Sean Monahan is set to make his preseason debut Thursday against Vancouver after being sidelined since early September with a back injury.

The Edmonton Oilers may be close to finding a new home for their embattled former No. 1 pick.The Oilers had previously talked with the Chicago Blackhawks regarding a potential trade involving Nail Yakupov, reports TSN's Bob McKenzie. He said nothing's imminent in terms of a deal, and the Blackhawks are exploring options from within to fill holes in their lineup, but reiterated that Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman may still have interest.Edmonton would have to take back a portion of Yakupov's $2.5-million salary, McKenzie notes, as the Blackhawks remain up against the salary cap.The teams are indeed talking, according to Sportsnet's Mark Spector, and the Oilers would reportedly receive minor-league assets in a potential deal.Yakupov is a high-skill, low-risk forward who Chicago could likely employ at a fraction of his modest salary, and would have options with down the line. There's also familiarity on the roster, with countrymen Artemi Panarin and Artem Anisimov filling top-six roles for the Blackhawks.The fifth-year professional's been squeezed from a prominent role in Edmonton, as the team has made a concerted effort to surround its other high draft picks with veterans who serve complementary functions.Yakupov scored eight goals and 23 points in 60 games last season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Frederik Andersen is taking on an increased workload for the Toronto Maple Leafs in advance of opening night.The prized offseason acquisition is expected to make starts Thursday versus the Montreal Canadiens and Saturday versus the Detroit Red Wings, and the expectation is that he'll be ready for the season opener Wednesday versus the Ottawa Senators, Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reports.Toronto will host Detroit on Friday as it continues through the back-loaded portion of its preseason schedule.Andersen pulled out of the World Cup after suffering an upper-body injury in an Olympic qualification match early last month.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Anaheim Ducks appear to be in the process of clearing some cap space.Clayton Stoner has reportedly been placed on waivers, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The defenseman's entering the third season of a four-year, $13-million contract,Anaheim has yet to sign restricted free agents Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell, meaning this may be an important move toward resolving those contract issues prior to the start of the regular season.

theScore is previewing each team leading up to the 2016-17 season.Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin are nearing the end of their fantastic careers, and the Vancouver Canucks are doing their best to ensure the twins are given the chance to appear in the Stanley Cup Playoffs at least one more time.Loui Eriksson is a solid addition to their right, but whether the rest of general manager Jim Benning's roster is up to par remains to be seen.ForwardsLWCRWDaniel SedinHenrik SedinLoui ErikssonSven BaertschiBrandon SutterJake VirtanenEmerson EtemBo HorvatJannik HansenAlexandre BurrowsMarkus GranlundDerek Dorsett

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama is honoring the Pittsburgh Penguins at a White House ceremony for winning their fourth Stanley Cup.Obama says the Penguins victory over the San Jose Sharks in the finals completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the history of the National Hockey League.Obama says he has now been able to celebrate with eight Stanley Cup winners during his presidency, all from the United States and beginning with the Penguins. He says the team's return represents a nice book-end for his presidency.Related: Obama joins in on the Kessel loveThe Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby, overcame a tough start to the season with Obama noting that they were closer to last place than first in December. He credits their persistence and teamwork as critical factors in completing the turnaround.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton will be out three-to-four weeks with a lower-body injury, while defenseman Brandon Manning is considered week to week with an upper-body injury, general manager Ron Hextall announced Thursday.The injury news comes with the regular season fast approaching, and with a pair of promising, young players - forward Travis Konecny and defenseman Ivan Provorov - vying for roster spots.The Flyers will kick off 2016-17 with a game in Los Angeles on Oct. 14.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Add the president of the United States to the list of those willing to shove it back in the faces of Phil Kessel's detractors.Standing in front of the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins during their customary visit to the White House, Barack Obama kicked off his spiel with this crowd-pleaser:

Raffi Torres may have reached the end of the line.The oft-suspended veteran winger has been released from his professional tryout with the Carolina Hurricanes, the club announced Thursday.During the offseason, Torres made it clear he'd likely retire if he was unable to land a job with one of the NHL's 30 clubs."I’ve been telling everybody (who asks about my future), it’s probably going to be the show or no," he declared prior to being invited to Hurricanes camp.He also acknowledged the tryout was probably his last shot, so unless he did enough to catch the eye of another team, his playing days appear to be over.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Florida Panthers could be without Nick Bjugstad for the opening month of their Atlantic Division title defense.Bjugstad reportedly broke his hand in Tuesday's preseason clash with the Dallas Stars, and is expected to miss four weeks, according to George Richards of the Miami Herald.Sliding down the depth chart with the emerging talent in Florida, the versatile Bjugstad is coming off the least productive season of his career, scoring 15 goals and 34 points primarily from the third-line center position. He was able to generate some momentum late in the season, production that carried into the playoffs.Bjugstad led the Panthers in points in his rookie season, earning a long-term contract extension for his contributions. He returned to establish career highs in goals and points the following season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Phil Kessel's Twitter account continues to blow up with each gem of a post.This time, the Pittsburgh Penguins winger posted a photo of himself alongside linemates Carl Hagelin and Nick Bonino from the White House, where they were patiently waiting for President Barack Obama to honor the team following the recent Stanley Cup win.

Eastern ConferenceMetropolitan DivisionTeamPointsCapitals110Penguins103Flyers98Rangers96Islanders93Hurricanes85Devils83Blue Jackets75Though the Penguins captured the hardware that matters last season, it's the Capitals returning a roster deeper than the one that racked up 120 regular-season points, and who are best equipped to separate themselves over the course of an 82-game campaign. ... Philadelphia sees a marginal increase in total points, but upgrades from wild-card position with the two New York teams taking a step back. ...The Hurricanes and Devils don't have the horses yet.Atlantic DivisionTeamPointsLightning107Panthers100Bruins94Canadiens93Sabres86Red Wings85Senators81Maple Leafs80The two Floridian outfits that combined for a plus-62 goal differential remain the class of the division. ... With Carey Price back, the Canadiens (not the Red Wings) challenge the Bruins for the final playoff spot, but settle for the wild card. ... Detroit misses the postseason for the first time in more than a quarter-century, finishing tightly bunched at the bottom with the other three non-playoff teams. There, success and failure is all relative.First-round matchupsCapitals vs. Canadiens (w)

The Ottawa Senators are content with the defensemen still in training camp and will not be pursuing a deal with unrestricted free agent Kris Russell.So says general manager Pierre Dorion, who added the eight defensemen on the roster - including rookie Thomas Chabot - will stick with the club to begin the regular season.

Martin St. Louis will become the first player in Tampa Bay Lightning history to have his number retired, the team announced Thursday.The ceremony will take place on Jan 13, 2017, prior to a game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Former Lightning head coach John Tortorella, under whom St. Louis won a Stanley Cup in 2004 with Tampa Bay, now coaches Columbus."To have my number retired by the Lightning is a tremendous honor and I'd like to thank (team owner) Jeff Vinik and everyone in the organization for recognizing me this way," said St. Louis. "I have many great memories in Tampa Bay, including our great Stanley Cup win, and this night will be extremely special and emotional for my family and me."I am happy I will get to share the evening with all the Lightning fans who have always supported me throughout my career - Tampa Bay will always feel like home to me."The winger retired prior to the 2015-16 NHL season after a stint with the New York Rangers. He ended his playing days in the Big Apple after requesting a trade from the Lightning in 2014.St. Louis, who briefly served as team captain, played 972 games over 13 seasons with the Lightning, recording 365 goals and 588 assists for 953 points, the most in team history.

theScore is previewing each team leading up to the 2016-17 season.These are interesting times for the Vancouver Canucks, a team that doesn't appear to know exactly in which direction it's heading.Seemingly on the downswing after a 28th-place finish in 2015-16, president Trevor Linden and general manager Jim Benning continue to talk playoffs, and made a significant investment in an unrestricted free agent in order to help reach that goal.Here are three players to watch as the season unfolds:Loui ErikssonVancouver's biggest move of the offseason was the signing of winger Loui Eriksson to a six-year, $36-million contract.Eriksson, 31, recorded 30 goals and 33 assists in his best and last season with the Boston Bruins prior to becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and is expected to fit seamlessly onto a line with Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin - a trio that already played together for Sweden at the World Cup of Hockey.This top line could be one of the NHL's most effective this season, and will have to be in order for Vancouver to have any hope of sniffing the playoffs. If that ends up being the case, Eriksson's contract will be seen as money very well spent in the eyes of the club.Bo HorvatForever to be linked to Cory Schneider as the player drafted with the pick acquired in a trade with New Jersey, Bo Horvat is entering 2016-17 as a pending restricted free agent, and with a big opportunity to prove his worth to the Canucks.Horvat scored 16 goals and added 24 assists while averaging over 17 minutes a game and playing in a variety of situations as a sophomore last season, and will be counted on to provide secondary scoring and defensive responsibility as a second- or third-line centre.A productive year could put him in line for a nice second contract, giving Vancouver reason to believe he is indeed a player to build around in the soon-to-be post-Sedin era.Jacob MarkstromJacob Markstrom also put pen to paper on a new deal with the Canucks during the offseason, agreeing to a three-year, $11-million extension that will keep him with the club through to the end of 2019-20.What's significant here is that Ryan Miller - who carries a $6-million cap hit - is set to come off the books next summer, meaning the club has put a measure of faith in Markstrom to carry at least part of the load moving forward, or at least until top goalie prospect Thatcher Demko is ready to make the leap to the NHL.Miller will undoubtedly begin the season as the starter, but Markstrom will get his fair share of action as well, with an eye on finally setting himself apart as a bona fide No. 1 goalie.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It was a no-brainer. But for an organization that doesn't seem to get much of anything right, even the most obvious decision makes Edmonton supporters hold their breath.Exhale. Connor McDavid is captain of the Oilers. And brighter days are ahead - without a doubt.While the 19-year-old becomes the youngest captain in NHL history, we’ll take it a step further: He’s the youngest oldest captain the league’s known. He may be a teenager, but there’s very little young, it seems, about McDavid, on the ice and off. He’s ready. He’s always been ready.A banner offseasonThe shock of the Taylor Hall for Adam Larsson trade has worn off. It's actually beginning to make sense. Since the deal, the club drafted another offensive wizard in Jesse Puljujarvi, Milan Lucic signed a mammoth contract in free agency, and McDavid shined at the World Cup of Hockey.McDavid’s the superstar teams dream about and he’s surrounded by speed, skill, and toughness. Leon Draisaitl, Jordan Eberle, Puljujarvi, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Lucic, Benoit Pouliot, Patrick Maroon - the Oilers are deep up front. And in Larsson, Edmonton has the right-handed defenseman it has long coveted.More importantly, though, is the Oilers have their man in goal. Cam Talbot struggled in the first half last season, but established himself as a true No. 1 in the second half. He’s legit.Ask yourself: What are the Oilers missing?Dream bigIt’s time. Yes, the “P” word. Playoffs.Admit it, you’re thinking about it. You’ve been thinking about it all summer. And why not? Sure, the back end is thin - one injury away from disaster - but this is undoubtedly McDavid’s team now, as the Oilers move into Rogers Place, their new arena.New captain. New barn. New beginning.The sky’s the limit for McDavid, which means the sky’s the limit for the Oilers.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jonathan Bernier is in familiar territory.Dealt to the Anaheim Ducks in an offseason trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bernier returns to Southern California, where he began his career with the rival Los Angeles Kings.The 28-year-old, who tallied just 59 wins over three seasons in Toronto, sees it as a clean slate."I'm here to prove everyone wrong. I know I can be a good goalie in this league," he told Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register. "I'm not putting any extra pressure, but I know at the end of the day that I've just got to do my thing every day."Bernier isn't short on motivation, as he looks to rebound from a disastrous 2015-16 in which his team finished dead last and he was exiled to the minors.As the netminder re-adjusts to his new old lifestyle, there will be at least one familiar face in Ducks coach Randy Carlyle, who was the Maple Leafs' bench boss during Bernier's first two years in Toronto, and believes he's still got plenty left in the tank."We think that he's a higher-level goaltender than what he's played in his previous experience in Toronto," Carlyle said. "He's a talented goaltender. We think that he can provide us with NHL-level goaltending and we think that the fit for him is right, right now, with the young goalie in Gibby."Bernier is expected to play second fiddle to youngster John Gibson, but looks forward to the opportunity to re-establish himself as the high-profile goaltender who was drafted 11th overall in 2006."It doesn't matter how many games I'll play," he said. "I've just got to make sure I'm ready whenever I get the nod."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vancouver Canucks named their latest cuts from camp Wednesday, which included 2016 first-round pick Olli Juolevi.Juolevi will be sent back to the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. The Canucks plucked him with the fifth overall selection in June after he recorded nine goals and 42 points in 57 games in his rookie OHL season.The club also sent forward Dmitry Zhukenov back to junior, assigned Joseph LaBate and Borna Rendulic to the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League, and released forward James Sheppard from his professional tryout contract.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Phil Kessel played in the Pittsburgh Penguins' game against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday, and he wasn't eased into the lineup.The Penguins winger, who was sidelined earlier in the preseason while recovering from offseason hand surgery, played more than 21 minutes in his club's 5-2 exhibition loss."Our hope is that Phil has an opportunity to get some of his timing back," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan told NHL.com before the game. "He hasn't played in a competitive exhibition game to this point. We want to make sure we're ready for Game 1."The 29-year-old was a key cog in the Penguins' Stanley Cup win last spring, recording 22 points in 24 playoff games.The Wisconsin native, who didn't participate in the World Cup, made headlines last month for his response to Team USA's disappointing finish.Kessel finished Wednesday's game with four shots on goal and played 6:21 on the power play, highest among all Pittsburgh forwards.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog is all for Connor McDavid being named the next captain of the Edmonton Oilers.Related: Oilers make Connor McDavid youngest captain in NHL historyThe Oilers made the much anticipated move to make the former first-overall pick the youngest captain in NHL history on Wednesday, a record Landeskog admits he's glad he no longer holds."I'm really happy for him, there's no doubt in my mind that he's the right person for the job," Landeskog said according to Viasat's Jonatan Lindquist. "He has already established himself in the league and he'll keep developing."It's also nice that I won't have to answer any more questions about the record."Landeskog had held the record as the youngest captain in NHL history after he was given the honor back in 2012 at 19 years, 286 days old - 20 days older than McDavid is now.Eyes could now shift to the captain-less Toronto Maple Leafs and their first overall selection Auston Matthews - who just turned 19 on Sept. 17.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Matt Bartkowski's run with the Ottawa Senators is over, as the team released the veteran defenseman from his professional tryout Wednesday.Bartkowski, 28, spent last season with the Vancouver Canucks, recording 18 points in 80 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dan Boyle has officially announced his retirement after 17 seasons split between four NHL teams.The defenseman made the announcement Wednesday in San Jose, where he played six seasons with the Sharks, and where he and his family will now call home.The announcement was highlighted by kind words from Sharks general manager Doug Wilson, and calls from coaches John Tortorella and Craig Ramsay, along retired winger Martin St. Louis, all of whom were part of Tampa Bay's 2004 Stanley Cup run."Dan's statistics and his accomplishments speak for themselves and we congratulate him on a remarkable career," said Wilson. "As an undrafted player, he was consistently told that he wouldn't play in the NHL but his determination and passion for the game proved many people wrong. Those traits, along with hard work, helped him become one of the league's best defensemen over the last 25 years."

The Edmonton Oilers have made Connor McDavid their captain.His widely anticipated promotion finally made official Wednesday afternoon, McDavid was announced as the 15th captain in the history of the Oilers. At 19 years and 266 days old, he's the youngest player in history to hold the position for an NHL franchise.Coach Todd McLellan spoke to the media soon after the announcement, and compared McDavid's leadership style to Steve Yzerman, the great former captain of the Detroit Red Wings."Connor is not a cheerleader. He's not jumping around in the locker room with pom-poms. He leads by example," McLellan said."I'm definitely not the most vocal guy in the room, not the loudest guy in the room at all," McDavid agreed. "I just try and lead by example in practice and out on the ice. I think I'm a guy that can relate to everyone, and (I'm) fairly close with everyone on the team. I'm going to try to bring guys together."Edmonton also announced that newcomer Milan Lucic, Jordan Eberle, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will serve as assistant captains, forming a talented and experienced leadership core for McDavid to lean on."He's only entering his second season," Lucic said. "He's still very young. He's still got lots to learn. Older guys like myself can help him with a few things."I have experienced a lot in my career thus far, and I have been through a lot. That's why it's a leadership group. Obviously he's the captain and he leads the way, and he's the guy, but there needs to be the guys that follow, and help with it."The Oilers were without a captain in McDavid's injury-shortened rookie year, when he totaled 48 points in 45 games.Andrew Ference was the last player to wear the badge for Edmonton on a list that includes Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Kevin Lowe, and Craig MacTavish. The veteran defender served in the capacity in the two seasons prior to McDavid's arrival.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Pearson was suspended for two regular-season games and the balance of the preseason Wednesday for a direct hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Brandon Davidson in Sunday's game.The NHL's Department of Player Safety deemed that the match penalty, which injured the Oilers blue-liner, involved avoidable head contact, and that, although it may not have been intentional, the angle Pearson took toward the contact was irresponsible and dangerous.Pearson will miss games against the San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers when the regular season begins next week, and will forfeit more than $15,000 in salary.Davidson is day to day.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Montreal Canadiens are set to welcome a couple World Cup champions to the preseason lineup.Both Carey Price and Shea Weber will be in the lineup for Thursday's preseason game against Toronto, head coach Michel Therrien has confirmed.Price will get the start, marking his first appearance in Montreal's crease since Nov. 25. And Weber will be playing his first game for the bleu, blanc et rouge since the much-talked about trade with Nashville.

Hurricane Matthew means the NHL's all-Florida clash will have to wait until the regular season.The scheduled Oct. 6 meeting between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning was postponed Wednesday due to the threat of the hurricane, which has already caused considerable damage along the southeastern portion of the United States.As of now, there are no firm plans to make up the game.Florida is scheduled to host the New Jersey Devils this weekend before kicking off the regular season, while the Lightning are to host the Nashville Predators.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Florida Panthers waived a trio of serviceable bodies Wednesday, cutting Reto Berra, Jakub Kindl, and Logan Shaw as the club shapes its roster in advance of opening night.Acquired as insurance for Roberto Luongo, Berra's demotion likely means the Panthers' No. 1 goaltender should be fit to start the season, backed up by James Reimer.Kindl represents yet another change to the Panthers' defensive corps, which saw more than a 50 percent turnover throughout the summer. He managed just two points in 19 games last season, logging less than 14 minutes per night.Shaw appeared in 53 games for the Panthers last season, and suited up for 19 with the American Hockey League's Portland Pirates.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils will be without one of their defensemen to begin the new season.Jon Merrill broke his index finger in a preseason game against the New York Rangers and will be out four weeks, the club has announced.Merrill, 24, was expected to lock down a role in a top-six group now without Adam Larsson. The 2010 second-round pick has recorded five goals and 25 assists in 165 career games with the Devils.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Sabres added key players to all three elements of the roster this summer.The arrival of productive forward Kyle Okposo, steady defenseman Dmitry Kulikov, and backup goaltender Anders Nilsson should help the Sabres improve on last season's 35-36-11 record.Here's how Buffalo's depth chart looks heading into the 2016-17 season:ForwardsLWCRWEvander KaneRyan O'ReillyKyle OkposoTyler EnnisJack EichelSam ReinhartMatt MoulsonZemgus GirgensonsBrian GiontaMarcus FolignoJohan LarssonNicolas Deslauriers

Alexander Steen is set to play his first game since offseason shoulder surgery.The St. Louis Blues center, who was forced to miss the World Cup of Hockey due to the injury, has been penciled into the lineup for Wednesday's preseason game against Washington.Steen was initially expected to be out four-to-six months following the injury announcement back in June, but made a quick recovery.In the meantime, he signed a four-year, $23-million contract extension.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mario Lemieux turns 51 today, giving the hockey world good reason to look back at some of his most memorable moments.Here are five of the best.1. 5 goals, 5 waysIn a game against New Jersey in 1988, Lemieux scored five goals in five different situations: at even strength, short-handed, on the power play, on a penalty shot, and into an empty net.2. Super movesLemieux's skills were on full display with this goal against Minnesota during the 1991 Stanley Cup Final.3. Lemieux scores in return from cancer treatmentOn the same day as his final radiation treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma, Lemieux flew to Philadelphia and scored a goal in his first game in almost two months, even earning a standing ovation from Flyers fans.4. Final goal before early retirementDespite still being at the top of his game and leading the league with 122 points, Lemieux announced he would retire following the 1997 playoffs. His final home goal was met with much emotion.5. The great returnFollowing a three-year absence during which he purchased the Penguins, Lemieux announced he would return to the ice, becoming the first modern-day player/owner in the NHL.Of course, he put on a show in his first game back.(Videos courtesy: NHL.com)Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Last season the Pacific Division saw a clear divide.The three teams to clinch a playoff berth from the division were all within five points of one another, while the bottom four were separated by just eight points.However, as we gear up for the regular season, early indications are that the gap between the seven clubs will not be as severe this time around, and goaltending is to blame.Some teams have upgraded at the position, others have stripped away, and some are simply facing question marks.Goaltending no longer Flames' excuse for missing playoffsThe Calgary Flames can largely rest their hats on the fact that having the worst goaltending in the league is the reason they missed the postseason in 2015-16.The club gave up a league-worst 3.13 goals against per game, and saw four different individuals man the crease at one time or another, with none providing goaltending that could be considered reliable.Goalie Games Wins GAA SV%Karri Ramo37172.63.909Jonas Hiller2693.51.879Joni Ortio2272.76.902Niklas Backstrom423.35.881However, this offseason the team went on the offensive, and acquiring Brian Elliott from the St. Louis Blues and signing Chad Johnson in free agency. Elliott led the league with a .930 save percentage during the regular season in 2015-16 and tied for second with a 2.06 goals-against average.Meanwhile, Johnson played admirably on a poor Buffalo Sabres club, finishing with a .920 save percentage and a 2.36 goals-against average in 45 games.The Flames still own a blistering offense and a strong defensive core, so the vastly improving their options in net could see the team quickly compete for top spot in the division.Gibson takes on new roleThe Anaheim Ducks chose their main man this offseason.After splitting the duo of Frederik Andersen and John Gibson, the team rolled the dice, dealing Andersen to the Toronto Maple Leafs, who then inked the 26-year-old to a five-year contract.In turn, the team has placed its eggs entirely in the basket of the 22-year-old Gibson, who has just 66 games of NHL experience.Gibson earned the starting role over Andersen last season, but lost his starting job during the playoffs after rocking a lackluster .900 save percentage and 3.08 goals-against average in his first two postseason games.The Pittsburgh native has never started more than 38 games in a season, but will certainly be expected to going forward. The Ducks did acquire Jonathan Bernier from the Maple Leafs, who should help to fill in as needed, but there's no question the Ducks will certainly be testing uncharted waters in handing the reigns over to the youngster.Several unknownsWhile the Flames looked to have beefed up their goaltending and the Ducks have made a point about clarifying their starter going forward, the rest of the division stood pat with their squads' existing tandems, and in doing so have created several questions of their own to answer.CanucksThe Vancouver Canucks will enter the season with Ryan Miller and Jacob Markstrom. The team appears to have Miller pegged as its starter, but as Miller, 36, continues to age and with Markstrom appearing to be coming into his own, the question is: what will it take for the Canucks to hand the keys over to their younger netminder full time?CoyotesThe Arizona Coyotes have been aggressive this offseason in attempting to prove they are preparing for a successful future. But who will be between the pipes when the future arrives?Louis Domingue showed flashes of brilliance in his first season. Meanwhile, Mike Smith - despite turning in strong numbers in 2015-16 - continues to be very inconsistent from one season to the next. Will this duo be enough, or will the Coyotes be left howling for more?OilersCam Talbot's .917 save percentage was the best mark an Oilers goaltender has put up since the 2012-13 season.He is early into what the Oilers hope is a long and successful run for the team as it looks to turn over a new leaf. However, Talbot sits in a position where he could hit the ground running or regress. His value to the Oilers' future could very well be proven this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Professional tryouts didn't yield contracts in Columbus.Forwards Jarret Stoll and Mike Brown, along with defensemen Keith Aulie and Marc-Andre Bergeron were released from their tryout deals Wednesday, as the Blue Jackets announced their latest string of cuts.Stoll appeared in games for the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild last season, contributing nine points across 80 total contests. Brown, a noted face-puncher, split time between the San Jose Sharks and Montreal Canadiens.Bergeron had been out of the league for three seasons before earning a tryout with Columbus, while Aulie played in Sweden last season after a brief stay with the Arizona Coyotes.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There's another roster spot to fight for at Edmonton Oilers camp.Bottom-six grinder Matt Hendricks suffered a lower-body injury in Tuesday's preseason clash with the Anaheim Ducks, and will miss multiple weeks, Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun reports.Hendricks has been useful in a checking role, and especially while shorthanded, having logged the second-most minutes among penalty killers last season. But in his absence, the Oilers could choose to dress a more potent lineup.Longtime supplementary scorer Kris Versteeg remains in camp battling for a contract, while Drake Caggiula, Tyler Pitlick, and fourth overall pick Jesse Puljujarvi have shown well throughout camp and the preseason.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore is previewing each team leading up to the 2016-17 season.The Buffalo Sabres aren't quite ready to join the ranks of the NHL's elite, but they're headed in the right direction.A pair of second overall picks made their marks in 2015-16, becoming the first Sabres rookie duo in more than 40 years to score 20 goals apiece, and a new free-agent addition should bolster Buffalo's top line this season.Here are three Sabres players to keep an eye on in 2016-17:Jack EichelBuffalo's consolation prize in the Connor McDavid sweepstakes proved he was much more than that, notching a team-leading 24 goals and 56 points (second to Ryan O'Reilly) in a memorable rookie campaign.Eichel's speed, hands, and ability to finish put him on many highlight reels in 2015-16, and that trend should only continue.The 19-year-old is locked in as the Sabres' second-line center and should see a gradual increase in ice time, which is good news if you're a fan of spectacular plays.Kyle OkposoHe's not Steven Stamkos, but Okposo was still a significant free-agent splash for Buffalo.The 28-year-old winger gives the Sabres another playmaker on the top line and the power play, and should produce at a similar clip as he did in parts of nine seasons with the New York Islanders.His arrival also takes some pressure off Eichel and the other young guns as they continue to develop, and Okposo should be a vital cog in Buffalo's offense for years to come.Sam ReinhartReinhart nearly matched Eichel's scoring prowess in his own rookie season, collecting 23 goals and finishing with 42 points in 2015-16.The 19-year-old did it while playing about two fewer minutes per game than his teammate, and like Eichel, Reinhart's role should grow in his second go-around.He's already shown he can find the back of the net at the NHL level, and he also demonstrated that in the WHL and the world juniors before joining the Sabres.Buffalo could certainly make a playoff push in 2016-17, but even if they fall short, there's no shortage of burgeoning talent on the roster.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

You wouldn't know there were nine preseason NHL games by the way many hockey players were tweeting Tuesday night.The majority of the hockey world's attention was instead focused squarely on the American League wild-card game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles.When Edwin Encarnacion hit a three-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning, the celebration was on.

The Chicago Blackhawks should have their top defenseman in the lineup when the regular season kicks off next week.Duncan Keith has not played since he was replaced by Jay Bouwmeester on Team Canada's blue line at the World Cup of Hockey while he recovers from a knee injury, but expects to be in the lineup on Oct. 12 against the St. Louis Blues, he told NHL.com's Brian Hedger.Before that happens, he will get his first taste of game action when the Blackhawks take on the Detroit Red Wings in a preseason tilt on Tuesday."I haven't played a game in a long time, like a lot of guys (have), so I'm just going to keep it simple and I'll just get that feeling back again," Keith said. "It's just one of those things now where it's going to be just focusing on maintaining my health and doing everything I can to make sure I'm feeling as good as I can to play."Keith played 67 games for the Blackhawks last season, contributing nine goals and 43 points.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

For one more day, Barret Jackman is a member of the St. Louis Blues.The defenseman signed a one-day contract with the club prior to officially announcing his retirement from professional hockey Tuesday.

Entering the season on a wave, Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby - the reigning Stanley Cup- and World Cup-winning captain - has overtaken Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks as the Hart Trophy favorite.Here are the complete odds, which include Connor McDavid lurking not too far behind:PlayerOddsSidney Crosby7/2Patrick Kane7/1Alex Ovechkin17/2Vladimir Tarasenko9/1Connor McDavid19/2John Tavares10/1Jamie Benn11/1Steven Stamkos11/1Tyler Seguin14/1Carey Price16/1Claude Giroux18/1Evgeni Malkin18/1Erik Karlsson20/1Ryan Getzlaf20/1Anze Kopitar25/1Corey Perry25/1Johnny Gaudreau40/1Joe Pavelski40/1Nikita Kucherov40/1Joe Thornton50/1Odds courtesy Bodog.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Auston Matthews, the much-hyped No. 1 overall draft selection of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is a significant favorite to have the greatest impact season among rookies - at least in the eyes of Las Vegas.Here are the opening odds for the Calder Trophy:PlayerOddsAuston Matthews5/8Patrik Laine11/4Dylan Strome8/1William Nylander10/1Jimmy Vesey12/1Pierre-Luc Dubois12/1Jesse Puljujarvi15/1Odds courtesy Bodog.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

To see a list of all transactions throughout the summer, visit theScore's NHL Offseason TrackerThe Arizona Coyotes have signed Tobias Rieder to a two-year contract.As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed, but it's been reported the deal is worth $4.45 million, thereby carrying a cap hit of $2,225,000."We are very pleased to sign Tobi to a multi-year contract," said general manager John Chayka. "Tobi is a reliable, two-way forward who competes extremely hard. He had a great World Cup and we are excited to have him back."Rieder, 23, recorded 14 goals and 23 assists in 82 games last season, and collected one assist in six games for Team Europe at the World Cup.Originally drafted by Edmonton in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft, Rieder was acquired by the Coyotes in 2013 in exchange for Kale Kessy.The new deal ends an extended - and at times stalled - negotiation process between the two sides.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore is previewing each team leading up to the 2016-17 season.The Ottawa Senators missed the playoffs for the second time in three years last season, and after a relatively quiet summer on the acquisition front, the team is looking to new head coach Guy Boucher for a fresh systematic approach.With a potent offense, and one of the league's top defenseman, the Senators are a threat in the middling Atlantic Division, if they can sort things out in their own zone.Here's a look at Ottawa's projected depth chart for 2016-17:ForwardsLWCRWMike HoffmanKyle TurrisMark StoneClarke MacArthurDerick BrassardBobby RyanZack SmithJean-Gabriel PageauCurtis LazarMatt PuempelChris KellyChris Neil

The puck has yet to drop on the 2016-17 regular season, but it's never too early to think about who will be selected with the first overall pick in June.NHL Central Scouting has released its 'Players to Watch' list in advance of the 2017 Draft, with Nolan Patrick of the Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings standing out among the A-level players as the likely top pick."Patrick is as complete an NHL package as you are going to find," said Dan Marr, NHL director of Central Scouting. "From his pedigree, his skills, and assets, to his performance impact to date, he has everything any NHL team is looking for in a top prospect."Patrick is one of 29 prospects to receive an "A" rating, including six WHL players, six from the Ontario Hockey League, three from the United States Hockey League, two from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, nine from Europe, two from the NCAA, and one from a U.S. high school.The A-level players are considered potential first-round picks, while players with "B" ratings are considered possible second- or third-round choices, and those with "C" ratings are likely fourth-, fifth-, or sixth-round selections.The full list can be viewed here.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Radko Gudas continues to escape NHL sanction.The Philadelphia Flyers defender will apparently avoid further discipline for the five-minute boarding major and game misconduct he received after dangerously checking New York Rangers rookie Jimmy Vesey from behind Monday night, a source told Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post.Related: Flyers' Gudas ejected for boarding Rangers' VeseyWhile Gudas has previously felt the wrath of the NHL's Department of Player Safety, he's consistently been given the benefit of the doubt in similar circumstances.The defenseman has been levied a major infraction in upwards of five incidents over the past season-plus, but just once has it resulted in suspension - a three-game ban for a straight elbow to the chin of Mika Zibanejad last December.Player Safety told CSN's Tim Panaccio that Gudas did not "have time to adjust or avoid the hit once Vesey turns."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jamie Benn is back.The Dallas Stars captain - sidelined since July 14 following surgery to repair a core muscle - said he's ready to make his preseason debut Tuesday against Florida."I'm feeling pretty good and I'm going to test it out (Tuesday) night," Benn told Dan Rosen of NHL.com. "I'm actually pretty excited and looking forward to getting back out there with the guys. Hopefully it all goes well."The recovery has taken longer than expected; Benn was originally set to be out six weeks, but was forced to miss the World Cup of Hockey to continue his rehabilitation."It was actually nice to sit out the first four preseason games and just get some good practice in to start to feel like I'm in game shape again," Benn added.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Another NHL season is nearly upon us, and it's never too early to prognosticate.Three players have legitimate opportunities to reclaim trophies they've won before.Here's who we foresee collecting the major hardware at season's end:Hart Trophy - Sidney CrosbyThe Pittsburgh Penguins captain went on a tear down the stretch last season, exploding after the All-Star break en route to a Stanley Cup win and the Conn Smythe Trophy.Crosby kept it going at the World Cup of Hockey, where he led Canada to the championship and was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.He was nominated for the Hart Trophy last year, but he won't lose out to Patrick Kane this time around. Crosby is a two-time winner of the NHL's MVP award, and if he can avoid another early-season slump, he should have no problem making it three.Vezina Trophy - Carey PriceAny concerns about the injury that limited Price to 12 games last season were allayed at the World Cup of Hockey, where the Montreal Canadiens goaltender extended his personal international win streak to 16 games and led Canada to another tournament title.Price was the best netminder at the event, going 5-0-0 with a 1.40 GAA and .957 save percentage.Losing P.K. Subban will make Price's job a little more difficult, but he's proven to be one of the NHL's most dependable goalies when healthy and should be considered the favorite to secure the Vezina Trophy for the second time in his career.Norris Trophy - Erik KarlssonMany argued Karlsson should have won this award last season, but the Ottawa Senators defenseman was - fairly or unfairly - likely a victim of his team's failure to make the playoffs.Karlsson is arguably the best offensive defenseman in the NHL, and he logged more minutes last season (28:58 per game) than any other skater in the league.The Senators' place in the standings shouldn't factor into the decision, but regardless, Karlsson should take home this award for the third time.Calder Trophy - Auston MatthewsThe NHL had one of its best rookie classes ever last season, including the likes of Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Artemi Panarin, Dylan Larkin, and Shayne Gostisbehere.The 2016-17 group won't be that deep, but Matthews should lead a strong crop of first-year phenoms.He'll be challenged by Jimmy Vesey, Dylan Strome, and teammate Mitch Marner among others, but this should be the No. 1 overall pick's trophy to lose.Jack Adams Award - Mike SullivanCrosby's resurgence and general manager Jim Rutherford's moves were major factors in the Penguins' late-season rise to the top, but Sullivan's contributions can't be discounted.Despite losing his first four games behind the Pittsburgh bench, he went 33-16-5 to close out the regular season and 16-8 in the playoffs.Suillivan will have virtually the same team again, presumably for a full campaign this time, and should secure this award by leading the potent Penguins to another honor - the Presidents' Trophy.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore is previewing each team leading up to the 2016-17 season.In an effort to build their team back into playoff contenders, the Ottawa Senators cleaned house.Ottawa brought in Pierre Dorion to succeed longtime general manager Bryan Murray, and appointed Guy Boucher the new bench boss, his second stint in the NHL.Overall, the Senators will enter the season with a brand new approach, and here are three things to look out for in the nation's capital in 2016-17.Can Boucher tighten things up?Last season, Ottawa iced a potent attack, finishing ninth league-wide in goals for, but countered by ranking 26th in goals against.Enter Boucher, who will be tasked with cleaning up the Senators' defensive zone inefficiencies. Luckily for Boucher, having Erik Karlsson at his disposal is a rock-solid foundation to build a gameplan around in both the defensive and offensive zones.On top of defensive struggles, Ottawa was buried last season by poor special teams. Last year's Dave Cameron-led Senators ranked 26th in power-play conversion (15.8 percent), which is remarkable considering Karlsson, Mike Hoffman, Mark Stone - though limited with injuries - and Bobby Ryan are some of the offensive weapons this team can boast.On top of a dreary power play, Ottawa ranked 29th with a 75.8 percent penalty-kill rate.Was dealing Zibanejad the right call? Ottawa's biggest move in the offseason was sending Mika Zibanejad to New York in exchange for Derick Brassard, a move that can't be conclusively evaluated for a few years, at least.Brassard, 29, is a superior defender, and is coming off a 58-point season with the Rangers, but Zibanejad, only 23, was a first-round pick of the club in 2011, and scored a career-high 51 points for Ottawa in 2015-16.With a reasonable cap hit of $5 million for three seasons, Brassard's contract doesn't hurt the Senators, and Dorion perhaps avoided providing a gratuitous paycheck to Zibanejad, who's a restricted free agent next offseason.Will Bobby Ryan finally breakthrough? After four seasons topping 30 goals with the Anaheim Ducks, Ottawa acquired Ryan in 2013 with hopes of the same productivity. Hopefully no one held their breath.Ryan, who turns 30 in March, has still been a reliable point producer during his tenure with the Senators, and reached his highest mark with the club last season with 56 points in 81 games.Still, Ottawa's braintrust, and fans for that matter, must be yearning to see Ryan - the player with the richest contract on the roster - bring his game to the level they gave up a first-round pick, among other pieces for.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

To see a list of all transactions throughout the summer, visit theScore's NHL Offseason TrackerThe Arizona Coyotes are closing in on a two-year extension with winger Tobias Rieder, reports Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos.