Tuukka Rask anticipates spending a lot more time with David Pastrnak after they traveled to the other side of the world together this summer.The Boston Bruins goaltender - who, along with the forward and defenseman Torey Krug, recently went on a tour of China to promote hockey - remains confident Pastrnak will sign a new deal with the club."I'm sure they can get this worked out," Rask said Monday, according to Stephen Harris of the Boston Globe. "That's the game nowadays: These young guys, when they come out of their first contract, they've had great success and they want to get paid. That's just the world we live in. I guess sometimes with the cap situations, it can put teams in a tough spot. But I'm sure they can figure it out."He's proven he can be top goal-scorer in the league and he wants to get paid. You can understand both sides of it. I have no idea what he's asking, what the situation is. But I'm sure they're going to find a solution at some point."Rask's comments come two weeks after general manager Don Sweeney said contract talks were stalled in a holding pattern, and on the same day a report from NHL Network's Brian Lawton suggested Pastrnak could be traded.Pastrnak is a restricted free agent coming off a season in which he recorded 34 goals and 36 assists in 75 games, and Rask's sense is the 21-year-old simply wants to be compensated as a star player."He wants to play, obviously," he added, "but he doesn't want to sign a deal that he's not happy with. As a player, you have to be a little selfish. It's a short career and you want to get paid when you have the chance."Boston's training camp is set to open Sept. 14.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

These rankings apply to standard leagues. Yahoo! scoring counts goals, assists, plus/minus, penalty minutes, power-play points, and shots on goal for skaters. Goaltender stats consist of wins, goals-against average, save percentage, and shutouts.Positional eligibility may vary by fantasy site. Some players may be eligible at multiple positions, but only their primary position is considered here.Top 250Rk.PlayerTeamPos.1Connor McDavidEDMC12Sidney CrosbyPITC23Erik KarlssonOTTD14Steven StamkosTBC35Brent BurnsSJD26Alex OvechkinWASLW17Nicklas BackstromWASC48Nikita KucherovTBRW19Braden HoltbyWASG110Jack EichelBUFC511Brad MarchandBOSLW212Patrick KaneCHIRW213Evgeni MalkinPITC614Victor HedmanTBD315Devan DubnykMING216Jamie BennDALLW317Tyler SeguinDALC718Sergei BobrovskyCLBG319John TavaresNYIC820Auston MatthewsTORC921Vladimir TarasenkoSTLRW322Mark ScheifeleWPGC1023Joe PavelskiSJC1124Matt MurrayPITG425Leon DraisaitlEDMRW426Carey PriceMTLG527Cam TalbotEDMG628Cam AtkinsonCLBRW529Patrik LaineWPGRW630Alexander RadulovDALRW731Artemi PanarinCLBLW432P.K. SubbanNASD433Jonathan HuberdeauFLALW534Kris LetangPITD535Filip ForsbergNASLW636Phil KesselPITRW837Claude GirouxPHIC1238Shea WeberMTLD639Johnny GaudreauCGYLW740David PastrnakBOSRW941Dustin ByfuglienWPGD742Evgeny KuznetsovWASC1343Ryan GetzlafANAC1444Patrice BergeronBOSC1545Sean MonahanCGYC1646Wayne SimmondsPHIRW1047Blake WheelerWPGRW1148Max PaciorettyMTLLW849Tuukka RaskBOSG750Roman JosiNASD851Aleksander BarkovFLAC1752Kevin ShattenkirkNYRD953Jeff CarterLAC1854Jeff SkinnerCARLW955John KlingbergDALD1056Jonathan DrouinMTLLW1057Ryan JohansenNASC1958Andrei VasilevskiyTBG859Zach WerenskiCLBD1160Jakub VoracekPHIRW1261Martin HanzalDALC2062Nikolaj EhlersWPGRW1363Sebastian AhoCARLW1164Corey PerryANARW1465Pekka RinneNASG966Mikael GranlundMINC2167Ben BishopDALG1068Duncan KeithCHID1269Martin JonesSJG1170Taylor HallNJLW1271Mitchell MarnerTORRW1572John GibsonANAG1273Mike HoffmanOTTLW1374T.J. OshieWASRW1675Jake AllenSTLG1376Jonathan QuickLAG1477Oliver Ekman-LarssonARID1378Dougie HamiltonCGYD1479Rickard RakellANALW1480Nathan MacKinnonCOLC2281Logan CoutureSJC2382Jonathan ToewsCHIC2483Jordan EberleNYIRW1784Rasmus RistolainenBUFD1585Henrik LundqvistNYRG1586Justin SchultzPITD1687Craig AndersonOTTG1688Viktor ArvidssonNASRW1889Anze KopitarLAC2590Ryan KeslerANAC2691Jason SpezzaDALC2792Ryan SuterMIND1793Brayden SchennSTLC2894Mike SmithCGYG1795Drew DoughtyLAD1896Torey KrugBOSD1997Ryan O'ReillyBUFC2998Shayne GostisbeherePHID2099Frederik AndersenTORG18100Eric StaalMINC30101Brandon SaadCHILW15102Nazem KadriTORC31103Mark StoneOTTRW19104John CarlsonWASD21105Corey CrawfordCHIG19106Scott DarlingCARG20107Henrik ZetterbergDETC32108Anders LeeNYILW16109Robin LehnerBUFG21110James NealVGKRW20111Aaron EkbladFLAD22112Jakob SilfverbergANARW21113Colton ParaykoSTLD23114Alex GalchenyukMTLC33115James van RiemsdykTORLW17116Cory SchneiderNJG22117Ondrej PalatTBLW18118Mark GiordanoCGYD24119Alexander WennbergCLBC34120Nino NiederreiterMINRW22121Kyle OkposoBUFRW23122Tyler ToffoliLARW24123Kyle PalmieriNJRW25124Oscar KlefbomEDMD25125Zach PariseMINLW19126Kyle TurrisOTTC35127Marcus JohanssonNJLW20128Bryan LittleWPGC36129Roberto LuongoFLAG23130Patric HornqvistPITRW26131Alex PietrangeloSTLD26132Jake GuentzelPITLW21133Mika ZibanejadNYRC37134Vincent TrocheckFLAC38135Matt DucheneCOLRW27136Mats ZuccarelloNYRLW22137Tyler JohnsonTBC39138Mikko KoivuMINC40139William NylanderTORC41140Matthew TkachukCGYLW23141Andre BurakovskyWASLW24142Justin FaulkCARD27143Derek StepanARIC42144Anthony ManthaDETRW28145Milan LucicEDMLW25146Travis KonecnyPHILW26147Ryan McDonaghNYRD28148Jaden SchwartzSTLLW27149Nick FolignoCLBLW28150Evgeny DadonovFLARW29151Chris KreiderNYRLW29152Keith YandleFLAD29153Dylan LarkinDETC43154Brendan GallagherMTLRW30155Ryan StromeEDMRW31156Nolan PatrickPHIC44157Nick SchmaltzCHILW30158Sam ReinhartBUFRW32159Victor RaskCARC45160Patrick SharpCHIRW33161Mikko RantanenCOLLW31162Seth JonesCLBD30163Brian ElliottPHIG24164David KrejciBOSC46165Marc-Andre FleuryVGKG25166Nico HischierNJC47167Nick BoninoNASC48168Richard PanikCHILW32169Antti RaantaARIG26170Mathew BarzalNYIC49171Radim VrbataFLARW34172Boone JennerCLBLW33173Conor ShearyPITRW35174Patrick MarleauTORRW36175Charlie McAvoyBOSD31176Brady SkjeiNYRD32177Jesse PuljujarviEDMRW37178Charlie CoyleMINRW38179Shea TheodoreVGKD33180Kevin FialaNASRW39181Alexander SteenSTLRW40182Tomas HertlSJLW34183Jonathan MarchessaultVGKLW35184Robby FabbriSTLC50185Sami VatanenANAD34186Gabriel LandeskogCOLLW36187Nick BjugstadFLAC51188Jaromir JagrUFARW41189Vadim ShipachevVGKC52190Paul StastnySTLC53191Patrick MaroonEDMLW37192Dmitry OrlovWASD35193Ryan Nugent-HopkinsEDMC54194Daniel SedinVANLW38195Gustav NyquistDETRW42196Pierre-Luc DuboisCLBC55197Jakub VranaWASLW39198Evander KaneBUFLW40199Matt DumbaMIND36200Teuvo TeravainenCARLW41201Bobby RyanOTTRW43202Artem AnisimovCHIC56203Joshua Ho-SangNYIRW44204Elias LindholmCARRW45205Rick NashNYRRW46206Joe ThorntonSJC57207Cam FowlerANAD37208Bo HorvatVANC58209Connor HellebuyckWPGG26210Jimmy VeseyNYRLW42211Justin WilliamsCARRW47212Anthony DuclairARIRW48213Tomas TatarDETLW43214Derick BrassardOTTC59215J.T. MillerNYRRW49216Tanner PearsonLARW50217Tyson BarrieCOLD38218Tyler BozakTORC60219Ryan PulockNYID39220Ivan ProvorovPHID40221Kyle ConnorWPGLW44222Kevin HayesNYRRW51223Patrick EavesANARW52224Matt NiskanenWASD41225Max DomiARILW45226Mathieu PerreaultWPGLW46227Ryan MillerANAG30228Tyson JostCOLC61229Jake MuzzinLAD42230Thomas GreissNYIG27231Jason ZuckerMINLW47232Jake GardinerTORD43233Jared SpurgeonMIND44234Pavel ZachaNJC62235Jason PominvilleBUFRW53236Ryan SpoonerBOSC63237Dylan StromeARIC64238Josh MansonANAD45239Jakob ChychrunARID46240Mattias JanmarkDALLW48241Juuse SarosNASG28242Ryan EllisNASD47243Sonny MilanoCLBLW49244Travis SanheimPHID48245Jacob TroubaWPGD49246Damon SeversonNJD50247Mike GreenDETD51248Zdeno CharaBOSD52249Sean CouturierPHIC65250Clayton KellerARIC66These rankings will be updated throughout the lead-up to the season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Amid an offseason riddled with roster changeover, Evgeny Kuznetsov isn't one to believe the Washington Capitals got worse.The twice reigning President's Trophy winners surely lost significant talent from their roster, as regulars Justin Williams, Karl Alzner, Marcus Johansson, and prized deadline acquisition Kevin Shattenkirk will be suiting up in different spots across the