Here come the Oilers!Speaking prior to Wednesday's season opener at the team's new arena, Edmonton Oilers executive Kevin Lowe said, "We might lose some games but we're not going to lose quite as easy as we had in the past."Lowe currently serves as the vice chair and alternate governor of Oilers Entertainment Group. He was previously the team's president of hockey operations, and suited up with the team from 1979 to 1992. Lowe, 57, returned for two more seasons in 1996. He's also served as coach and general manager.The Oilers have not qualified for the playoffs since 2006, despite drafting first overall four times since 2010.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If you've taken a peek at Twitter, or caught a moment of the game, you know by now that Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Auston Matthews had a debut for the ages. Perhaps the greatest ever.Four goals on six shots in 17 minutes and 37 seconds.It's an astounding line, one that sent shock waves through the NHL community, and that completely outshines the highly anticipated debuts of the salary cap era.For proper contrast, here's how those No. 1 picks fared:Connor McDavid, OilersMcDavid was scoreless, recording two shots on 22 shifts and logging 18-plus minutes in a loss to the St. Louis Blues. Oilers head coach Todd McLellan said of McDavid after the game: "He was fine."Aaron Ekblad, PanthersEkblad earned his first NHL point in his debut, the defender adding two shots, two blocked shots, one hit, and a takeaway, while finishing with a plus-1 rating. The Panthers lost in overtime to the Tampa Bay Lightning.Nathan MacKinnon, AvalancheMacKinnon helped the Avalanche to a 6-1 win in his first game, collecting two assists. He also tried to fight Ben Lovejoy, throwing down his mitts before being intercepted by the officials.Nail Yakupov, OilersYakupov actually had a decent start to his career in Edmonton, but had to get the debut out of the way before making his mark. He was minus-2 in 16-plus minutes in a win over the Vancouver Canucks.Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, OilersNugent-Hopkins scored Edmonton's only goal in a 2-1 shootout win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, flipping in a backhander after loosening up the puck on a drive to the front of the net.Taylor Hall, Oilers Hall didn't make it on the scoresheet, but helped lead the Oilers' attack in a 4-0 win over the Calgary Flames, recording four shots.John Tavares, IslandersTavares recorded a pair of power-play points in his debut, scoring once with a backhander over Marc-Andre Fleury and setting up another in an eventual loss to the Penguins.Steven Stamkos, LightningStamkos was on a short leash in his NHL debut. He had two shots in a handful of shifts.Patrick Kane, Blackhawks The Blackhawks' only No. 1 pick in club history had two shots in nearly 17 minutes in a 1-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild.Erik Johnson, BluesThe defenseman picked up an assist on a Keith Tkachuk goal in a 3-2 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes in Arizona. He added two hits in 18 minutes.Sidney Crosby, PenguinsCrosby netted one point in his debut, spotting Mark Recchi in front, who jammed a puck in past Martin Brodeur. The Penguins lost 5-1 to the New Jersey Devils.Alex Ovechkin, CapitalsAfter his arrival in North America was delayed by the NHL lockout, Ovechkin scored his first two goals on his way to 52 in a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. His first was an Ovechkin-like one-touch drive from above the hash marks.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Auston Matthews could have done more.The 19-year-old dazzled Wednesday, becoming the first player in history to score four goals in his NHL debut, but after the game he spoke about Kyle Turris' overtime winner, which gave the Ottawa Senators a 5-4 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.Matthews was cheating offensively in three-on-three overtime, and it cost him, as he couldn't get back in time to keep Turris from an open look from the slot. The Senator beat Frederik Andersen high, glove side."It was definitely my fault," Matthews said after the game, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels.The teenager called his four-goal night "pretty surreal," according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun. He added that it was "mites or something" when he last potted four in a game, and that the night left him speechless, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton.It's fair to say he left Maple Leafs supporters speechless, too.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Players don't typically wade into the online commentary mid-game, but after Auston Matthews sprung for four goals (and counting) in his debut Wednesday night, they couldn't help but reach for their phones.Here are the best tweets from Matthews' peers, who have picked their jaws up off the ground, led off by another gem from Roberto Luongo:

Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers will open in new digs Wednesday when they take on the rival Calgary Flames.To commemorate the event, fans attending the 18,641-seat Rogers Place will receive a team-colored orange, white, or blue T-shirt, depending on seat location.Rogers Place marks the franchise's second home after playing out of Rexall Place since the Oilers joined the NHL in 1979. The team won five Stanley Cup championships in that barn, and hopes to bring those winning ways to their new home.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It didn't take long for Auston Matthews to become the talk of the hockey world.Related: Matthews completes hat trick in debutAfter the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie scored his first goal off a scramble in front, Matthews put his skilled hands and legs on display, dummying two Ottawa Senators in the neutral zone before stripping Erik Karlsson of the puck and scoring his second career goal on only his sixth shift.Matthews, the first overall pick, completed his hat trick 1:25 into the second period. Three goals on three shots. He added a fourth goal late in the second period, becoming the first player in NHL history to score four in his debut.Twitter, of course, lost its damn mind. Here's the best reactions:

The 2016-17 season may already have its greatest highlight and the teams haven't even hit the ice.Here's Patrick Kane, fully realizing he's in a real battle with the weather and his umbrella, while walking the red carpet in Chicago Wednesday. And just when he thinks he's regained control - at this point mid-wink with a fan - the thing absolutely implodes on the reigning Hart Trophy winner.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Wayne Gretzky's going to need a parking spot.No. 99 returned to Edmonton on Wednesday, when he was named partner and vice-chairman of the Oilers Entertainment Group. And while his day-to-day role has yet to be determined, his job will be far from ceremonial.According to TSN's Frank Seravalli, "Gretzky's voice will be heard in hockey-related discussions, serving as a sounding board in addition to serving in a variety of community roles."For Gretzky, it was about timing. He said he's had opportunities to get back into the game after his coaching tenure in Arizona ended in 2009, but was waiting for the right one."We felt like this was a really great opportunity for me to get back in the game and do what we all want to do: win a Stanley Cup," Gretzky said. "I’m privileged and proud to be back as an Oiler."While he was named partner, Gretzky will not have a financial stake in the Oilers, and both he and owner Daryl Katz made a point to remind everyone of who runs the Oilers hockey team: president and general manager Peter Chiarelli."This is Peter's team," Gretzky said. "You’re not going to see me calling teams (for trades). That’s for Peter to do."Gretzky added that he's "thrilled to be back," and is looking forward to being part of an Oilers team on the rise.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL will introduce its 31st team next season, with the addition of Las Vegas, but there doesn't appear to be any urgency to continue that growth.As the NHL readies for Las Vegas and an expansion draft next June, further expansion talk is on the back burner, according to Jeremy Jacobs, owner of the Boston Bruins and chairman of the NHL's board of governors."I really don't (see additional expansion talk). I believe we’re looking for balance now," Jacobs told CSNNE's Joe Haggerty. "We have 16 teams in the East and 15 teams in the West. There isn't as much compelling reason as there was. I think this league is looking for more stability."That's bad news for hockey fans in Quebec City and Seattle, among other markets.Aside from Las Vegas, Quebec City was the only other applicant for the NHL's latest expansion process. The Quebec capital recently opened the new Videotron Centre."The saying is that 'the best new business is to take care of your old business.' I think it's really important that all of these franchises are strong and stable," Jacobs added. "We've got tremendous balance in our competition today."Interestingly enough, in October 2015, Jacobs expressed interest in the NHL expanding to Houston, which has an NHL-ready arena in the Toyota Center, the former home of the AHL's Houston Aeros, who uprooted for Iowa in 2013.As an added benefit, the team would align in the West and have a natural rival in the cross-state Dallas Stars.As for Las Vegas, the team continues to move forward under the guidance of general manager George McPhee, who recently conducted a mock draft to prepare for the live event next summer.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have trimmed their roster, assigning 2016 third overall pick Pierre-Luc Dubois to Cape Breton of the QMJHL, the team announced Wednesday.Dubois, 18, scored 42 goals and 57 assists with Cape Breton last season.In a related move, the Blue Jackets recalled forward Alexander Wennberg. The 22-year-old appeared in 69 games with Columbus last season, recording eight goals and 32 assists.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

P.A. Parenteau isn't dwelling on what could have been.After being claimed on waivers Tuesday by the New Jersey Devils, the former New York Islanders winger was quick to cut ties with the Brooklyn club, telling Devils broadcaster Sherry Ross that he tossed the two Islanders jerseys he bought for his children in the trash.

The newest member of the Calgary Flames has found a home on the team's top line.At practice Wednesday, head coach Glen Gulutzan paired veteran winger Kris Versteeg with young stars Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.Versteeg, 30, signed with the Flames on Tuesday after previously agreeing to a professional tryout with the rival Edmonton Oilers.The two-time Stanley Cup champion split last season between the Carolina Hurricanes and Los Angeles Kings, scoring 38 points in 77 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Wayne Gretzky is returning to Edmonton as vice-chairman of the Oilers Entertainment Group.Oilers owner Darryl Katz made the announcement Wednesday, saying Gretzky will be involved in all aspects of OEG business.Gretzky himself stated he believes it's a great opportunity for him to get back in the game, that he's proud to involved with the Oilers, and excited to help bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.The Great One was the face of the Oilers' dynasty back in the 1980s, recording 1,669 of his all-time record 2,857 NHL points in an Edmonton jersey and helping the team win four Cups between 1984 and 1988.He had not held an official position with any NHL club or the league itself since stepping down as Coyotes head coach and head of hockey operations in 2009. He was also recently named official ambassador of the league's centennial season, a role he will retain despite the new position.The announcement was made following the unveiling of Gretzky's statue outside Rogers Place Wednesday afternoon, with the Oilers set to kick off a new season against rival Calgary later this evening.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Sabres are expected to be without forward Jack Eichel for at least four-to-six weeks after sustaining a high ankle sprain, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.Related: Fantasy Fallout: Sabres' forward value craters with Eichel outThe Sabres confirmed the diagnosis and announced there's no timeline for the 19-year-old's return.Related: Watch: Sabres' Eichel leaves practice with ankle injury after awkward fallEichel got tangled up with forward Zemgus Girgensons at practice Wednesday during a drill in front of the net and took an awkward fall on his left ankle.

Wayne Gretzky appears set to return to the Edmonton Oilers.With his famous statue set to be unveiled again at the team's brand-new arena, reports Wednesday suggest the Great One will return to the organization in an official capacity.

Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.Here are the fantasy repercussions from Buffalo Sabres C Jack Eichel suffering an ankle injury in practice:Center of AttentionEichel's absence is a significant blow to a Sabres team looking to return to the playoffs after years of struggles. From a fantasy perspective, it's just as damaging to those who invested an early-round pick on the talented center, who doesn't turn 20 until October; he finished 33rd in theScore's top 200 rankings for standard leagues, making him an early-fourth-round pick.Redraft owners will need to replace his production; that won't be an easy task, with Eichel expected to surpass 65 points as a baseline in his second NHL season. Yet, if there's a silver lining here, it's the timing: Early-season hot streaks will create fantasy value in players thought to have none, so work the waiver wire and you should be able to recoup most of your lost points.The same strategy works in keeper/dynasty formats, and this injury shouldn't torpedo Eichel's value. If anything, it might create an interesting buying opportunity should the Eichel owner be otherwise thin at center. If you find yourself dealing with surplus value there, make an offer for 75-80 cents on the dollar, and you might wind up with an electrifying talent at a discount.Kane, Reinhart down several pegsDisregarding the obvious impact Eichel's injury has on his owners, the impact on the rest of the Buffalo roster is also significant - particularly with the Sabres dealing with injuries to two other skill players in center Ryan O'Reilly and winger Kyle Okposo. The absence of three of Buffalo's top five forwards puts a major damper on the rest of the team from a fantasy standpoint.Wingers Evander Kane and Sam Reinhart, who were projected to begin the season flanking Eichel, are unusable in daily fantasy; you're playing them if you own them in season-long formats, but you may want to keep them on your bench on busier schedules or in unfavorable matchups. The entire Buffalo forward collection is a risky proposition until its stars return.Diamond in the rough?If you're hoping to sift through the wreckage in search of fantasy value, consider depth forward Johan Larsson. The 24-year-old had just 17 points in 74 games last season, but will likely be thrust into more of a starring role alongside two of Kane, Reinhart, Marcus Foligno and Tyler Ennis. Consider him a long-shot tournament option in daily fantasy formats.Ennis is an intriguing play, as well, given his role on the power play. He should see some PP1 time next to Kane and Reinhart to open the season, and already has a pair of 20-goal seasons under his belt. He could be a nice low-salary roster filler in daily fantasy, and should carry enough value to be a depth option or injury replacement in season-long leagues.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sidney Crosby has officially been ruled out of Thursday's season opener against the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed.Crosby, who was diagnosed with a concussion on Oct. 10, was able to skate on his own and practice with the team Wednesday, but has yet to be cleared for contact.Crosby wants to play, but not at the risk of coming back too early.

The Buffalo Sabres' opening-day roster took another hit Wednesday.After forward Jack Eichel left practice upon suffering an ankle injury, head coach Dan Bylsma announced that forward Kyle Okposo will not dress Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens as he deals with a bruised knee.The 28-year-old agreed to a seven-year, $42-million deal during the offseason and is slated to play big minutes in the club's top six.Last season, he finished second only to John Tavares in New York Islanders scoring with 22 goals and 64 points in 79 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs remain in "wait and C" mode.Head coach Mike Babcock has confirmed the team will not be naming a new captain before the puck drops on a new season.

Puck drop on the season is hours away, so all there's left to do is throw darts at the board and call them predictions, hoping at least one finds the bullseye. Or triple-20.Here goes: five bold predictions for the upcoming NHL season:Bishop trade bites BoltsFor his executive master class (sorry, Nikita Kucherov signed for what!?), Steve Yzerman's Tampa Bay Lightning have the look of a Stanley Cup champion. But there's still one piece of business left in Tampa: the imminent departure of netminder Ben Bishop. Yzerman will find a trade partner, because he's not the type to simply relinquish an asset, but he'll wish he hung on when Andrei Vasilevskiy can't match Bishop's standard and the Lightning crash out in the Eastern Conference Final for a second straight season.McDavid, and no one else, hits triple digitsLet's revisit what it took to hit the 100-point threshold. Patrick Kane used the longest point-scoring streak in more than two decades, scoring 16 goals and 40 points in 26 games, just to get on pace. From there on, the longest he went without registering a point was three games, and yet he still needed six points over his final five contests (he would register 12) to hit the century mark. Connor McDavid will need to produce far beyond the 1.07 points per game he scored as a rookie, but he'll do it, becoming the only player to hit triple digits this season.Preds produce 2 Norris finalistsA little trivia: What was the last pair of teammates to earn nominations for the Norris Trophy in the same season? Answer: Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger, who were tabbed back in 2007 while anchoring the Anaheim Ducks' championship run. This season, Roman Josi and P.K. Subban of the Nashville Predators will each be acknowledged, though we're not willing to promise the title those Ducks delivered.Friction in OttawaOn the topic of Norris candidates, let's check in on Erik Karlsson. We're not suggesting a Subban-sized rift will manifest itself in Ottawa, but there oughta be some sort of adjustment period between the world-class defender and Guy Boucher. The new Ottawa Senators coach was hired specifically to overhaul a system that allowed the most shots per game and the fifth-most goals. Problem is, this fix means Karlsson - the team's best, most dangerous offensive weapon - might have to change his style the most to accommodate Boucher.Neuvirth challenges for VezinaOn the strength of an impressive preseason, it appears the Philadelphia Flyers will roll with Steve Mason out of the gates. But Michal Neuvirth, who enjoyed a fabulous first season with Philadelphia last year, has been on the pine for too long. Last spring, he stopped 103-of-105 postseason shots. With a contract to compete for, as well as opportunities in Las Vegas and other free-agent markets, it's Neuvirth who'll lead the Flyers back into the playoffs with Vezina-like numbers.Extras

The Boston Bruins will open the season without their No. 1 center.Patrice Bergeron is day to day with a lower-body injury and will not make the trip to Columbus for the team's season opener against the Blue Jackets on Thursday, the team announced Wednesday.

The Montreal Canadiens will begin their season without Carey Price in net.The goalie has come down with the flu, did not practice Wednesday, and will not travel with the team to Buffalo in advance of Thursday's season opener against the Sabres, the club has announced.He could, however, be back for Montreal's second game.

The Anaheim Ducks are set to begin a new season with two of the NHL's remaining three unsigned restricted free agents, and representation for Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell have indicated nothing is imminent in terms of contract agreements.From Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register:

Tyler Toffoli is setting high expectations for himself as he gears up for his fourth season.The Los Angeles Kings forward is just 24 years of age, but he's not afraid to admit that he would like to one day pace the league in goals."I'm pretty competitive so I want to do better," Toffoli said, according to NHL.com's Nicholas Cotsonika. "I want to score more goals. At the end of the day, if you can lead the NHL in goals, that's a really huge accomplishment. So there's definitely strides to take."While the benchmark might seem a little steep, especially for someone his age, Toffoli is not shy about dreaming big."I think that'd be anybody's goal," Toffoli said. "Obviously it would be a really huge season, but that's why you play the game."In fact, teammate Jeff Carter feels he is just as capable as anyone to do so."That's probably pretty accurate, what he's saying," Carter said. "He has the potential to do that. He knows that. We all know that."He's a smart kid. He understands that people always expect more. He pushes himself too. He has a couple tough games, he gets on himself. He's out there working. He's not a kid that has a big year and thinks he's got it made."Toffoli has seen his goal totals rise every season since he joined the league full time during the 2013-14 season, going from 12 to 23 to a career-high 31 last season.In fact his 31 goals tied him for 16th among all players last season. Another jump in his production could put him among the league's best. It will just be whether it will be enough to catch the likes of Alex Ovechkin who led the NHL with 19 more goals that Toffoli in 2016.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With buzz from the World Cup of Hockey having long worn off and the preseason mercifully well in the rearview mirror, the 2016-17 NHL regular season is finally upon us, and there's no shortage of matchups to get excited about right out of the gate.Here are five games to watch during the first week:Maple Leafs vs. Senators (Wednesday, Oct. 12)It's generally difficult to endorse a meeting between two non-playoff teams, one of which finished dead last in the league standings last season.But this is opening night and all eyes will be on the debut of 2016 first overall pick Auston Matthews, not to mention a host of other first-year Toronto Maple Leafs players - notably William Nylander, Mitch Marner, Nikita Zaitsev, and Frederik Andersen - looking to lift the team out of the basement and back into relevance sooner than later.At the other end of the ice will stand the Ottawa Senators, who'll be looking to keep Toronto down as the Battle of Ontario heats back up. Look for hometown boy Derick Brassard to make a good impression in the first game with his new club.Capitals vs. Penguins (Thursday, Oct. 13)This one will lack some luster due to a Sidney Crosby's unfortunate injury situation, but there's no doubt the Washington Capitals will be looking to exact some revenge on the Pittsburgh Penguins after an early exit from the postseason.To make things worse, the reigning Presidents' Trophy winners will have to watch their division rivals raise a Stanley Cup banner before the puck drops.Blackhawks vs. Predators (Friday, Oct. 14-Saturday, Oct. 15)The Music City will be absolutely bumping Friday as the Nashville Predators kick off their season on home ice against the Chicago Blackhawks.This, of course, will mark the regular-season debut for P.K. Subban, who might just be the piece of the puzzle the Predators have been missing after years of failing to take the next step in the Western Conference.The schedule makers did hockey fans a solid by adding a rematch in Chicago on Saturday.Sabres vs. Oilers (Sunday, Oct. 16)Let's call this one McDavid versus Eichel, Round Two.The top two picks from the 2015 NHL Draft - namely Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel - will go head-to-head for the second time in their young careers, with the latter out to prove he remains in the same conversation as the NHL's next great one, and both the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres looking to confirm their respective rebuilds are nearing completion.Panthers vs. Lightning (Tuesday, Oct. 18)Welcome to the NHL's next great rivalry.The Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers appear to have distanced themselves from the rest of the Atlantic Division, and both teams enter the season with legitimate hopes of contending for the Stanley Cup.Rivalries are cemented in the playoffs, but begin to take shape in the regular season.Hockey is hot in the Sunshine State. Get used to it.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Experts Series is a multi-part project which delves into the mindset of athletes who've reached the pinnacle of their profession, offering insight on the philosophy and fundamentals that led to their most memorable moments.​The MomentToronto Maple Leafs center Tyler Bozak is the Buds' go-to guy in the faceoff circle. Over the past six seasons he ranks ninth in the league with 7,935 faceoffs taken.That makes singling out a signature faceoff difficult, but one stands apart from the rest because of the situation, the result, and the teaching moment that comes from it.On a January night in 2014 against the Boston Bruins, Bozak was called upon to take a faceoff in the offensive zone to the right of goaltender Tuukka Rask. Bozak won a tie-up faceoff against Gregory Campbell by pushing the puck to Phil Kessel along the left wall. Kessel worked the puck to Carl Gunnarsson at the point, and Gunnarsson one-timed it on goal.While that was going on, Bozak snuck in behind the defense to the front of the goal mouth and was left uncovered and free to hammer home the rebound from Gunnarsson's one-timer."There are different plays we run on every faceoff," Bozak told theScore. "A lot of them I'll just go to the net. The odd one I'll come in the slot or go to the wall. But as soon as that puck's dropped you've got to think: If you lose it, you're playing defense. If you win it, where do you go?"The PhilosophyPuck possession has become a higher priority in the NHL in recent years. As Bozak notes, controlling the puck starts in the faceoff circle."If you start with the puck you're not playing defense," he said. "I was always taught that if you have the puck you can try and score and get to play offense. A big part of that, I believe, is winning the faceoff and starting with the puck and being on offense right from the start."For Bozak, prioritizing faceoffs is something he's done long before arriving in the NHL."When I was growing up, my dad was actually pretty big on it," he said. "I didn't really think it was a big part of the game, but it was something that he always told me to work on and learn at an early age and I think that gave me an advantage. I don't think while I was growing up many kids were working on that part of the game, and it was something that gave me a little advantage over some people that I didn't have in other areas."Having dedicated as much time as he has, and with so many years of experience in the faceoff circle, Bozak knows there are many different ways to win a draw."Some nights you can be half-a-second off and you're going to have a bad night," he said. "But the nights that I am half-a-second off I'm not really trying to win them clean. I'll start trying to tie guys up, and have my wingers come in and help me, or win it back with my feet."It all depends on who I'm going against, what hand they are, and what side of the ice it's on. I try to have a few different techniques for every area so if one's not working I can switch to something else."Previous editions of The Experts SeriesMike Weir on putting under pressure

The Great One says there's less room for creativity in modern hockey than there was in his heyday and when he was growing up."What we've lost a little bit of is playing on the pond, and just going out there and using your creativity and your imagination, doing things with the puck, learning how to make funny plays, good plays and creative plays," Wayne Gretzky told CBC's Peter Mansbridge."We've lost a little bit of that imagination and creativity that we had in the '60s, '70s, and '80s."Gretzky believes the diminished level of creativity stems from added pressure and an emphasis on methodical hockey at the development level."It's very much more robotic because it's more systematic now," he said. "There's too much at stake, not only for ... the NHL teams, (but) junior teams, college teams. If you go to a peewee hockey game here in Toronto ... these coaches are systematic now. You play left wing, you play your position. You play right wing, you play your position."The NHL's all-time leading scorer isn't sure he could play in today's game."I don't know if a guy like (Hall of Fame defenceman) Paul Coffey or myself … could play in this era, because our creativity would have just naturally taken over, and now the game is so systematic," Gretzky said.He also believes young players are being overworked."When I was 10 years old, I went to school at 9 o'clock and I got out at 3:30 … and then you went and did hockey, baseball, lacrosse," he said. "Now these kids they go to school at 8 o'clock, they get out at 11 and they're practising from 11 until 5 at these hockey academies and these camps."Gretzky did concede that the overall level of play has improved despite the overall lack of ingenuity."The game's better. We're not losing anything in the game with this (diminishing) creativity and imagination. The game is better because the players are better."The Great One is the latest - and most influential - hockey figure to weigh in on the lack of creativity in the modern game.In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last month, Pavel Datysuk said creativity in the NHL is fading.Hall of Famer Guy LaFleur made similar comments in December 2015, and Gretzky himself told The New York Times in April that the NHL lacks creativity and imagination.It's not a new argument, but it carries extra weight when reinforced by the game's most respected player.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Clubs that fail to follow the NHL's new concussion policies will face financial penalties.The league's new head injury protocol calls for fines that escalate with each offense for teams that don't abide by the new rules."Specified sanctions will be imposed on clubs that violate the concussion protocol," the NHLPA announced in a release Tuesday."Clubs that do not remove a player who requires an evaluation will be subject to a mandatory minimum fine for a first offense, with substantially increased fine amounts for any subsequent offense.Additionally, any player designated for a mandatory evaluation will not be permitted to re-enter the game unless and until he is evaluated by his club’s medical staff and cleared to play in accordance with the protocol."The NHL's new concussion standards were revealed by deputy commissioner Bill Daly last month, but the concept of financial implications was announced Tuesday.A new staff of central spotters employed by the league will monitor every game from the Department of Player Safety in New York. It will have the authority to remove a player from a game for a concussion evaluation if it's deemed necessary following a hit to the head.The new spotters will be certified athletic trainers with hockey backgrounds and experience identifying concussion symptoms, as Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported in September.In-arena spotters and on-ice officials will compliment the league's new staff.The ongoing concussion lawsuit filed against the NHL may have played a role in the implementation of the new rules, but regardless, the changes should be seen as progress. The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Monday that Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sidney Crosby will be out indefinitely after being diagnosed with his third concussion.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The younger Nylander brother won't begin the season in the NHL.Alexander Nylander was among four players assigned by the Buffalo Sabres to the AHL's Rochester Americans, the club announced while finalizing its roster Tuesday.The Sabres selected the 18-year-old forward eighth overall in June's draft.He notched 75 points in 57 regular-season games for the OHL's Mississauga Steelheads last season, adding six goals and six assists in six playoff contests.Alex's older brother, William, made the Toronto Maple Leafs' opening-night roster following a 22-game NHL stint in 2015-16.The Sabres also sent forwards Nicholas Baptiste and Daniel Catenacci, and defenseman Justin Falk, to their AHL affiliate Tuesday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have released forward Brandon Prust from his professional tryout, and in addition, completed their final roster ahead of Wednesday's season opener versus the Ottawa Senators.Veteran Brooks Laich was designated to the AHL's Toronto Marlies, while the freshly-claimed Seth Griffith earned a spot on the big club's 23-man roster.What's more, the Leafs announced Tyler Bozak, Matt Hunwick, Leo Komarov, and Morgan Rielly will serve as alternate captains on a rotating basis throughout the season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Devin Setoguchi is back in the NHL for now.The veteran forward agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings, general manager Dean Lombardi announced in a release Tuesday.It's a two-way deal, according to Fox Sports West's Jon Rosen.Setoguchi will have "an opportunity ... to re-establish his NHL career and prove he belongs here every day," a team source told Rosen.The 29-year-old will earn $575,000 at the NHL level, leaving Los Angeles with about $2.1 million in cap space, according to General Fanager.He was invited to Kings camp on a pro tryout agreement last month, and on his first day opened up to The Hockey News' David Pollack about his battles with alcoholism and depression.The revelations came one year after he admitted to Sportsnet 590 The FAN that he had checked into rehab in the spring of 2015.Setoguchi posted 24 points in 30 games for HC Davos in the Swiss league last season after being released from Toronto Maple Leafs camp, where he was also brought in on a PTO.He enjoyed his best stretch in the NHL from 2008 to 2012, scoring 31 goals with the San Jose Sharks in 2008-09 and adding two more 20-goal campaigns with the club before notching 19 with the Minnesota Wild in 2011-12.The Sharks selected Setoguchi with the eighth overall pick in 2005.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It was almost 2 a.m., while sprawled out on the sofa, when Brent Seabrook finally understood the sacrifices fans of the Chicago Blackhawks are willing to make.Back at work, and likely needing another coffee several hours after the Chicago Cubs fell to the San Francisco Giants in extra innings early Tuesday morning, Seabrook touched on his new appreciation for the club's dedicated fans.

The Buffalo Sabres will have their No. 1 defenseman in the lineup for opening night.Rasmus Ristolainen has agreed to terms on a six-year contract extension with the club, putting an end to his restricted free-agent status. The blue-liner will earn $5.4 million annually, which values the total agreement at $32.4 million, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.Ristolainen is now the club's highest-paid defenseman, and will earn more than everyone on the roster save for recent high-profile additions Ryan O'Reilly and Kyle Okposo.The 21-year-old received the same contract that Seth Jones - a worthy comparable in terms of age, ability, and ceiling - signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in June.Ristolainen bounced back after a difficult second season with an encouraging third, scoring nine goals, posting 41 points, and improving his previously woeful underlying numbers. He's still a work in progress, and will be playing up to his contract value, but has shown signs of growing into a legitimate, perhaps dominant, top-pairing defenseman.Ristolainen was skating with the team as the sides worked to hammer out a deal, so getting him up to speed for the Sabres' opener Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens will not be a concern.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Calgary Flames have signed defenseman Nick Grossmann to a one-year contract, the club announced Tuesday.The deal is one way in nature and is worth $575,000, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.Grossman, who attended Flames training camp on a pro tryout, appeared in 58 games for Arizona last season, recording three goals and four assists.Tnhe addition gives Calgary depth on the blue line, with eight defensemen now under contract.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that captain Nick Foligno and his wife Janelle have made a $1-million donation to the Nationwide and Boston Children's Hospitals.Their donation is to be split between the two institutions that helped save their 3-year-old daughter Milana, and to support continued research into congenital heart condition.Milana had experimental open-heart surgery at Boston Children's Hospital when she was three weeks old. She now lives a healthy and happy life.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kris Versteeg is heading down to Calgary.The veteran forward, who'd been at Edmonton Oilers training camp on a pro tryout offer, has signed a one-year deal with the Flames, the team announced Tuesday.The deal is believed to be worth $950,000, per TSN's Darren Dreger.The Oilers did not simply allow Versteeg to walk, however, as head coach Todd McLellan confirmed a contract offer was made to the winger.Versteeg appeared to have an edge in terms of earning a roster spot in Edmonton after Nail Yakupov was sent to St. Louis, but this move now suggests top draft pick Jesse Puljujarvi will be in the lineup come opening night.Versteeg, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with Chicago, recorded 15 goals and 23 assists in 77 games split between Carolina and Los Angeles last season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils have picked up a competent NHL scorer on waivers, adding PA Parenteau from the New York Islanders.Parenteau hit the 20-goal and 40-point plateaus last season as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Should he post similar numbers with the Devils, he'll be a bargain on the $1.25-million salary he earned from the Isles this offseason.The emergence of first-rounders Mathew Barzal and Anthony Beauvillier likely factored in Garth Snow's decision to cut him loose, but it should be noted that Arthur Staple of Newsday wrote that Parenteau disappointed in camp with a chance to play on John Tavares' wing.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sidney Crosby alleviated some of the concern surrounding his health Tuesday, skating prior to Pittsburgh Penguins practice a few days after being diagnosed with a concussion."I feel pretty good," Crosby said afterwards. "I was happy to be able to skate today."Crosby took reporters through the process, explaining that he woke up with a headache, and felt "a little off" when he woke up Saturday after being "tangled up" in Friday's practice. He then approached the training staff, who initiated the concussion mandate.The Penguins captain said that he will continue to work through the protocol in its stages, performing certain tests and stresses until the staff determines that he's fit to return.Crosby's leaning on the experience from his previous diagnosis, and the advances made in handling these types of injuries in order to feel at ease."I'm comfortable and confident that things will be OK," he said. " ... Today I went pretty hard, so we'll see how I feel tomorrow."Crosby denied that his injury occurred while representing Canada at the World Cup, but did not detail exactly what happened at Friday's practice.He's considered day to day.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have added goalie depth through the waiver wire.Mike Condon, who was waived Monday by the Montreal Canadiens, has been added to the roster.Condon will presumably serve as backup to Marc-Andre Fleury while Matt Murray continues to recover from a hand injury suffered at the World Cup.He filled in for Carey Price last season in Montreal, but could not prevent that ship from sinking, posting a .903 save percentage in 55 appearances.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have claimed Seth Griffith off the waiver wire.Griffith, 23, was placed on waivers by the Boston Bruins on Monday after failing to crack the 23-man roster out of training camp.In 57 appearances with the AHL's Providence Bruins last season, Griffith scored 24 goals and added 53 assists for a total of 77 points.The Maple Leafs will need to make a corresponding move to trim their roster prior to Tuesday's 5 p.m. ET deadline.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Nikita Kucherov to a three-year contract extension worth an average of $4.766 million per season, general manager Steve Yzerman announced Tuesday.The announcement comes two days prior to the team's season opener, and ends a summer-long negotiation process.The final result is a team-friendly bridge deal that will keep Kucherov in Tampa for the next three seasons, at which time he will again become a restricted free agent and likely due for the big money contract he was seeking this time around.Kucherov appeared in 77 games for the Lightning last season, breaking out to the tune of 30 goals and 66 points - both career highs - while adding 11 goals and 19 points in 17 playoff games to further prove his importance to the club.The deal leaves the Lightning with little cap room to work with as the new season gets set to begin.