previous projections.With no cap increase, it'll be challenging for Armstrong and the Blues to fit Pietrangelo's new deal into their plans. St. Louis holds just over $2 million in cap space for next season, according to Cap Friendly, and the team also needs to sign RFA blue-liner Vince Dunn.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning denied a report that circulated over the weekend indicating the club was exploring trading forward Brock Boeser."I have no intention of trading Brock Boeser. I haven't had one conversation about that, so I don't know where this stuff comes from," Benning said Monday as the club officially opened training camp.Boeser fielded a question on the rumor as well."I had a chat with Jim and he told me he hasn't discussed trading me with anyone. I felt like that was very unnecessary by the media, especially the timing of it," he said.Boeser, 23, is in the first season of a three-year, $17.625-million contract he signed last summer. He's battled injuries in each season of his professional career and managed to post 45 points in 57 games in 2019-20.The Canucks open their qualifying-round series versus the Minnesota Wild on Aug. 2.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

At least three Montreal Canadiens players recently tested positive for COVID-19, sources told The Athletic's Arpon Basu.However, two of the results were false positives, Basu reported Monday. It's unknown whether those players have been cleared to skate with the team.The players can't be identified, as the NHL and players' association agreed to prohibit teams from disclosing injuries and illnesses during the restart.Canadiens defenseman Karl Alzner opted out of the restart plan Saturday. Any player who wishes not to participate can opt out without facing any punishment so long as they inform their teams by Monday afternoon. However, Habs forward Max Domi - who is at risk due to Type 1 diabetes - has been given a 7-to-10-day window to decide whether or not he'll suit up during training camp.The league announced 43 NHLers have tested positive since Phase 2 began June 8, though it is unknown if the Canadiens players were included in the total, Basu adds.Training camps for all 24 clubs participating in the league's expanded playoffs are set to open Monday, with games in Toronto and Edmonton beginning Aug. 1.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Ottawa Senators are looking to the past in an effort to rebrand ahead of the 2020-21 season, according to The Athletic's Hailey Salvian.The team has already sent new-look jerseys and logo mockups to the NHL for approval, a source told Salvian. The logo is reportedly nearly identical to the one the Senators used from 1997-2007, a two-dimensional design featuring a centurion in profile.The mockup for the team's new home jersey is black with two red bands on the arms, while the away jersey mockup is white with red bands on the arms and black forearms, Salvian reports.Ottawa will reportedly also introduce a new third jersey, but details of its appearance haven't been confirmed.The Senators have struggled to fill the stands in the last few seasons and are poised to enter a new era with a ton of young talent in the organization. Ottawa also holds nine picks in the first three rounds of the upcoming 2020 NHL Draft, including the third and fifth overall selections.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews confirmed Monday he tested positive for COVID-19 during the NHL pause and has since recovered."I was pretty much asymptomatic, felt for the most (part) pretty normal for two weeks (of isolating)," Matthews said, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton. "I did my quarantine and I'm healthy now, so it's all good."The 22-year-old was deemed fit to play Sunday and joined the Maple Leafs for the opening of training camp Monday.Matthews said his positive test didn't impact his ability to prepare for the 24-team postseason, though he wasn't able to skate while in quarantine."(It) didn't really hinder my training, I was able to do stuff at home," he said. "Obviously wasn't able to leave or anything. I think that's really the only thing that kind of took a hit for me. I was skating beforehand and having to take two-and-a-half, three weeks off obviously kind of catches up to you."The 6-foot-3 pivot potted a career-high 47 goals and 80 points through 70 games this season, finishing third in the league in the former category.The NHL confirmed Monday that a total of 43 players have tested positive for COVID-19 since Phase 2 of the league's return-to-play plan commenced on June 8.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL recorded 43 positive COVID-19 tests during the second phase of its return-to-play plan, the league announced Monday.Over 600 players voluntarily reported to team facilities since June 8 and 4,932 tests were administered. Of those 600 players, 30 returned positive tests.The league is also aware of 13 players who tested positive while not reporting during Phase 2.Seven players who were taking part in Phase 2 tested positive during the last week, while one player who didn't report tested positive.All players who tested positive have self-isolated and followed proper safety protocols. The NHL will continue to test players and provide weekly updates after Phase 3 kicked off on Monday morning.