Eastern Conference next season.Related: Caps GM shocked at critics: 'People make it sound like we're a lottery team'Still, Kuznetsov - who begins the first season of an eight-year, $62.4-million contract extension in 2017-18 - is adamant Washington will remain competitive."I don't like when people say we're a bad team right now," Kuznetsov said, according to Tom Gulitti of NHL.com. "That's bull to me. It's not about the names. It's about the guys when they come together."Presumed Cup favorites two years in a row, the Capitals twice faltered in the second round against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who went on to win the title each time.In spite of the back-to-back crushing defeats, Kuznetsov believes his remaining teammates can use the past disappointment as a rallying point, rather than dwell on missed opportunities."I think we should be the team that is going to focus game by game and not focus all the way to the Cup," Kuznetsov said. "Of course we have to think about that, but we have to take what we have today. Let's practice together, let's work hard, let's help your partner be better, let's push him ... It's always good competition so that's the team we have to be. We're hungry."In 82 games last season, Kuznetsov recorded 19 goals and 40 assists, and added 10 more points in 13 playoff games.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While the dog days of summer might have clouded some of our memories, this offseason has seen a lot of movement among players.Free agency and trades get hockey fans excited about what could be, but players also get giddy about the idea of who they might have the opportunity play alongside as the new season approaches.While many players will certainly benefit from a change of scenery, many NHLers will also find the additions made by their respective general managers to be a blessing.Here are five players who should benefit most by their team's wheeling and dealing this summer:John TavaresThe 2016-17 season on paper was John Tavares' least productive season since his rookie campaign in 2010.The 26-year-old tallied 66 points in 77 games while playing alongside Anders Lee and Josh Bailey. However, the newly-acquired Jordan Eberle should slot in on Tavares' right wing next season.Bailey collected a career-high 56 points in 2016-17, while Eberle tallied 51 in a down year. Over the course of their careers, Eberle has been the better offensive option (averaging 25 goals per season) and this past season he also had a better shooting percentage than that of Bailey.Tavares and Eberle made magic as teammates at the world juniors back in 2009 and the Islanders captain should benefit from the reunion.Alexander WennbergAlex Wennberg took a big step forward last season, tallying 59 points in 80 games. The addition of Artemi Panarin, however, should result in a spike in Wennberg's production.The Columbus Blue Jackets swung a deal to acquire the former Chicago Blackhawks sniper this offseason and Wennberg should reap the benefits because of it. Having proven to be an elite set-up man, Wennberg should pad his stats now that Panarin will be at his side to finish things off.Nick Foligno had a strong season tallying 26 goals and 51 points, but let's be honest, he doesn't have the same kind of release and goal-scoring ability as Panarin.Wennberg might not be up to Patrick Kane's level, but he and Panarin should still form a formidable pair.Max DomiHe might not be an elite No. 1 center, but Derek Stepan will certainly be an upgrade for Max Domi.The Arizona Coyotes forward played the majority of the 2016-17 season with rookie Christian Dvorak, with Domi tallying just nine goals and 38 points after being limited to 59 games due to injury.Alongside Stepan, Domi will be able to play with a seasoned centerman who has been a consistent producer. A player of Stepan's ilk should only help Domi to further develop into a solid offensive winger.Jonathan ToewsWhile the Panarin-Brandon Saad trade might appear to be a win for the Blue Jackets, it shouldn't necessarily come without benefit for the Blackhawks.The deal is likely to reunite Saad with Jonathan Toews, which should be good news for Toews.Toews has had back-to-back 58-point seasons since Saad was dealt to the Blue Jackets, both down years for the Blachhawks captain. In the previous three seasons he totaled 182 points in 204 games while playing with Saad.Toews never fully got into a groove last season, with several different players patrolling the left flank on his line. More consistency and a return to familiarity should help get Toews back to his career highs.Auston MatthewsAuston Matthews had an impeccable rookie campaign, but with veteran Patrick Marleau at his side, he should be set to best his 2017 totals.During the 2016-17 season, Matthews played with left winger Zach Hyman more than any other teammate. The fellow rookie had an admirable season, but one thing is certain, his offensive talents don't compare to that of Marleau's.Marleau tallied 17 more goals than Hyman's 10 last season, while converting on 14.2 percent of his shots compared to Matthews' counterpart who boasted a shooting percentage of just 6.4.Playing alongside a winger who can capitalize on opportunities on a more consistent basis and one with speed and a stronger knowledge of the game should only help Matthews continue to thrive.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New York Islanders forward Shane Prince will be sidelined four-to-six months following ankle surgery, the team announced Monday.Prince appeared in 50 games with the Islanders last season, recording five goals and 13 assists. The 24-year-old has one year remaining on his contract, and is carrying an $850,000 cap hit.The Islanders originally acquired Prince from the Ottawa Senators at the 2016 trade deadline.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sidney Crosby versus Connor McDavid for the 2018 Stanley Cup?Don't bet against it, oddsmakers say.The Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers have risen to the top of the board when it comes to this season's Cup favorites.Meanwhile, stay far away from Detroit, New Jersey, Arizona, Vancouver, and Vegas.TeamOddsPittsburgh6/1Edmonton9/1Tampa Bay12/1Washington12/1Chicago12/1Minnesota12/1Toronto14/1Nashville14/1Montreal16/1New York Rangers16/1Dallas14/1Anaheim14/1San Jose20/1Los Angeles20/1Columbus25/1Ottawa30/1Boston30/1St Louis30/1Calgary30/1Florida40/1New York Islanders50/1Philadelphia50/1Winnipeg50/1Buffalo60/1Carolina60/1Colorado100/1Detroit200/1New Jersey200/1Arizona200/1Vancouver200/1Vegas200/1(Odds courtesy: Westgate)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Barring any setbacks, St. Louis Blues forward Robby Fabbri is expected to be a full participant in training camp after tearing his ACL in early February.The injury required major surgery and ended Fabbri's season. He's recently resumed skating with several teammates, although they're not yet permitted to make contact, according to Chris Pinkert of the team's website."Every morning, I'm working out in the gym," Fabbri said. "That involves a workout with (strength and conditioning coach Eric Renaghan) and doing the rehab things necessary for that day for my body and for what I'm feeling. Right now I'm skating twice a week, and that's just getting started."I keep upping the skates every time I go on and listening to my knee with everything to see how far I can push it."Fabbri registered 29 goals and 37 assists in 123 games for the Blues since being drafted 21st overall in 2014. He's seen as a big part of the future in St. Louis, and is eager to prove he can bounce back from such a serious injury."I'm already seeing the improvements from the few skates that I've had," he said. "It's refreshing and it's exciting to get back on the ice and get back to what I love to do."I'm confident in myself that I'm going to be ready."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

While Matt Greene may have been bought out this summer, he will remain with the Los Angeles Kings.The former Kings blue-liner was named a pro scout by the club on Monday, the team announced.Greene had been with Los Angeles since the 2008-09 season, aiding the club to Stanley Cup wins in 2012 and 2014. In 464 games with the Kings, he tallied 16 goals, 67 points, and 458 penalty minutes.The Kings activated him off injured reserve in June - from a back injury suffered in January - after which the team bought out the remaining year on his contract.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dwight King is taking his game overseas.The veteran forward, who split last season between the Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens, has signed a two-year contract with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg of the KHL.King tallied nine goals and seven assists in 80 games last season. A fourth-round pick by Los Angeles in 2007, he's recorded 109 points in 365 career NHL games.The 28-year-old won the Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2012 and 2014.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed Alexey Marchenko on waivers, according to agent Dan Milstein on Monday.A formal statement on the roster move will be released Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET, Milstein added. It's expected Marchenko will be bought out and he'll play in the KHL this season.

The NHL hasn't closed the book on returning to Kansas City.Since opening its doors in 2007, the downtown Sprint Center, which seats more than 17,500 for hockey, has hosted five NHL exhibition games, and will do so again this preseason in a neutral-site contest between the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues.The Sprint Center is a rare new facility with no pro team as an anchor tenant, but the arena has been a proposed landing spot for a relocation, including the Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins in 2007 and the New York Islanders in 2011.Preseason contests, particularly those involving the cross-state Blues, allow the NHL to gauge hockey interest in Kansas City. But a team in the City of Fountains wouldn't be a first for the NHL. Kansas City was home to the expansion Scouts, who joined the league in 1974. The team lasted just two seasons before uprooting for Denver, then moving again in 1982 to become the New Jersey Devils.While the Scouts are no longer, hockey interests in the city have continued to be served at the minor-pro level. For 11 seasons, the Blades skated in the International Hockey League, prior to the league dissolving in 2001, and most recently, the ECHL's Missouri Mavericks have carried local support."Kansas City has never been entirely off our radar screen," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told Dave Caldwell of ESPN.com. "We have talked to potentially interested stakeholders in the past, and it's certainly a market that in the right circumstances (including a desire by our board to entertain further expansion) our league would fairly evaluate and consider."We have never studied whether the market demographics of Kansas City are likely to be suitable for an NHL franchise long-term because there has not yet been a need to do so."Should the NHL eventually return to Kansas City, Mavericks owner and Kansas City Chiefs part-owner, Lamar Hunt Jr., has long been rumored as a potential franchise owner.While Hunt did not submit a proposal as part of the NHL's most recent expansion process - he balked at the $500-million expansion fee, calling it "ridiculously big" in a July 2015 interview with The Kansas City Star - it does not mean the market is no longer a possibility for the NHL.Before the NHL becomes a focus for Hunt, who still sees an NHL entry and an expansion bid as a challenge for the Kansas City market, the goal is to grow hockey interests at the grassroots level."Our analysis is that we really have to grow the youth programs here. We have to have more sheets of ice," said Hunt, who also serves on the executive board of the Kansas City Youth Hockey Association.This season, the Mavericks, who drew more than 5,000 fans at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena in nearby Independence, Mo., will rebrand as the Kansas City Mavericks in an effort to drive the local hockey market."When you think of hockey in the state of Missouri, you think of one spot on the other side of the state," Mavericks general manager Brent Thiessen told Caldwell. "It's putting Kansas City on the hockey map, if you will."Further growth of the city's budding hockey interests could be the key to the NHL's return to Kansas City."In evaluating potential locations for NHL teams, we typically look at three things," Daly said. "One, whether the market has or is building a suitable arena facility; two, the demographics of the market and whether they suggest an ability to support an NHL franchise; and, three, whether there is qualified and interested ownership to own and operate the franchise."While the Sprint Center certainly checks off the first of those boxes, the other two issues remain a work in progress."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The hockey world continues to mourn the passing of former NHL general manager and coach Bryan Murray, who succumbed to a three-year battle with colon cancer at age 74 on Saturday.Perhaps the most poignant tribute came from one of the toughest to play for the Ottawa Senators in recent years, gritty winger Chris Neil, who remains an unrestricted free agent following 1,026 games with the team."(Murray) was like a father to me with the bond we had," Neil told the Ottawa Sun's Ken Warren. "He gave me an opportunity to play. I have so much respect for the guy for what he has done in hockey and what he has done in getting people checked out for colon cancer."Neil, known largely for his willingness to drop the gloves for his teammates, scored 28 goals over the two full seasons Murray served as Ottawa's head coach - a testament to his ability to get the most out of his players."He got the most out of every single guy in the locker room. Whether you played four minutes or 24 minutes, guys would skate through the wall for him. In today's game, that's hard to find. He was really good at reading people and relating with players."Neil also credited Murray for being a fighter to the very end, and for leaving a lasting impact as a result."He fought for a long time," Neil said. "When he was first diagnosed, he wasn't given much time, but he surpassed all that. He knew what he had to do. He got the word out about colon cancer. He was open and honest about it and he is going to save some lives because of it. He was remarkable."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Goaltender Marek Mazanec signed a one-year contract with Slovan Bratislava of the KHL, the team announced Monday.Mazanec is under contract with the Nashville Predators on a two-way deal for 2017-18 at a salary-cap hit of $650,000, according to Cap Friendly. This contract was agreed upon earlier this summer prior to a scheduled arbitration hearing.The 26-year-old spent the majority of the past three seasons with the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals, and has been bumped down the Predators' depth chart by the emergence of Juuse Saros, who's expected to be Pekka Rinne's primary backup this season.Drafted 179th overall in 2012, Mazanec made 31 appearances for Nashville, posting an 8-13-4 record with an .895 save percentage.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Rick Tocchet expects to deploy defenseman Jakob Chychrun at some point during his first season behind the Arizona Coyotes' bench.The 19-year-old underwent surgery following a knee injury suffered during summer training, and is out indefinitely. Tocchet, however, foresees playing time for Chychrun in 2017-18."He's just a beast," Tocchet told SiriusXM NHL Network Radio on Friday, per NHL.com. "If this happened to somebody else, you might have a guy who's out for the year. I don't know the time frame (for his recovery), but it's not for the year. It's something that he's going to bounce back (from). He's an animal. It's almost like we've got to crank this kid down a little bit."Chychrun was selected 16th overall by the Coyotes at the 2016 NHL Draft, and recorded seven goals and 13 assists while averaging 16:40 of ice time in 68 games last season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There's no getting around it, the 2017-18 season will be one of many firsts for Erik Haula and his newly-created team.The 26-year-old was plucked by the Vegas Golden Knights during the expansion draft from the Minnesota Wild and is now eager to get started with the league's first expansion franchise in 17 years."It's exciting," Haula said, according to NHL.com's Jessi Pierce. "I'll always love Minnesota but I'm looking forward to starting something new. It's great. (It's a) new team - everything is going to be new."You're starting to build your own legacy. Nothing has happened (in Vegas) before. Everything is new. It's a great opportunity for everybody, so you just start building from there. Everyone is new, so we've just got to kick it into gear as fast as possible and spend a lot of time with the guys on the team and get to know each other. I'm really excited for this opportunity in my career."Haula played the first four years of his career with Minnesota after the Wild selected him in the seventh round in 2009. And because of that, Haula admits the transition to a new club will be difficult."(Minnesota) is home," Haula said. "It's hockey, and this will always be like a home to me. I love it here. The fans have been amazing. Definitely the weirdest part is going to be playing against them. It comes pretty quick. I'm sure I'll be super excited and a little nervous to return, but I'll always be back here. It was great to hear all the comments and everything I got from the fans."Haula will have the opportunity give Wild fans his thanks in person when the Golden Knights make their first visit visit to Saint Paul on Nov. 30.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When you win the Stanley Cup, you get to do whatever you want with it.For Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Matt Murray, that includes letting your dog use it to dust off a wee snack.

Improvements to the Scottrade Center, home of the St. Louis Blues, have become the subject of a legal challenge.A suit filed Friday claims planned publicly funded upgrades to the arena are not constitutional in the state of Missouri, and are in violation of article VI, which states: "In that it permanently grants substantial public money to a for-profit corporation for the purpose of assisting that corporation to make further profits for itself."Both the Blues and the city of St. Louis have been named in the suit, which was filed on behalf of three plaintiffs, including city alderman Cara Spencer.The arena upgrades, which began in late June, are backed by $64 million issued in bonds. However, a spokesperson for city comptroller Darlene Green claimed she has no intention of signing an agreement to fund the project."The comptroller has not approved the transaction to issue bonds for the renovation of Scottrade Center, as it would incur debt to the city's general fund for nonessential services and negatively impact the city's credit," spokesperson Tyson Pruitt told Mike Faulk of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.The comptroller is exploring new methods to finance the arena renovation, according to Pruitt.The Blues have played out of the Scottrade Center since 1994, which stands as the NHL's fifth-oldest arena. The facility was built for $135 million, and while the city of St. Louis retains ownership of the building, it is operated by the Blues and leaseholder Kiel Center Partners.Blues ownership, led by local businessman Tom Stillman, claims the suit is "frivolous," according to the Post-Dispatch, and that the city is obligated to sign the finance agreement."This lawsuit, spearheaded by one member of the Board of Aldermen in a clear attempt to counter the consensus of her fellow elected officials, is frivolous, disappointing and embarrassing to our city," Kiel Center Partners said in a statement. "It also has the potential to be extremely costly, not only to taxpayers, but to the regional and national reputation of St. Louis."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Winnipeg Jets will pay tribute to a local legend this season.Prior to a Nov. 14 contest against the Arizona Coyotes, the Jets will induct former captain Dale Hawerchuk into the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame.Hawerchuk becomes the fourth inductee after Anders Hedberg, Bobby Hull, and Ulf Nilsson were added last season. Hawerchuk spent nine seasons with the original Jets franchise, which relocated to Arizona in 1996 and became the Coyotes.In March 2007, Hawerchuk was inducted into the Coyotes' Ring of Honor, joining Hull and former Jets forward Thomas Steen.Drafted first overall in 1981, Hawerchuk quickly proved his worth, as he recorded 103 points in his debut season to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A pair of goaltending careers were two of the many Bryan Murray molded over his 35 years in hockey.Following the news of Murray's death Saturday, Ottawa Senators netminder Craig Anderson took to Twitter to express his condolences, and to thank the former Senators general manager for believing in him:

The NHL is standing behind all of its fans and one of its most historic clubs.After the Detroit Red Wings released a statement condemning the use of the team's logo by protesters involved in the Charlottesville, Va. riot, the NHL doubled down on that stance later Saturday, issuing a statement of its own."We are obviously outraged by the irresponsible and improper use of our intellectual property as seen this weekend in Charlottesville, Va.," the NHL said in a statement. "This specific use is directly contrary to the value of inclusiveness that our league prioritizes and champions."We will take immediate and all necessary steps to insure the use is discontinued as promptly as possible, and will vigorously pursue other remedies, as appropriate."The NHL has established several social initiatives in recent years, including Hockey is for Everyone, which aims to drive change and foster inclusiveness among fans of all backgrounds.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former Ottawa Senators coach and general manager Bryan Murray passed away Saturday, the team announced, succumbing to his three-year battle with colon cancer. Murray was 74.Murray had been the face of the Senators' front office since being named GM in 2007, and was instrumental in drafting such stars as Erik Karlsson, Mike Hoffman, and Mark Stone, to name a few.However, Murray made a name for himself behind the bench, spending nine seasons as the Washington Capitals bench boss, winning the Jack Adams Award in 1984, before spending the rest of his coaching time with Detroit, Florida, Anaheim, and Ottawa.Sens owner Eugene Melnyk had this to say about the influential NHL executive: "Bryan was one of the greatest men that the game of hockey has ever known, and also a great father, mentor, and teacher. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Geri, daughters, Heide and Brittany, and the entire Murray family on their loss."Murray coached for 18 seasons and 1,239 games, finishing his coaching career with a record of 620-465-131. The 2016-17 season was his 35th consecutive year working in the league.Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement: "Bryan Murray's strength and character were reflected in the teams he coached and the teams he built over decades of front office excellence."While his warmth and dry sense of humor were always evident, they were accompanied by the fiery competitiveness and determination that were his trademarks."As we mourn Bryan's passing, we celebrate his many contributions to the game - as well as his courage. The National Hockey League family sends our deepest condolences, comfort, and support to Bryan's family, his many friends, and all whose lives he influenced."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere burst onto the NHL scene during the 2015-16 season, racking up 46 points (17 goals, 29 assists) in 64 regular-season games, finishing second in Calder Trophy voting.However, that standout rookie campaign ended with two offseason surgeries that negatively affected his play during the 2016-17 season. Leading to a down year that saw him total only 39 points (seven goals, 32 assists) in 76 games.Despite the dip in production, Ghost is feeling more ready than ever to prove his worth, and is looking forward to next season."Now I feel really explosive, I feel really strong," Gostisbehere said Friday, according to Adam Kimelman of NHL.com.Surgeries in May of 2016 to repair damage to the muscles in his hip and abdomen impacted the young rearguard more mentally than physically - a fact that clearly hindered his free-flowing style of play last season."It's your thought process," said Ghostisbehere. "You're making cuts, you're doing things (and) you think about it. 'I could have gone a little faster there. Is that from the surgery?' It's more mental than anything."Whether it was physical or mental, Ghostisbehere didn't perform to the level that the Flyers expect, resulting in him being a healthy scratch in five games in 2016-17."You've got to be a good team player about it," he said. "Can't make it about yourself. Yeah, you don't want to be a healthy scratch, but you take the positives from it. I think I did that. … I got better off the ice when my team was on the ice."Fully healthy and with a clear head, the 24-year-old Florida native is ready for the season ahead."I think going into this season we're really focused," he said. "We're going to have a young, fun, exciting team to watch. And it's going to be a great season."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings issued a statement Saturday condemning a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va., where some protesters held shields featuring the iconic Winged Wheel logo."The Detroit Red Wings vehemently disagree with and are not associated in any way with the event taking place today in Charlottesville, Va.," the team said in a statement. "The Red Wings believe that Hockey is for Everyone and we celebrate the great diversity of our fan base and our nation."We are exploring every possible legal action as it pertains to the misuse of our logo in this disturbing demonstration."A "Unite the Right" rally was set for Saturday, with more than 2,000 expected to take part before clashes broke out between white nationalists and counter-protesters.The rally was quickly deemed as an unlawful assembly by city officials. Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe later declared a state of emergency in the city, which is home to the University of Virginia."We are obviously outraged by the irresponsible and improper use of our intellectual property as seen this weekend in Charlottesville, Va. This specific use is directly contrary to the value of inclusiveness that our league prioritizes and champions," the NHL said in a statement. "We will take immediate and all necessary steps to insure the use is discontinued as promptly as possible, and will vigorously pursue other remedies, as appropriate."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Wayne Gretzky sees a bright future for the Vegas Golden Knights.In a Wednesday interview with "NHL Tonight," the league's all-time leading scorer spoke highly of hockey's newest franchise, which will begin play this season."It's wonderful," Gretzky said. "It's great for the sport, and it's just going to grow and get bigger and better."Led by owner Bill Foley, general manager George McPhee, and coach Gerard Gallant, the Golden Knights expect to be an exciting addition for the NHL, featuring key expansion picks like James Neal, Jonathan Marchessault, and three-time Stanley Cup winner Marc-Andre Fleury.That group will be expected to not only deliver a fun on-ice product, but to build up hockey in the community and with the Golden Knights' budding fan base.Gretzky can certainly relate, and it wasn't by mistake his talk with "NHL Tonight" was held Wednesday, 29 years to the day he was shipped from Edmonton to Los Angeles, paving the way for hockey in the Sun Belt.The Kings were the first entry into the Golden State in 1967 - alongside the now-defunct California Seals - but it was Gretzky's acquisition that put hockey in the Hollywood spotlight."I think (for) my first exhibition game, we had 9,000 people in the stadium, and I thought, 'Oh my goodness, what have I gotten myself into?'" Gretzky said. "But thankfully, the whole organization understood that it was going to be a process. And we were all a big part of that."We weren't just a hockey team. We had to do extra things. We had to get out into the community. We had to really put our foot behind youth hockey and really do extra work, and the players really enjoyed it. They really wanted to make hockey part of the culture of California."Through expansion and relocation, the NHL has since added five more franchises in the American Southwest, covering San Jose, Anaheim, Phoenix, Dallas, and now Las Vegas.And while Gretzky hopes things go smoothly for the Golden Knights, games against his Oilers, where he serves as partner and vice chair, could be a different story."Now that I'm back in that division with Edmonton, I hope (the Golden Knights) don't get too good," Gretzky quipped. "I do pull for people who are good people, and it is a good organization."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Adam Foote has walked away from his role as defensive coach with the Colorado Avalanche, according to BSN Denver's Adrian Dater.Dater reports the 46-year-old has left the organization in order to spend more time with his family.Foote's son, Callan, was a first-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in June's entry draft. His other son, Nolan, currently plays for the WHL's Kelowna Rockets.Foote spent 17 years with Nordiques/Avalanche as a player, logging 967 games as one of the league's best stay-at-home defensemen. He was an integral part of both of the franchise's Stanley Cup victories.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Come opening night, it will be almost 11 months since Brad Richardson last played for the Arizona Coyotes.The veteran forward suffered a fractured fibula and tibia in a game against the Vancouver Canucks on Nov. 17, and he finally feels ready to get back out there after a failed attempt to play late last season due to lingering pain."If training camp started tomorrow I'd be out there," he said Thursday, per the team's website. "I feel night-and-day different than I did four months ago. I probably need a little more time on the ice and some reps, but I'm feeling really good and I'm ready to go."The hardest thing was trying to get my leg strong and to fire again and be normal. I put a lot of hours in doing that. Realistically it might take me a little bit of time just to get back in and feel confident, but I think it's going to happen. I want to get better and I'm planning on it. I've put the work in to get better."Richardson was stretchered off the ice after an awkward collision with Nikita Tryamkin, and distinctly recalls when he realized how serious the injury must be."When I think about that night it's hard," Richardson said. "I kind of get hot and sweaty when I do because the pain was so unbelievable. When it happened I knew it was really bad right away. I could feel my leg snap. But I can still see that fan in the crowd and see his face vividly. His expression was like 'Oh my God!' and I remember thinking 'Oh boy, I'm in trouble.' Even though I knew it was pretty bad, that fan's face summed up just how bad it really was."At 32, Richardson enters 2017-18 as the oldest player on the Coyotes' roster, and his 607 games of NHL experience will be counted on to help lead this pack of young desert dogs.If anything, Richardson is showing his young teammates how to bounce back from a fairly gruesome and possibly career-ending injury.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The super twins era is winding down in Vancouver.When the puck drops to begin a new season for the Canucks, brothers Daniel and Henrik Sedin will be 37, and in the final year of their contracts. In regards to the brothers' future in Vancouver and the NHL in general, they're not looking too far ahead, with a more immediate goal in mind."We think about our future on a regular basis, and we've said we're going to take it year by year now," Henrik said, according to Tim Campbell of NHL.com. "This year, we want to prove we can still play at a high level, and that's up to us to do. And we know that if we do, it'll be easier to answer those questions later in the year. So that's our mindset."2016-17 was a down season for both brothers, who produced far below their career averages. The team as a whole is in a retooling phase, but Henrik still believes the team can compete if he and Daniel are at the top of their games."For me and Daniel, it's just about being as good as we can. I think we should be able to fight for a playoff spot. That's our goal."Picked second (Daniel) and third (Henrik) overall in the 1999 NHL Draft, the Sedins are entering their 17th seasons with the Canucks. Each is entering the fourth and final season of respective four-year, $28-million contracts, and both can become unrestricted free agents next summer.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Brandon Prust believes he has a real shot at cracking the Los Angeles Kings' roster on a professional tryout in training camp.Kings player assistance director Brantt Myhres extended Prust the offer following a meeting with new general manager Rob Blake, and the belief is the 33-year-old winger can help the club with his rugged style of play."Brantt asked what I'd think of coming out on a PTO and I told him I thought it would be pretty sweet," Prust said, per Dave Stubbs of NHL.com. "He said there were some changes in L.A. and they see me fitting in the lineup if I come to camp and put on a good show."Prust last played in the NHL on Jan. 19, 2016, waived by Vancouver shortly thereafter. He was hindered by a serious ankle injury that season, but he attended Toronto's training camp last year after being fully cleared to resume playing.He ended up plying his trade in Germany with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers last season, and will consider going back to Europe if this opportunity with the Kings doesn't pan out."But my main focus is making the Kings," he said. "I'll take the same approach to L.A. that I had in Toronto. It just didn't end up working out last fall, even though I thought I'd played pretty well. I'll try to do that again."In 486 career games, he's racked up 40 goals, 75 assists, and 1,036 penalty minutes, an indication of where his skill set lies. That he's on the verge of reaching the 500-game milestone is a testament to his dedication to the game.Prust added, "I'd probably have played 700 by now if I hadn't had the injuries I've had, but that's the game. I'm definitely proud of what I've accomplished and how far I've come, but you always want more."Fittingly, the Kings will kick off their preseason schedule with a pair of games against Vancouver in China on Sept. 21 and 23.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aleksander Barkov doesn't care where, he just wants to see Jaromir Jagr play again.The second-highest scorer in NHL history remains an unrestricted free agent after playing his second full season with the Florida Panthers, and whether he returns to the team or not, Barkov just wants to see Jagr continue his career."I hope he signs somewhere," Barkov said, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "Whether it's the NHL, the KHL or Czech league or anywhere, I just want to see him play."Related: Jagr didn't expect finding a new team to be so difficultJagr admits he's been taken aback that he hasn't been able to find a team. Meanwhile, Barkov - without stepping on management's toes - wouldn't be opposed to having his former linemate back in the fold."I would be lying if I say no because he helped me so much and probably I would never be in the same situation without him," Barkov said. "When he came in, I took my game to another level and for sure everybody else on the team did too. He just helped so much everybody on the team and is one of the most important guys in my career."Over the past two years, Barkov has posted his two most productive NHL campaigns with 59- and 52-point seasons. The 21-year-old credits Jagr with helping to mold him into the player he is now."I learned a lot, like playing differently in different situations and working out and living the life like a pro," Barkov said. "I was living the life like a pro (before Jagr joined the Panthers), but he took me to another level too, and to love the game a different way because nobody loves the game as much as he does. When you see him doing his own stuff, you take it from him and try to do the same thing and you see it helps you."Over the past three seasons Jagr has 60 goals and 159 points in 238 games, good enough for 13th among right wingers, so teams looking to fill out that side of their lineup could certainly do worse.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Edmonton Oilers locked down rookie Kailer Yamamoto to a three-year, entry-level contract, the club announced Thursday.Yamamoto, 18, was selected with the 22nd overall selection in this year's draft.The diminutive winger (5-foot-8, 153 pounds) registered impressive offensive numbers for the WHL's Spokane Chiefs last season, tallying 42 goals and 57 assists in only 65 games.This summer, Yamamoto played for Team USA at the 2017 World Junior Summer Showcase in Plymouth, Mich.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Henrik Lundqvist was instrumental in Team Sweden's gold-medal victory at this year's World Championship in May - and he paid the price for it.The New York Rangers netminder suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his left knee over the course of the 10-game tournament, but the former Vezina winner says he's feeling healthy again."I've been skating a few times now and I feel good," Lundqvist told Tom Gulitti of NHL.com on Thursday. "Obviously, I have some work ahead of me, but it's a similar feeling. … When you step on the ice, that's the time for me when I really ramp it up and increase the workload, and I enjoy that."He added, "You need a few weeks to feel comfortable, but that's just part of the process. It's been like that almost every year. You just take it step by step."Over his 12 seasons in the NHL, Lundqvist's managed to play in 70 or more games only four times as multiple knee injuries have hampered an otherwise Hall of Fame-caliber career.Last season was more of the same for Lundqvist and the Rangers: another injury-riddled season that ended without a Stanley Cup parade."The highs were as high as any other year. The lows were a little too low," he said. "But I also had a lot of stretches where I felt like I was right there, I was playing the way I can play and should play and need to play. But, obviously, when you're a starting goalie, you can't have too many bumps because then that will affect the overall feeling, the overall rating, I think." ... But it's part of the game and also I'm excited to get to know the new guys and see what they can bring and hopefully help us take it to the next level here."The Rangers haven't won a Cup since 1994. If they hope to end the drought, they will need a healthy Lundqvist to have a bounce-back season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Speculation about John Tavares' future hasn't seeped into the New York Islanders' dressing room.The club's captain will become an unrestricted free agent in July if an extension isn't reached. An unsigned Tavares could mean speculation the likes of which was seen during the 2015-2016 season when Steven Stamkos approached July 1 without a new deal.Nevertheless, it appears likely - as was the case with Stamkos - that Tavares will return to the only team he's ever known. In fact, teammate Anders Lee is confident that will be the case."Johnny's taking his time," Lee said, according to NHL.com's Brian Compton. "There are few times in our careers where we have the power in the situation. I'm not worried about Johnny (returning) in the slightest. He means everything he says, and he's a great teammate and a great player and leader. He's the captain of our team and I don't expect that to change."Earlier this month, Tavares was candid, suggesting he would like to return to the Islanders, saying he wants his "experience" with the Islanders to continue."I think more than anything, the players, we can't worry about that," said Lee. "It doesn't really bother us because we know where Johnny stands and what he means to this team, and how much he cares about our organization."At the same time, he's got to do his due diligence and whatever that is, it's good for him and we all support him on that. We can't worry about things we can't control, especially the guys not involved."Tavares has been team captain since the 2013-14 season and ranks eighth and ninth on the Islanders' all-time goals and points lists, respectively. He's sure to climb those ranks as long as he remains with the club, which Lee obviously expects.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Craig Ramsay has signed a two-year contract as head coach of the Slovak men's national hockey team, general manager Miroslav Satan announced Wednesday, per the IIHF.The contract will carry through the 2018 Winter Olympics, the 2018 World Championship in Denmark, and the 2019 World Championship to be played on home ice in Bratislava and Kosice.Following a successful playing career, Ramsay briefly held three NHL head coaching jobs, serving as an interim bench boss in Buffalo and Philadelphia before one full season as head coach in Atlanta.He complied a career record of 50-63-6-12 in 131 games, but his greatest success came as an assistant, winning the Stanley Cup with John Tortorella and the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004.Ramsay's latest NHL experience came as an assistant in Edmonton in 2014-15.His first game behind the bench will come later in August when Slovakia plays a pair of exhibition contests against the neighboring and rival Czech Republic.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says the league will rethink hosting the 2018 draft in Dallas should a Texas transgender bathroom bill become law."We strongly oppose the bill in its original form," Daly told Sportsnet's Mark Spector in an email Wednesday. "We hope and expect that bill in that form will not be passed into law. We would obviously have to reassess the situation in the event that happens."According to the New York Times, the Senate bill "would require transgender people to use bathrooms in schools and local government buildings corresponding to the gender listed on their birth certificates or state-issued identification cards."The Stars are the first Texas-based professional sports team to denounce the bill, and the club is "strongly opposed to any legislation perceived as discriminatory, president James Lites said in a statement Wednesday."We're thrilled that Dallas will host the NHL draft next year, and we're grateful that the NHL sees the true Dallas that we know and love, a Dallas that is friendly and vibrant," Lites added. "Dallas will be a wonderful host city and we're grateful for the NHL's business. We are proud of our home and want every visitor to feel at home here, too, and that's why we oppose this discriminatory bathroom legislation."A special 30-day legislative session was called on July 18, and the Senate passed the bill on July 25. With the session ending on Aug. 16, "a narrower one is showing few signs of life in the 150-member House," according to The New York Times.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vegas Golden Knights' nickname lives on.The NHL expansion franchise has received official approval from the United States Patent and Trademark Office to continue to use its nickname for identification and competition purposes, according to Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.That same approval has not yet been granted for the logo, and that specific trademark request is suspended pending further appeal. The team will, however, continue to sell merchandise featuring the logo."We’re happy," team owner Bill Foley said. "We got what we wanted. We’ve got ‘Golden Knights’ for hockey and we knew it would work out. We’re not worried about the (logo) issue. That will work itself out in time. But we’re not paying anyone anything."The nickname approval comes after an appeal filed in June following the denial of an application from Black Knight Sports and Entertainment - Foley's company - because the Vegas Golden Knights trademark was deemed to too closely resemble that of The College of Saint Rose Golden Knights, based in Albany, N.Y.The club received notification of the ruling on Aug. 4.Carp adds Golden Knights team merchandise is protected under the league’s trademark banner, and there is indeed nothing preventing the team from using and selling merchandise branded with the team's logo.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jaromir Jagr expected to have an NHL job by now.The 45-year-old unrestricted free agent said there's a couple NHL teams that have shown interest - so has Kladno, his hometown team in the Czech Republic - but he didn't anticipate the process dragging on this far."I didn't expect it would be so hard to get a job in the NHL this year," Jagr said from a Czech Republic exhibition game, according to Michael Langr of NHL.com."Most important is for me to see some serious interest from the team. Because the more serious it is, the bigger the chance to get a better role on the team," Jagr said.While he might not be the force he was earlier in his career, Jagr has remained productive as he's aged. Last season with the Florida Panthers, No. 68 suited up in all 82 games, and recorded 16 goals and 30 assists, which was good for fourth on team scoring. His output as the oldest player in the league leads him to believe he can still be used effectively."I know very well I'm not the same player like 10 or 15 years ago when I was able to win games by myself," Jagr said. "It's up to the coach what position he wants to use me. Maybe it would be even better for me if I played on a second or third line because I would play against worse players and worse defensemen. I didn't have much luck in my entire career, I always had to face the top defensemen. Even in Florida, I always played against the best, which was always very tough."While he's steadfast in wanting to play a 24th NHL season, the window to court Jagr is quickly closing, as training camp is set to kick off in mid-September.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite winning two Stanley Cups as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Matt Murray humbly believes he has a ways to go before establishing himself as one of the best in the NHL."I feel like I haven’t really done anything yet," the 23-year-old goalie told Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I definitely don’t view myself as anything other than a guy who’s just trying to prove myself and be the best hockey player I can be."A year and a half even though we’ve won both times? I don’t think it really says a whole lot in the long run. I think I have a long way to go, and I feel like I’m just kind of getting started."Murray was recently listed by the NHL Network as the fourth-best goalie in the league, behind only Carey Price, Braden Holtby, and Sergei Bobrovsky. That reputation is clearly boosted by winning two Cups as a rookie, and deservedly so. At the same time, however, he wants to be known for a long and prosperous reign in the crease, and not as a flash in the pan."I don’t want to be the answer to a trivia question," Murray said. "I want to have a career like 'Flower' did - the guy who has been so successful for so long.""Flower" refers to Marc-Andre Fleury, whom Murray bumped from the Penguins' starting job and who was plucked by the Vegas Golden Knights in this summer's expansion draft. Drafted first overall by Pittsburgh in 2003, Fleury appeared in 691 regular-season games for the club, with an additional 115 playoff games to his credit, including a Cup win in 2009.Murray has indeed been excellent to date, but it's still a relatively small sample size:Murray's ResumeGamesRecordSave % ShutoutsRegular Season6241-12-5.9255Playoffs3222-9.9284He'll enter 2017-18 as the clear No. 1 option in Pittsburgh for years to come, with Antti Niemi serving as backup. As such, he'll have every chance to build on all he's accomplished so far, and thus prove his early success has been no fluke.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vancouver Canucks announced Wednesday the signing of forward Brendan Gaunce to a two-year, $1.5-million contract.Gaunce is coming off his second season with the Canucks that saw him dress in a career-high 57 games and contributing five assists.Over the past three years, Gaunce has played 124 games for the AHL's Utica Comets where he posted 30 goals and 70 points. The 23-year-old was originally drafted by the Canucks 26th overall in 2012.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NHL all-star winger Dany Heatley has been awarded $6.5 million in a 2012 lawsuit against his former agent and business adviser, according to CTV Calgary.Heatley sued Stacey McAlpine, as well as McAlpine's parents, Gerald and Eugina, after they promised high returns on multiple real estate investments that never paid off.The 36-year-old earned $4,167,839.13 from Presidential Suites Inc. and $2,348,875.53 from Waterfront Developments Inc. in the suit.Heatley last played in the NHL during a six-game stint with the Anaheim Ducks in 2014-15. Since then, he's played in the AHL and with the Nuermberg Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers in Germany.Despite a rocky career path, Heatley put together a strong NHL resume that included back-to-back 50-goal seasons with the Ottawa Senators in 2005-06 and 2006-07. In 869 total games, he racked up 791 points, and captured the 2002 Calder Trophy to go along with a gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Games.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL's decision to pass on the 2018 Winter Olympics doesn't sit well with at least one member of the International Olympic Committee.Dick Pound, a senior member of the IOC, roundly criticized the NHL's short-sightedness in an editorial in the Montreal Gazette last week, noting that skipping Pyeongchang is disrespectful to players, who will remember this move when negotiating the next collective bargaining agreement.

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson may have fallen short of taking home hockey's biggest prize a couple of months ago, but that doesn't mean he won't be rocking some new jewelry come training camp.That's because the all-world rearguard got married over the weekend, wedding fiancee Melinda Currey in a ceremony in downtown Ottawa, Ontario.

When Ron Hainsey was added to the Toronto Maple Leafs' roster last month, Toronto fans weren't exactly singing the veteran's praises. But, after listening to head coach Mike Babcock's rationale for his acquisition, Leafs supporters may change their tunes.Related: Fixing the Maple Leafs' defense means trading a forwardAccording to Babcock, Hainsey is in The Six to lend support to Toronto's No. 1 blue-liner Morgan Rielly - a player for whom the Leafs have high expectations."We feel Rielly's a real, real good player. We want him to be upper echelon in the league so we needed a partner for him," Babcock said Monday, according to NHL.com's Dave McCarthy.Despite being 36 years old with 900-plus games of NHL wear and tear, Babcock feels Hainsey can bring more to the table than just a wealth of experience, and expects the rugged rearguard to complement a defensive group that took major strides last season."Well, we like our D better than I read about," Babcock said, according to McCarthy. "I thought our D really improved last year."Toronto also took a significant step as a group, qualifying for the playoffs for only the second time in 12 seasons. On the heels of a campaign in which so many of his players had excellent years, Babcock recognizes that choosing a roster will be a lot harder this training camp compared to last."Too many good players for the 23 spots," Babcock told McCarthy.Both Hainsey and Rielly are locks for the 23-man roster, and both will be counted on to carry the defensive load for a Leafs club that allowed the ninth-most goals per game last season at 2.85.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former NHL player, coach, and current NHL on NBC color commentator Eddie Olczyk has been diagnosed with colon cancer, he announced Tuesday.He's already undergone surgery to remove a tumor following his diagnosis last week and "will be undergoing further treatment in the coming weeks, including chemotherapy," according to Chicago Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry."I have been working with outstanding health care professionals and expect to be back in the broadcast booth after I complete my treatment," Olczyk said in a statement. "Having the support and encouragement from my family, the Chicago Blackhawks organization, NBC Sports, and all my friends and fans means the world to me and will give me continued strength to beat this. "The Blackhawks made Olczyk the third overall pick in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. He spent the first three seasons of his NHL career with the organization, then returned to the Windy City for the last two years of his career.In his 1,031 NHL games, Olczyk also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring 342 goals and compiling 794 points.In his post-playing career, Olczyk coached the Penguins for the 2003-04 season, but was let go midway through the 2005-06 campaign.Among today's fans, Olczyk is best known for being the lead color commentator for the NHL on NBC alongside Mike "Doc" Emrick.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The beginning of the 2017-18 NHL campaign is around the corner, and the league announced Tuesday the preseason will begin Sept. 16.The Vancouver Canucks and Los Angeles Kings will get things started, but the 109-game schedule features several prominent events, including:

In the midst of a record year for the Minnesota Wild, things didn't go according to plan for winger Zach Parise.Parise was limited by nagging injuries and illnesses, and finished the season with only 19 goals and 23 assists in 69 games - his lowest full-season totals since his rookie season with the New Jersey Devils."For me, last year stunk," he said, according to Dan Myers of Wild.com. "I didn't play that well. I've been working on my game, hoping to put myself in a spot to not let that happen again."Parise is entering the sixth year of a monster 13-year, $98-million contract signed with Minnesota in 2012, and the hope is he can come back refreshed and ready to help bring a Stanley Cup to his hometown.For all the regular-season success achieved under first-year head coach Bruce Boudreau, the Wild fell in the first round of the playoffs to the St. Louis Blues in five games, with Parise contributing two goals and one assist."I think we all should be looking forward to coming back and playing again," he said. "I think it was a major letdown what happened in the playoffs. I think everyone should be coming back excited to start the season and give ourselves another chance."The Wild advanced to the second round twice since Parise's arrival, losing to Chicago on both occasions.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.