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher announced Monday that center Nolan Patrick won't suit up for the upcoming postseason.Patrick, one of the Flyers' young stars, didn't play a single game during the 2019-20 season due to an ongoing battle with a migraine disorder. He wasn't included on the team's training camp roster as part of Phase 3 of the NHL's return-to-play plan."Our focus is on getting him ready for the 2020-21 season. We want to be prudent and prioritize his health and safety in the long run," Fletcher said. "We have a short runway here before we jump right into playoff hockey."Both Fletcher and Patrick previously expressed optimism that the 21-year-old would be able to return this season.Patrick was selected second overall in 2017 and has amassed 26 goals and 35 assists in 145 games.The Flyers will compete in a round-robin tournament that will determine the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference before a traditional 16-team playoff bracket begins.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Winnipeg Jets forward Bryan Little won't participate in the league's return-to-play plan as he continues to recover from a perforated eardrum he suffered in November, head coach Paul Maurice told team reporter Mitchell Clinton on Monday.Little, 32, underwent extensive testing in June and needs more time to continue to heal.The 6-foot pivot suffered the injury when he was hit in the side of the head by a slap shot from a teammate. Winnipeg ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign in February.Little was limited to just seven games this season, contributing two goals and five points. He missed the first nine contests of the year due to a concussion from a separate incident.The Alberta native has four years remaining on his current deal beyond this season with an annual cap hit of $5.29 million.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Montreal Canadiens finalized terms with prospect Alexander Romanov on a three-year, entry-level deal, the team announced Monday.The average annual value of the contract is $1.17 million. Romanov will earn $832,500 at the NHL level in each season and the deal includes signing and performance bonuses starting in 2020-21.The 20-year-old rearguard will join the club for training camp once his mandatory quarantine ends following his flight from Russia.Romanov can travel to Toronto with his teammates once Phase 4 begins, but he won't be eligible for the postseason, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels.The move would burn the first year of Romanov's entry-level contract, Engels adds.Montreal and Romanov agreed to a three-year contract in May, but no start date for the deal was determined due to the uncertainty surrounding the NHL season at the time.Romanov was drafted 38th overall in 2018 and is widely considered one of the world's top defensive prospects. He registered seven points in 43 games with CSKA Moscow of the KHL this past season and was a part of the Media All-Star Team at the 2020 world juniors.The Canadiens are scheduled to begin their play-in series versus the Pittsburgh Penguins on Aug. 1.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Wild signed forward Kirill Kaprizov to a two-year, entry-level contract starting with the 2019-20 campaign, the team announced Monday.Kaprizov won't be eligible to participate in the upcoming postseason.The 23-year-old spent the last six seasons playing in the KHL after the Wild selected him in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft. He amassed 33 goals and 62 points with CSKA Moscow this season."We are thrilled to officially sign and welcome Kirill to our organization," Wild general manager Bill Guerin said. "He has exceeded all expectations in his development since he was drafted in 2015. Kirill is a smart and dynamic forward that has led the KHL in goals each of the past two seasons and we look forward to having him on our roster when next season starts."Kaprizov was a five-time KHL All-Star and helped lead CSKA Moscow to a Gagarin Cup victory in 2018-19. He led the league in scoring for the past two seasons and also became the youngest player in KHL history to hit the 100-goal mark.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are sidelining nine players from their training camp roster due to their potential secondary exposure to the coronavirus, the team announced Monday.The players had contact with a person who had contact with another person who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, and they will not be permitted to participate in camp "until they're deemed safe in accordance with NHL protocol and further test results," the team said.The Penguins added, "The decision to isolate this group of players was made out of an abundance of caution."At least three players on the Montreal Canadiens reportedly tested positive for the virus recently. The NHL previously confirmed that a total of 35 players tested positive between June 8, when Phase 2 began, and July 6.Training camps opened Monday under Phase 3 of the NHL's return-to-play plan.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Wild have named Dean Evason as the fifth full-time head coach in franchise history, the team announced Monday.Evason also signed a two-year extension with the franchise through the 2021-22 season.The 55-year-old assumed head coaching duties in an interim capacity this season after Minnesota fired former bench boss Bruce Boudreau in February. Evason led the Wild to an 8-4-0 record before the league halted play on March 12."Dean has done a fantastic job as our interim head coach and deserves this opportunity," general manager Bill Guerin said. "I look forward to watching our team under his leadership going forward."Evason is in his second season with Minnesota after joining the team as an assistant coach in June 2018. He previously spent six years as head coach of the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals (2012-18) and also served as an assistant with the Washington Capitals from 2005-12.The Wild open training camp Monday under Phase 3 of the NHL's return-to-play protocol. Minnesota is set to play the Vancouver Canucks in a best-of-five play-in series once the qualifying round of the 24-team playoff (Phase 4) begins Aug. 1.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After projecting rosters for each of the top six countries following the NHL's reported inclusion in the 2022 Winter Olympics, it's evident that Canada would be the tournament favorite. Sweden and the United States aren't far behind, but the Canadians are just a step above the rest.Canada is so deep that it could send three competitive teams to Beijing. That won't happen, obviously, but it's an interesting idea to consider nonetheless.For this exercise, we divided the country into three regions:

With Olympic participation included in the NHL and NHLPA's modified collective bargaining agreement, it's time for hockey fans to begin to think about what the tournament may look like. This edition takes a look at Team Russia.Loaded with tantalizing skill and elite offensive acumen, Russia's roster will be in the running to win gold.Others in this series:

In an effort to replicate an authentic playoff atmosphere, teams involved in the NHL's expanded postseason have begun emailing season-ticket holders, asking them to record 30-second video clips cheering for their favorite clubs and players, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.The clips will be used during games inside empty arenas in Toronto and Edmonton, as well as on broadcasts and social media networks. Emails to fans include specific guidelines on proper ways to film, and how to avoid potential copyright violations, Wyshynski adds.Teams that have begun contacting their fans include the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, and Winnipeg Jets. Each group of fans received requests for generic "We Want The Cup!" chants, along with clapping "Let's Go!" cheers."For this, for the first three seconds, you should pretend that you are anticipating the goal, and then explode into your celebration," the instructions read, according to Wyshynski.Fans were also asked to provide audio of specific cheers for players on their teams. For example, Bruins fans were asked to chant "Tuukk!" as TD Garden normally does after goaltender Tuukka Rask makes a save.Other team-specific cheers include Rangers fans shouting "Bread-Man!" in support of winger Artemi Panarin, and Blackhawks fans providing 30 seconds of a "slow clap" along with "30 seconds of how you act/cheer during the national anthem at a home game."The NHL is set to begin Phase 3 (training camps) of its restart plan Monday with Phase 4 (playoffs) slated to start Aug. 1 in Toronto and Edmonton.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews has been deemed fit to play and will join the club at training camp on Monday, general manager Kyle Dubas announced Sunday, per TSN's Mark Masters.Matthews, 22, reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus in May and subsequently went into quarantine at his home in Arizona.The 6-foot-3 pivot racked up a career-best 47 goals and 80 points over 70 games during the shortened 2019-20 season, leading the club in both of those categories. Matthews was scoring at a 55-goal pace over 82 games, which would have set a single-season franchise record.Teams will report to training camp Monday for Phase 3 of the NHL's return-to-play plan before traveling to their respective hub cities July 26. The qualifying round gets underway Aug.1. The Maple Leafs will meet the Columbus Blue Jackets in their best-of-five play-in series.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Olympic participation reportedly included in the NHL and NHLPA's modified collective bargaining agreement, it's time for hockey fans to think about what the tournament may look like. This edition forecasts Team Czech Republic's roster.The Czech Republic is laden with NHL talent but void of relative star power. The Czechs have struggled on the world stage recently, failing to earn a medal in any major men's competition since capturing a bronze at the 2012 World Championship. That said, they do have an impressive history, including a gold-medal triumph at the 1998 Nagano Olympics and a run of three consecutive world titles from 1999-2001.Others in this series:

With Olympic participation reportedly included in the NHL and NHLPA's modified collective bargaining agreement, it's time for hockey fans to think about what the tournament may look like. This edition takes a look at Team Finland's squad.In recent memory, Finland has been one of the deepest, most consistent teams in international tournaments. It's tied with Canada for taking home the most medals of any country in men's hockey over the last four Olympics. While Canada has two gold medals in that time span, Finland managed two bronzes and a silver.An impressive number of top prospects have come out of Finland over the last several years. Over the last four drafts, five Finnish players were selected inside the top five picks. With a new generation of stars in the mix, Finland will be looking to bring in another medal - and has a shot at taking home the country's first-ever gold.Others in this series:

Montreal Canadiens forward Max Domi has been given a 7-to-10 day period to decide whether or not he'll participate in Phase 3 of the NHL's return-to-play plan, general manager Marc Bergevin announced Sunday.The extension gives both parties more time to decide if it will be safe for Domi to participate in training camp with Type 1 diabetes. Teams are slated to report to camp Monday.Domi, 25, tallied 17 goals and 44 points while logging 17:06 of average ice time per game over 71 contests this season.Clubs will arrive in their respective hub cities July 26 before the qualifying round begins Aug. 1. The Canadiens will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in their best-of-five play-in series.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While the recently ratified collective bargaining agreement will allow viewers to sink into a couch and watch five consecutive playoff games - a dream come true for hockey fans - in less than three weeks' time, some modifications are bound to create headaches for the league's general managers.The most significant obstacle will be the league's salary cap, which will remain stagnant at $81.5 million. That number won't increase until hockey-related revenue reaches $4.8 billion, according to The Athletic's Scott Burnside.With no guarantee on when fans will be able to attend games again, it's clear that GMs and front offices across the league will need to swiftly adjust their financial plans for the 2020-21 season and beyond.Let's take a look some perennial playoff threats that stand to be among the most affected by the impending salary squeeze.(All salary figures courtesy: Cap Friendly)Tampa Bay Lightning Icon Sportswire / Getty Images2020-21 roster size: 15

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mike Green has opted out of the NHL's restart plan, the team announced Saturday."Due to the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and after much consideration, I've decided for deeply personal family health reasons not to participate in the return to play," Green said in a statement."This has been a hard decision knowing I'm going to miss the opportunity to compete in the playoffs with a Stanley Cup contender. I wish the best of luck to the guys and I appreciate the Edmonton Oilers' support," he continued.Green joins Calgary Flames defenseman Travis Hamonic and Vancouver Canucks forward Sven Baertschi on the list of players who've chosen not to play. Any player wishing to opt out can do so without facing any punishment so long as they inform their respective teams by Monday at 5 p.m. ET.The Oilers acquired Green from the Detroit Red Wings before February's trade deadline. Due to his decision, Edmonton will give the Red Wings its 2020 fourth-round selection, according to The Athletic's Jonathan Willis. The pick could've been upgraded to a 2021 third-rounder based on Green's playoff performance.Green, 34, is an impending unrestricted free agent. He notched 11 points in 50 games in 2019-20 but only appeared in two contests with the Oilers before suffering a knee injury.The Oilers will battle the 12th-seeded Chicago Blackhawks in their play-in series.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vancouver Canucks forward Sven Baertschi has told the club he won't be participating in the NHL's return-to-play plan, the team announced Saturday."Sven informed us late yesterday that he has chosen to opt out of the NHL return-to-play program," Benning said. "It was a difficult decision but ultimately one we respect and understand."Baerstchi also released a statement of his own.

All 24 teams participating in the NHL's return-to-play plan will not be permitted to disclose information regarding player injuries or illnesses, the league announced Saturday."Given the unique circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, effective with the start of Phase 3 (Monday, July 13) and, including the entirety of the Phase 4 Return to Play, the NHL and NHL Players' Association have mutually agreed that clubs are not permitted to disclose player injury and/or illness information. This policy was adopted out of respect for an individual player's right to medical privacy. The league will continue to announce, on a regular basis throughout Phase 3 and Phase 4, positive player test results for COVID-19 while not releasing individual player or team identities," reads the statement.The NHL and NHLPA officially ratified a CBA extension and all necessary return-to play-safety protocols for the hub locations in Toronto and Edmonton on Friday. Coaches, players, and any other team members will be tested daily during Phase 4 (playoffs), according to the NHL.During Phase 2, which permitted limited groups of skaters to participate in voluntary on- and off-ice workouts, 35 NHLers returned positive tests.Teams are scheduled to report to their respective hub destinations July 26, with qualifying-round games slated to begin Aug. 1.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos won't be a full participant when the club's training camp opens Monday after he sustained a lower-body injury during Phase 2 of the league's return-to-play protocol, general manager Julien Brisbois said Saturday, according to team writer Bryan Burns.There is no specific timeline for Stamkos' full return to training camp, but he's expected to be ready when the team takes the ice against the Washington Capitals on Aug. 3, Brisbois said.Stamkos underwent core-muscle surgery in February and was expected to miss the remainder of the regular season before the league suspended play on March 12. The 30-year-old forward tallied 29 goals and 66 points through 57 games this season.The Lightning are slated to compete in a round-robin tournament with the Capitals, Boston Bruins, and Philadelphia Flyers to establish the Eastern Conference's top four seeds for the 16-team playoff bracket.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Calgary Flames defenseman Travis Hamonic informed the team that he's opting out of the NHL's play-in tournament due to family concerns, the club announced Friday.Hamonic is the first player to opt out of the restart. Anyone wishing to opt out can do so without punishment if they inform their team by Monday at 5 p.m. ET."Earlier this evening, Travis called me to inform us that he has decided to opt out of the NHL return-to-play program. Travis explained that due to family considerations, he has made the difficult decision not to participate in the Stanley Cup Qualifier and playoffs," general manager Brad Treliving said."While we will miss Travis in our lineup, we understand and respect his decision. Our focus remains on preparation for training camp and our upcoming series in the NHL qualifying round," he added.Hamonic addressed the situation himself with a statement through his agency.

The NHL and NHLPA have ratifed the new collective bargaining agreement and return-to-play protocols, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.This officially paves the way for the league to proceed with the 24-team playoff tournament this summer.More to come.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Hockey Hall of Fame announced it will be reopening its doors to the public next Wednesday.The historic attraction in downtown Toronto has been closed since March 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic. A 70% reduction in capacity will be implemented and all guests will be required to wear a mask while inside.Visitors will be permitted to have their picture taken with the Stanley Cup, but will not be allowed to touch the trophy.The Hall of Fame announced its 2020 class in June. Jarome Iginla, Marian Hossa, Kevin Lowe, Kim St-Pierre, and Doug Wilson were inducted as players, and longtime NHL executive Ken Holland was enshrined in the builder category.The 2020 Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 16 in Toronto.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dallas Stars CEO Jim Lites will transition into the role of chairman, the team announced Friday.In Lites' place, president Brad Alberts will add CEO to his title.As chairman, Lites will serve and provide counsel to Alberts, among other business-related responsibilities, the release states. Alberts will oversee "the entire operations" of the team."I have spent the majority of my career here in Dallas," Lites said. "This organization means the world to me and my family. I'm thrilled to remain active in advising the leaders of the Stars, as well as expanding the various business initiatives that the Gaglardi family has outside of the hockey world. I've had the pleasure to both mentor Brad, as well as partner with him, for over two decades. I know he is ready for this challenge."Lites is in his third stint with the Stars organization (1993-02; 2003-07; 2011-present). He created controversy in December 2018 when Lites said leading scorers Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin were "f------ horseshit." General manager Jim Nill and the NHLPA condemned Lites' comments, with the union calling them "reckless and insulting." Benn responded by saying "I don't play for him. I play for every player in this room."Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL players know which hotels they'll be assigned to upon arriving in their respective bubble cities, and now the public does, too.The league released hotel assignments to each team, TSN's Bob McKenzie reported on Thursday's "Insider Trading."The Eastern Conference's top five teams will stay at Hotel X in Toronto, which is located on the Canadian National Exhibition grounds, where there will be a 40-acre campus-like village for the players.Hotel X (Toronto)Boston BruinsTampa Bay LightningWashington CapitalsPhiladelphia FlyersPittsburgh PenguinsThe remaining teams in the Eastern Conference will call the Fairmont Royal York in downtown Toronto home, which is located just outside the bubble. McKenzie notes the hotels will be "fully locked down."Royal York (Toronto)Carolina HurricanesNew York IslandersToronto Maple LeafsColumbus Blue JacketsFlorida PanthersNew York RangersMontreal CanadiensIn the Western Conference, the top six teams will set up at the JW Marriott in Edmonton, which is connected to Rogers Place, the Oilers' state-of-the-art home.JW Marriott (Edmonton)St. Louis BluesColorado AvalancheVegas Golden KnightsDallas StarsEdmonton OilersNashville PredatorsThe remaining teams in the west will stay at the nearby Sutton Place Hotel, which is about a five-minute walk to Rogers Place.Sutton Place (Edmonton)Vancouver CanucksCalgary FlamesWinnipeg JetsMinnesota WildArizona CoyotesChicago BlackhawksPlayers are expected to travel to their hub cities on July 26, with the qualifying round reportedly beginning July 31.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Olympic participation reportedly included in the NHL and NHLPA's modified collective bargaining agreement, it's time for hockey fans to think about what the tournament may look like. This edition forecasts Team Sweden's roster.The Swedes have performed relatively well in Olympic Games involving NHL players. Canada has won three of the last four gold medals (2014, 2010, 2002), but Sweden was victorious in 2006 and grabbed silver in 2014.Others in this series:

With Olympic participation reportedly included in the NHL and NHLPA's modified collective bargaining agreement, it's time for hockey fans to begin to think about what the tournament may look like.Following a look at Team Canada, our series continues with Team USA and how the country shapes up for the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing.The Americans have finished in the top four - including a pair of silver medals - in three of the previous four Olympics involving NHL players. With a young and potent roster for 2022, Team USA has an incredible chance to capture gold for the first time since the Miracle on Ice in 1980.Others in this series:

Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat isn't worried about his teammates' lack of playoff experience as they head into their qualifying-round series versus the Minnesota Wild."I think they will be up for it," Horvat told NHL.com's David Satriano. "They know what it takes to win, and they know what playoff hockey is like. I think they are going to be ready for it. They have the game to suit the playoffs."Horvat, who's only 24, is considered a veteran among Vancouver's impressive young nucleus of Elias Pettersson (21), Quinn Hughes (20), and Brock Boeser (22).Starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom has also never suited up in the playoffs, though Horvat is confident they won't have any issues adjusting in their postseason debuts."I don't think there's much to be said, I think they just know what needs to be done and our main goal at the end of it," Horvat said.He added: "Our main goal is to win playoff games and ultimately win the Stanley Cup. The organization deserves it, my teammates deserve it, and obviously the city of Vancouver deserves it so that's what we're going to try and do here."The seventh-seeded Canucks will take on the 10th-seeded Wild in a best-of-five play-in series, with the winner advancing to the traditional 16-team bracket. Vancouver will be one of 12 teams stationed in Edmonton's hub, with play-in games expected to begin July 31.The players' association and NHL board of governors are currently voting to ratify the tentative collective bargaining agreement and all return-to-play protocols, with results expected to be announced Friday.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils hired Lindy Ruff as their head coach, the team announced Thursday.The club also removed the interim tag from general manager Tom Fitzgerald.Ruff has worked as an assistant for the New York Rangers since 2017. He takes over for Alain Nasreddine, who was named interim head coach when John Hynes was fired in December.The veteran head coach manned the bench for nearly 1,500 games between the Buffalo Sabres and Dallas Stars. The 60-year-old is sixth on the all-time wins list with 736 and took Buffalo to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999.It was reported in June the Devils narrowed down their coaching search to four candidates, with Gerard Gallant, Peter Laviolette, and John Stevens known to have interviewed for the vacancy.Meanwhile, Fitzgerald was promoted to interim GM in January after Ray Shero was fired. The organization conducted a search for a permanent GM, which reportedly included external candidates such as former GM of the Year Mike Gillis, but ultimately decided to keep Fitzgerald in charge.Ruff and Fitzgerald know each other from their time with the Panthers. They spent four seasons together in Florida from 1993-97, when Fitzgerald was a player and Ruff was an assistant coach.The Devils entered the 2019-20 campaign with sky-high expectations after landing Jack Hughes with the No. 1 pick and acquiring P.K. Subban in a blockbuster trade. However, New Jersey was unable to capitalize and finished the season in 26th place.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Key dates for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and ensuing offseason within the NHL and NHLPA's Memorandum of Understanding have been revealed, TSN's Frank Seravalli reports.All dates are subject to change due to the ongoing pandemic, Seravalli adds, but are currently as follows:

Chris Pronger is leaving his job as senior vice president of hockey operations with the Florida Panthers in order to work for a luxury travel company he co-founded with his wife, Lauren, the team announced Wednesday."Since joining our hockey operations staff in 2017, Chris approached his role with great passion and provided our team with a fresh and unique perspective," general manager Dale Tallon said in a statement. "A true professional, champion, and proud family man, we wish Chris, Lauren, and the Pronger family the very best in their new business endeavor, Well Inspired Travels."Pronger joined the Panthers as a senior adviser before adding senior vice president of hockey operations to his title in 2019. In April, he said he was interested in potentially becoming a GM someday."I was able to grow as an executive and more importantly as a person in my three years with the hockey club," Pronger said Wednesday. "I wish the Panthers organization nothing but the best in the upcoming playoffs and years to come."Pronger recorded 698 points in 1,167 games during his Hall of Fame playing career. The former Hart and Norris Trophy winner led three different teams to the Stanley Cup Final, winning in 2007 with the Anaheim Ducks. Concussions ended his career in 2011-12.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After recent news that Olympic participation is included in the NHL and NHLPA's modified collective bargaining agreement, it's time for hockey fans to begin thinking ahead to what the tournament may look like.The NHL skipped the 2018 games in PyeongChang, but pending an agreement with the International Olympic Committee, the biggest stars in the world will gather in Beijing in 2022 for a true best-on-best event.In light of that, we're projecting the rosters for the top six countries involved, beginning with Team Canada.Others in this series:

The NHLPA executive board has approved the tentative collective bargaining agreement and referred it to the membership for a ratification vote, the union announced Tuesday.Voting for the players will begin Wednesday and the results will be announced Friday. Every player in the league will get a vote, with a simple majority needed to pass the tentative CBA.The NHL's board of governors also must approve the terms, with a two-thirds affirmative vote required.The league and players' association came to a tentative agreement on Monday for a four-year extension of the current CBA along with return-to-play protocols for Phases 3 and 4. If ratified, the CBA will run through the 2025-26 season.Under the agreed parameters, training camps would begin July 13, and teams will travel to their respective hub cities on July 26. The qualifying round of the 24-team playoff format will then begin Aug. 1.Any player wishing to opt out of the return may do so within 72 hours of the agreement being approved.Edmonton and Toronto are expected to serve as the two hub cities, with the former reportedly slated to host the conference finals and Stanley Cup Final.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Blackhawks released a statement Tuesday regarding their team name and logo."The Chicago Blackhawks name and logo symbolize an important and historic person, Black Hawk of Illinois' Sac and Fox Nation, whose leadership and life has inspired generations of Native Americans, veterans, and the public," the team said, according to The Athletic's Scott Powers.The franchise has donned variations of the same name and logo since its inception in 1926. The name was tweaked in 1986 from "Black Hawks" to its current form."We celebrate Black Hawk's legacy by offering ongoing reverent examples of Native American culture, traditions and contributions, providing a platform for genuine dialogue with local and national Native American groups," the team added. "As the team's popularity grew over the past decade, so did that platform and our work with these organizations."We recognize there is a fine line between respect and disrespect, and we commend other teams for their willingness to engage in that conversation. Moving forward, we are committed to raising the bar even higher to expand awareness of Black Hawk and the important contributions of all Native American people. We will continue to serve as stewards of our name and identity, and will do so with a commitment to evolve. Our endeavors in this area have been sincere and multifaceted, and the path forward will draw on that experience to grow as an organization and expand our efforts."The NFL's Washington Redskins and MLB's Cleveland Indians have long faced backlash over their team nicknames. Washington announced last week that the franchise will undergo a "thorough review" of its name.Cleveland also announced its willingness to discuss changing the team's nickname. The organization plans to consult with the Native American community before making a final decision. Club manager Terry Francona and star shortstop Francisco Lindor each expressed their support for a new nickname.The CFL's Edmonton Eskimos were warned Tuesday by one of their sponsors that it intends to cut ties with the franchise if it doesn't change its name.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL plans to schedule three games per day in the two reported hub cities of Edmonton and Toronto if plays resumes this summer, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.Games would be played at 12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. local time, though that template may be tweaked slightly due to TV scheduling, McKenzie adds. The six contests would be spread out over a 15-hour window each day due to the different time zones.The top four teams in each conference are set to play a round-robin tournament to determine seeds one through four for the 16-team playoff. They would play in the 4 p.m. slot, according to McKenzie. Regular-season overtime rules will apply if those contests need extra time.On Monday, the NHL and players' association came to a tentative agreement on a four-year extension of the current collective bargaining agreement and return-to-play protocols for Phases 3 and 4. The deal must still be ratified by both the players and owners. That process is expected to take place over the next couple of days.Training camps will begin July 13, and teams will travel to their respective hub cities on July 26 before the qualifying round of the 24-team playoff starts Aug. 1.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Justin Williams is determined to add a fourth Stanley Cup ring.The 38-year-old sat out the majority of the 2019-20 season as he pondered his future, but he returned to the Carolina Hurricanes for 20 games before the campaign was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic."I didn't come back to play 20 games," he said on a video call, according to The Athletic's Sara Civian. "I came back for a chance to win a Stanley Cup."The Hurricanes finished the season as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference, setting up a qualifying-round matchup against the 11th-seeded New York Rangers. The Canes lost all four games against the Rangers in the regular season by a combined score of 17-9, but Williams isn't concerned."Washington had our numbers last year, also. Playoff hockey is very different," he said, per Michael Smith of Hurricanes.com. "We're a Stanley Cup contender and we know that."The Hurricanes went on a Cinderella run to the conference finals last year, beating the defending champion Capitals in seven games and sweeping the New York Islanders before being swept by the Boston Bruins.Williams, a former Conn Smythe Trophy winner known as "Mr. Game 7" for his playoff heroics with the Los Angeles Kings, remained productive with eight goals and three assists in 20 games this season.Copyright © 2020 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL and players' association reached a memorandum of understanding on a return-to-play plan and a four-year extension of the current collective bargaining agreement, the league announced Monday.The deal must now be ratified by the NHL's board of governors and the union's executive board followed by the full NHLPA membership. A simple majority is needed from the players while three-quarters of owners must vote in support of the plan, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.If ratified, the CBA will run through the 2025-26 campaign. The review and approval process will take place over the next few days, the league adds.Training camps will begin July 13, and teams will travel to their respective hub cities July 26 before the qualifying round of the 24-team playoff format starts Aug. 1.Edmonton and Toronto are expected to be named the hub cities, with the former reportedly hosting the conference finals and Stanley Cup Final.TSN's Frank Seravalli reported the following details of the tentative agreement Saturday: