Cody Hodgson has taken his talents to the Nashville Predators' youth hockey program, an initiative which aims to teach the fundamentals of hockey.Hodgson joins fellow Predators alumni in teaching hockey skills as part of the Little Preds Learn to Play program. Offered at six rinks across Tennessee, Alabama, and Indiana, the program attracts more than 1,200 participants from ages 4 to 8.Hodgson appeared in 39 games with the Predators last season, while also splitting time with the minor-league affiliate in Milwaukee.The 26-year-old did not receive a qualifying offer from the Predators in the summer, becoming an unrestricted free agent.Drafted 10th overall by Vancouver in 2008, Hodgson made his debut with the Canucks in 2010. He was dealt to the Buffalo Sabres in 2012 and joined the Predators three years later.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Radko Gudas is at it again.The Philadelphia Flyers pest pasted Jimmy Vesey into the boards from behind late in the first period of Monday's preseason game against the New York Rangers.

Jakob Chychrun appears to be on the fast track to the NHL.The 16th overall selection in last year's draft, Chychrun, 18, could make his NHL debut as soon as this season, according to Arizona Coyotes associate coach Jim Playfair."We're looking a little deeper than that, we're probably looking at the 10-game segment to start the season where we can play with him there too," Playfair said. "It's not a rush decision with him."Chychrun can play nine games in the NHL before burning the first year on his entry-level contract.A projected top pick in last year's draft, the Coyotes selected Chychrun following a trade with the Detroit Red Wings that sent cap casualty Pavel Datsyuk, and the 16th pick, to the desert."(Chychrun) is a real solid player. I think he's a fun kid to watch play. He's a real mature player obviously and he's going to make some hard decisions for us," Playfair added. "He's done everything consistently that's allowed us to look at him as being a real solid player at this time."Chychrun isn't the only rookie competing for a job with the Coyotes, with the likes of Dylan Strome, Christian Dvorak, and Lawson Crouse among the names fighting for spots up front. As for Chychrun, he'll need to win a spot on the left side over Kevin Connauton and Klas Dahlbeck, who both have several years of pro experience under their belts.The Florida-born Chychrun, who will return to the OHL's Sarnia Sting if he does not make the NHL this season, will discover his fate soon enough, with the team's 23-man roster due Oct. 11.As Coyotes general manager John Chayka told TSN's Bob McKenzie, "Physically, he's a man (6-2, 215). Unlike a lot of 18 year olds, he isn't physically overmatched (in the NHL). He has the tools to be new-age physical - below the dots in his own end, he's able to lean on people and eliminate them."He's moving the puck well, getting shots on net. He has all the tools to be a very good NHL defenceman."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Steve Ott and Dylan Larkin sent one young Detroit Red Wings fan home with a memorable photo Sunday night.While sharing the penalty box during the Red Wings' 6-3 preseason win over the Chicago Blackhawks, Ott and Larkin noticed Lylah posing for a picture beside them and decided to photobomb her. The result was adorable.

The Anaheim Ducks announced four training-camp cuts Monday, with veteran forwards David Booth and David Jones among the names headed home.Both players had joined the Ducks' camp on professional-tryout offers.Booth, 31, spent the past season with Vladivostok Admiral of the KHL, scoring 16 points in 23 games. He spent the previous campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, while his career also had stops with the Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers.The 32-year-old Jones split last season between the Calgary Flames and Minnesota Wild, tallying 11 goals and seven assists through 75 games. He previously spent six years with the Colorado Avalanche, in addition to two full seasons with the Flames.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Coyotes are making both an apology and a public plea.The club wrote a letter to fans Monday, unveiling a new "Coyotes 2.0" campaign while urging supporters to forgive them for their past marketing misses.

The World Cup of Hockey was a painful experience of sorts for Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene.From Avalanche training camp Monday, Duchene told The Denver Post that he suffered a separated shoulder on Sept. 13, four days prior to Team Canada's round robin opener.Duchene described the injury as a Grade 1 separation, which is a slight displacement of the AC joint."It’s one of those things, it doesn't get worse when you play with it," Duchene said. "It's just painful. It's going to linger for a bit, but it's feeling good. I just got bumped in practice. It was weird, it was a bad-luck injury. That was it."It didn't affect me all tournament. Obviously, the first time you go out, you're a little tentative on it, but after that, it's just fine. I feel good."Coach Jared Bednar paired Duchene with Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Bourque on Monday. Duchene, 25, scored 59 points in 76 games with the Avalanche last season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Pearson will face the NHL's Department of Player Safety following an illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Brandon Davidson.Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West confirmed that Pearson will have a telephone hearing, meaning the suspension will be no longer than five games.A date for the hearing has not yet been announced.Pearson, 24, scored 36 points with the Kings last season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson has been suspended for the rest of the preseason and one regular-season contest for his high hit on St. Louis Blues forward Ty Rattie on Saturday.Here's the explanation from the NHL's Department of Player Safety:Hjalmarsson was given a match penalty for a hit to the head Saturday. He'll forfeit more than $22,000 based on his salary.The Blackhawks have two preseason games remaining - a home date with the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday and a rematch with the Blues in St. Louis on Saturday.Chicago and St. Louis open their regular-season schedule against each other at the United Center on Oct. 12.(Video courtesy: NHL.com)Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The newest NHL franchise looked to the hardcourt to make a significant addition.Las Vegas has hired Kerry Bubolz as team president, the club announced Monday."I am excited to join the new Las Vegas NHL team, to be a part of building a franchise from the start and to work with (owner) Bill Foley and (general manager) George McPhee to create a successful and unforgettable franchise,” he said in a release.Bubolz spent 13 years with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, serving as the team's president of business operations since 2013.He also helped oversee the AHL's Cleveland (previously Lake Erie) Monsters, the NBA D-League's Canton Charge, and the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League.Bubolz has prior NHL experience, serving as vice-president of sales for the Carolina Hurricanes and Southwest Sports Group, which included the Dallas Stars and MLB's Texas Rangers.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Stars sent the Florida Panthers a gentle reminder about what to wear during an upcoming preseason game between the two clubs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are about to see their new goalie in game action for the first time, as Frederik Andersen is scheduled to make his preseason debut when the Maple Leafs play the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday in Saskatoon.Andersen is entering year one of a five-year, $25-million contract signed upon joining the Maple Leafs, and will serve as the club's undisputed No. 1 option in net.Acquired in the offseason from Anaheim, Andersen was forced out of the World Cup with an upper-body injury suffered while representing Denmark in Olympic qualifying.Andersen, 27, posted a record of 22-9-7 with a .919 save percentage in 43 games for the Ducks last season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A veteran defenseman appears set to hang up the skates.Dan Boyle is expected to announce his retirement from professional hockey this week, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.The Sharks have called a press conference for Wednesday, with Boyle, general manager Doug Wilson, and several San Jose players set to attend.The announcement is to be made with the help of the San Jose Sharks, with whom Boyle played 431 of his 1,093 career NHL games.He appeared in 74 games for the New York Rangers in 2015-16, and capped his season with an angry tirade directed at reporters.Boyle would finish his career with 605 points, a Stanley Cup ring as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning (2004), and an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada (2010) to his credit.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 New Jersey Devils surprised many last season, finishing just a dozen points shy of the playoffs.Goals were hard to come by in New Jersey, but the team will hope their big-ticket addition of Taylor Hall pushes them into the postseason this year.Here's what the Devils' lineup looks like going into the 2016-17 season:ForwardsLWCRWTaylor HallAdam HenriqueKyle PalmieriMike CammalleriTravis ZajacDevante Smith-PellyJacob JosefsonPavel ZachaBeau BennettSergey KalininVernon FiddlerReid Boucher

Christian Ehrhoff is looking to land a new contract in Boston Bruins training camp.The veteran defenseman is following up a World Cup appearance with a professional tryout with the Bruins, as previously reported.

Barret Jackman is calling it a career.After playing last season with the Nashville Predators, the St. Louis Blues revealed Jackman will hold a press conference Tuesday to announce his retirement after 14 NHL seasons, 13 of them in the Gateway City.The 35-year-old was drafted 17th overall by the Blues in 1999, and went on to play 876 games in his career, recording 186 points, and 1102 penalty minutes.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 New Jersey Devils surprised many last season thanks to goalie Cory Schneider, who helped the team stay in the playoff race for much of the season. Here are three questions facing the Devils in 2016-17:Does it all depend on Schneider?There's no doubt Schneider was the Devils' most valuable player last season, posting a 27-25-1 record and a .924 save percentage in 58 games. Most impressive is that he posted a winning record despite the Devils finishing dead last in goals for, as they found the back of the net just 184 times.The Devils have revamped their offensive arsenal for the coming season, knowing they can't always rely on Schneider to cover the gaps.The 30-year-old has seized his opportunity in New Jersey, and, despite missing last year's postseason by a dozen points, the Devils could once again surprise should the goaltender duplicate his performance.Is Hall enough of an offensive boost?The acquisition of Taylor Hall brings much-needed offense to the Devils, who averaged 2.24 goals per game last season.Hall tallied 65 points last season with the Edmonton Oilers, which tops the Devils' biggest point producer, Kyle Palmieri (57). Beyond that, only two players cracked the 40-point plateau: Travis Zajac (42) and Adam Henrique (50). Furthermore, only four Devils reached double-digit goals, namely Palmieri, Henrique, Zajac, and veteran winger Mike Cammalleri, who finished with 14.The 24-year-old Hall immediately becomes the Devils' top offensive threat, but the question will be whether he can once again reach 80 points, as he did in 2013-14. The top pick in the 2010 draft will be a key cog in pushing the Devils toward playoff contention.Can the defensive core hold up?The Devils paid a steep price to add Hall, trading away top defender Adam Larsson. As much as Hall adds to the offensive ranks, Larsson's departure leaves a significant hole on the blue line - one that wasn't addressed over the offseason.The Devils will look to veteran defenseman Andy Greene to lead the way. Greene paced all Devils defensemen last season, averaging 22:57 in ice time, while Damon Severson was the top point producer from the back end, scoring 21 points. Blue-liners Jon Merrill, John Moore, and free-agent addition Ben Lovejoy, who won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, will battle for spots in the team's top-four defensive unit.The Devils' bottom pairing could see a regular rotation, but young defenders Brandon Gormley and Seth Helgeson are both likely candidates. The team also added to its depth in signing veteran defenseman Kyle Quincey to a one-year deal. Quincey, 31, played 47 games with Detroit last season, recording 11 points.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL's Atlantic Division offers it all, from rising stars, to Cup contenders, to veteran squads looking to make one final push. Here are three key players who will have a big impact in the Atlantic this season:Carey PriceThe Montreal Canadiens learned the hard way what a season looks like without the league's best goaltender, Carey Price.Finishing 2014-15 with 110 points and a division banner, the team ran to the second round of the playoffs before falling to Tampa Bay. The performance earned Price a host of accolades, including the Hart Trophy, recognizing the league's MVP, and the Vezina Trophy, honoring the NHL's top goalie.The start of the next campaign didn't miss a beat, with the Habs kicking off the year with nine straight wins and a 18-4-3 record by the end of November. Disaster then struck when an injured knee forced Price to miss the remainder of the season. The Canadiens went 28-36-2 in his absence, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2012.Price is now healthy and ready, as evidenced by his performance at the World Cup, in which he won all five games and allowed just seven goals during the best-on-best tournament. Price remains the Canadiens' most important piece in returning the team to the postseason.Steven StamkosWith his health issues and contract extension behind him, Steven Stamkos can focus on the path ahead. And it's a bright one, with Stanley Cup aspirations in Tampa Bay. The Lightning have advanced to the third round or better in the last two seasons, so expectations are once again high this year.Missing all but one game of last year's postseason, Stamkos has returned to the ice with a clean bill of health. Averaging 40 goals over the past two seasons, and now healthy, there is no reason Stamkos cannot return to his former 50-plus goal production. Not to mention the talent that surrounds him in Nikita Kucherov, Tyler Johnson, and Jonathan Drouin, who will certainly help pile up the points.Keith YandleThe Florida Panthers reached new heights last season, finishing atop the Atlantic with a franchise-best 103-point season, as the team qualified for the postseason for just the second time since 2000. More is expected this year, given further development of the team's young talent, particularly forwards Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov, plus star defenseman Aaron Ekblad.Still, the Panthers were not perfect last season, most notably on the man advantage, as they finished 23rd in the league with a pedestrian 16.9 percent success rate. That number fell to 13.3 in the playoffs, fifth worst of any playoff competitor. The Panthers, led by new general manager Tom Rowe, keenly recognized this deficiency and made a point to bring in Keith Yandle. The Panthers acquired Yandle's rights and signed him to a seven-year deal prior to free agency.A power play specialist, Yandle is a left-handed shot who will likely partner with Ekblad on the man advantage. The 30-year-old spent the past season with the New York Rangers, finishing with 47 points, 22 of which came on the power play.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tanner Pearson may be in some hot water.The Los Angeles Kings forward received a game misconduct during Sunday's preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers after catching defenseman Brandon Davidson with a shot to the head, and could potentially face more discipline.Davidson left the game for observation and was unable to return.The incident will be reviewed by the NHL's Department of Player Safety, with a hearing likely in Pearson's future.The hit also nullified what would have been a pretty nice goal on Connor McDavid's part.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Pearson may be hearing from the NHL in the not-too-distant future.Pearson was ejected during the second period of Sunday night's preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers after a hit on Brandon Davidson.The two collided in the neutral zone as Davidson attempted to play the puck, with Pearson's shoulder appearing to catch the defenseman in the head. After the hit, Davidson was taken to the locker room for observation and was later declared out for the game.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

James Wisniewski will have to look for NHL employment elsewhere.The veteran defenseman has been released from a professional tryout by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Calgary Flames' regular season begins in less than two weeks, and their leading scorer doesn't have a contract.Johnny Gaudreau is a restricted free agent, and negotiations have been stalled since the summer, but the 23-year-old's agent, Lewis Gross, put any speculation of a trade to bed Sunday."We have no intention of asking for a trade at this time," Gross told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.However, Gross didn't shy away from saying the negotiations have dragged on long enough."Our last conversation with the Flames was on Sept. 9," Gross said. "We were told we'd get a call in two days. It hasn't happened. Next Friday will be a month."Gaudreau said prior to joining Team North America at the World Cup that he wouldn't negotiate during the tournament, which has long since passed.Gaudreau notched 78 points in 79 games last season. His linemate, Sean Monahan was also a restricted free agent this summer, but signed a seven-year extension in August.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.It'll be a change in philosophy, not on-ice personnel, as over the summer, Joe Sakic and the Colorado Avalanche management worked primarily at the margins of a roster now in the hands of head coach Jared Bednar.Here's how the Avalanche will return under new direction this season:LWCRWBlake ComeauMatt DucheneJarome IginlaMikhail GrigorenkoNathan MacKinnonGabriel LandeskogMikko RantanenCarl SoderbergAndreas MartinsenCody McLeodJoe ColborneJ.T. CompferGabriel BourqueJohn MitchellBen SmithRocco GrimaldiRene Bourque

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson will have a hearing Monday following a questionable hit on St. Louis Blues forward Ty Rattie during Saturday's preseason victory, the NHL's department of player safety announced.Here's the hit:Hjalmarsson was given a match penalty, and the NHL is reviewing a potential charge in addition to illegal head contact.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A new season means a clean slate for all.It's the most welcomed facet that a new season brings, especially for clubs who faltered or just barely missed out on the postseason a season ago.Heading into this season several teams have addressed dire needs that hindered them in 2015-16, while others simply would like a do-over to prove that the last campaign was a fluke.Whatever the case, here are three teams that missed the playoffs last season who should earn a playoff spot come April:Boston BruinsThe Bruins missed out on the postseason not because they didn't have enough points, but simply because they had one less win in regulation or in overtime than the Detroit Red Wings.This offseason the team said goodbye to Loui Eriksson and instead replaced him with David Backes.With the move the team loses a bit of its offensive touch, but adds more grit - a feature Bruins clubs never seem to be in short supply of.On top of that, the Bruins can expect improved performances from several players. Young studs such as Ryan Spooner and David Pastrnak should only continue to develop into high-end scorers.Meanwhile, if the World Cup has proved anything it could be that Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand appear to be in mid-season form after combining for nine goals and 15 points in six games - good for second and third in tournament scoring.If goaltender Tuukka Rask can also rally after a career-worst season statistically, there is no reason to think the club can't return to the playoffs after a two-year absence.Calgary FlamesThe biggest reason for the Flames missing the postseason last year: goaltending.The biggest acquisition by the Flames this offseason: a goalie.The team addressed its biggest need by acquiring Brian Elliott and signing Chad Johnson as a relief option. Elliott and Johnson immediately help a club that finished 30th last season with 260 goals against.Up front, the team added a player who can seemingly do it all in Troy Brouwer. However, the Flames said goodbye to head coach Bob Hartley while naming Glen Gulutzan his successor.The Flames are just one season removed from making it to the second round of the postseason and still boast the majority of that club. The team has addressed its biggest holes and should be poised for another playoff appearance.Winnipeg JetsIt's hard to imagine a scenario where a team loses its captain and yet are projected to do better the following season.However, the Jets find themselves in such a predicament after Andrew Ladd was traded away last season and ultimately signed with the Islanders.A large reason for this is because of the young, talented contingent the Jets have at their disposal.Of course, the team now boasts a proven goal scorer in Patrik Laine who should deliver an immediate impact. The likes of Nikolaj Ehlers and Connor Hellebuyck should continue to develop, as well as Mark Scheifele who is coming off his best season to date.Factor in that the team will have a healthy Bryan Little back in the fold - after he was limited to just 57 games - and it's no question the Jets posses a deep roster, one certainly capable of making up the nine points they missed the playoffs by last season.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.Though the club's 112-point outlying season achieved under his watch was approaching three seasons in the past, the Colorado Avalanche appeared committed to having Patrick Roy return for another year. But in a surprise announcement made weeks before training camp, Joe Sakic revealed that he and his staff made the decision to sign off on terminating the (other) franchise legend's contract.It seemed like after several months of internal tug-o-war, and debating philosophy, Sakic and his team came to the realization that Roy wasn't going to budge, and they made the decision to cut the cord.And of course, this didn't exactly provide a boost for the team's optics. But the decision, especially at the time, was critical. The Avs were quickly able to find a head coach in Jared Bednar, who before the start of camp, could begin overhauling the flawed system that's failed the growth process in Colorado.Midseason worked for the Pittsburgh Penguins; maybe midsummer's the answer for the Avs?What will Bednar bring?We know Roy was unable to organize a system that worked in Colorado, and that it was time for a change. What we don't know is if Bednar has the answer.The Calder Cup championship coach with the Lake Erie Monsters from last season said at his introductory conference call that he wants to employ an aggressive, uptempo style both offensively and defensively, and focus on pushing the puck up the ice quickly, and into the hands of their skilled position players.This obviously comes across as a sound, even exciting brand, and one that would appease Avalanche fans. But Bednar's challenge will be educating a largely unchanged roster on how to efficiently retrieve the puck and initiate the process of exiting the zone. Colorado's spent the last four years under Roy buried in its own end, reducing the star talents on its roster to covering the points, and chasing pucks below their own goal line.Nate's re-arrivalNathan MacKinnon reminded us in his time with North America at the World Cup of Hockey that not only is he too a No. 1 pick, but like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, he should be a dominant, appointment-viewing player in the NHL.His speed, skill, power, and doggedness that contrasted so brilliantly with Johnny Gaudreau's wizard-like skill set was simply stunning to watch in his time with the North America squad. And while it's on Bednar to manipulate schematically to put him in the best position to succeed, there's reason to believe that MacKinnon will break out this season regardless of who's at the helm.MacKinnon is heading into his fourth professional season at full health, and ostensibly over the issues that affected his performance since his sublime 63-point rookie season.Suspect that his $44.1-million extension quickly becomes a bargain.Who else can make an impact?Colorado didn't make a major splash via trade or the open market, but do have candidates that can step in and make a difference this season.There's the obvious choice in Mikko Rantanen, the former 10th overall draft pick who won the American Hockey League most valuable player award after his demotion from the Avalanche. And there's also J.T. Compher, the Michigan Wolverines star who scrapped his final year of eligibility to jump into the professional ranks.But the Avalanche also may have uncovered value with low-risk signings in free agency. Patrick Wiercioch never found a home on the Ottawa Senators' blue line, but Hockey Canada saw enough in him to invite him to a World Championship, and he has the puck-moving abilities Bednar could find useful on an $800,000 salary. And Joe Colborne has been a multi-function asset for the Calgary Flames over the last few years, most recently hitting a career-high 44 points.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It really happened.For those who slept through the summer, Taylor Hall is now a member of the New Jersey Devils, and No. 9 scored his first goal with his new team during Saturday's preseason game against the New York Rangers.Get used to it, New Jersey.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Guy Boucher is laying down the law in Ottawa.The Senators' new head coach benched Bobby Ryan and Cody Ceci for the first period of Saturday afternoon's preseason game against Montreal, after both players were late to a team meeting earlier in the day.

Rickard Rakell is working toward getting back on the ice with the Anaheim Ducks.It's a two-pronged process - the restricted free agent is looking for a new contract, while also recovering from surgery to remove scar tissue, relating to an appendectomy back in the spring.Rakell, who missed the World Cup due to the procedure, is ramping up efforts on both fronts, according to Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register.

The Nashville Predators have signed head coach Peter Laviolette to a two-year contract extension, a deal that will keep him with the team through the 2019-20 season.The announcement was made Saturday at a Skate of the Union fan event, in advance of the first sold-out preseason home game in franchise history.Laviolette is entering his third season behind the bench in Nashville, having guided the Predators to a regular-season record of 88-52-24 and consecutive playoff appearances, most recently a seven-game loss to San Jose in the second round.He's also won a Stanley Cup and gone to the final as head coach in Carolina and Philadelphia, respectively.Expectations are high in Nashville, with P.K. Subban joining a loaded defensive corps, and Laviolette has clearly been tabbed as the man to finally take the Predators to next level.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL expansion franchise in Las Vegas has named Bob Lowes its assistant director of player personnel.Lowes served as the Ottawa Senators' chief amateur scout for the past two seasons, and joined the scouting department in 2006.He previously coached the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings from 1992-2001. There, he met Wheat Kings owner Kelly McCrimmon, who was recently named assistant general manager in Las Vegas.Under Lowes' watchful eye, the Senators made several key draft selections in recent years, including dominant center Logan Brown with the 11th pick in last year's draft.Other notable picks include: Curtis Lazar with the 17th selection in 2013, Mark Stone in the sixth round in 2010, and captain Erik Karlsson 15th overall in 2008. Karlsson paced all defensemen last season with 82 points.Lowes, 53, was drafted by the New York Rangers in 1982.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jamie Benn's return appears imminent.Dallas Stars head coach Lindy Ruff told Mark Stepneski of the club's official website that the plan is for the captain to play in two of the final three preseason games.Benn is behind schedule in his recovery from core muscle surgery, which he underwent in mid-July with a six-week timetable.The Hart Trophy finalist was aiming to return before the World Cup of Hockey, but was ultimately replaced on Canada's roster by San Jose Sharks winger Logan Couture.Dallas has four exhibition games left beginning Sunday on the road against the Florida Panthers.The final three preseason contests are as follows:DateOpponentTuesday Oct. 4vs. Florida PanthersWednesday Oct. 5vs. Colorado AvalancheFriday Oct. 7@ Los Angeles KingsStars general manager Jim Nill said in late August that Benn would be fully healthy to start the NHL season.The 26-year-old forward signed an eight-year, $76-million extension with Dallas on July 15.Benn posted career-highs in goals (41) and points (89) last season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Calgary Flames forward Mikael Backlund will make his preseason debut Sunday against the Winnipeg Jets, the team announced Saturday.A part of Team Sweden at the World Cup, Backlund was later sidelined with a concussion.The 27-year-old was a key cog for the Flames last season, finishing fourth in team scoring with 47 points.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Roberto Luongo is one of the NHL's elder statesmen, but that doesn't mean he can't get with the times.The veteran goaltender showed George Richards of the Miami Herald his new mask Saturday, and the updated headgear includes nods to both old and new.The panther shown in profile on the left of the mask is in line with the club's new branding, while the one on the right side shown from the front is more of an ode to the team's logos from the 1990s.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Ottawa Senators made 20 cuts to their training camp roster Saturday, including defenseman Patrick Sieloff, who was assigned to the AHL.Related: Senators' AHL team moving to BellevilleCasey Bailey, Matt O'Connor, and Ryan Rupert were also among the cuts, while 33 players remain on the camp roster.Sieloff made headlines in September after he leveled Clarke MacArthur with a heavy hit in a scrimmage, leaving the veteran winger concussed. MacArthur missed all but four games last season, sidelined with post-concussion symptoms.The Senators acquired Sieloff from Calgary in a June deal that sent right winger Alex Chiasson to the Flames.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Philadelphia Flyers goalie Michal Neuvirth has dedicated his mask design to late team owner Ed Snider.

theScore is previewing each team leading up to the 2016-17 season.Despite having relatively the same roster over its last two seasons, the Calgary Flames have gone from reaching the second round of the playoffs in 2014-15 to finishing with the fifth-worst record in the league.The club addressed its need for a legitimate goaltender, while also adding veteran leadership up front with Troy Brouwer.The Flames remain a young squad, and it will be interesting to see how they fare this season.Here's how the team shapes up:ForwardsLW C RWJohnny GaudreauSean MonahanTroy BrouwerHunter ShinkarukSam BennettMichael FrolikMichael FerlandMikael BacklundAlex ChiassonLance BoumaMatt StajanLinden Vey

Daniel Cleary's run with the Detroit Red Wings appears to be over, as the team announced Saturday the veteran winger has been released.The 37-year-old was invited to Red Wings' camp on a professional tryout. Cleary, who last appeared in the NHL in 2014-15, will join the training camp of the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Red Wings' AHL affiliate.Cleary played 35 games with the Griffins last season, recording three goals and 12 assists.The 1997 first-round pick by the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup with Detroit in 2008.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kontinental Hockey League added its first Chinese club, Kunlun Red Star, this season as it looks to tap into the Asian market, and it appears there are still some elements of the game that haven't quite caught on yet.A recent game between Kunlun and Tolyatti Lada featured what might be the worst ceremonial puck drop in hockey history, as the man responsible for dropping the puck seemed eager to get the whole thing over with as quickly as possible.This lead to a hilarious moment of confusion between Kunlun's Janne Jalasvaara and Tolyatti's Vladimir Malenkikh.- With h/t to the Hockey NewsCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vladimir Sobotka saga lives on.According to St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, the team remains in pursuit of the center, despite his recent return to the KHL."Strange enough, he's gone back to the KHL, but he's left his family in Prague and he's still working on trying to get out of his deal (with Avangard Omsk)," Armstrong told Louie Korac of NHL.com.Sobotka, 29, has spent the past two seasons in the KHL. The Czech forward has one year remaining on his Russian deal, and would like to return to the NHL, but needs to get out of his contract. He last appeared in the NHL in 2014 with the Blues."I don't want to say he's not happy playing there, but I know he wants to play in the NHL," Armstrong added. "He had a tough ending to the season last year with an injury that got him to look at things a little bit differently."Following the 2013-14 campaign, Sobotka, then a restricted free agent, left for the KHL. An arbitrator later ruled that he owed the Blues a year of service if he returned to the NHL, after which he could become an unrestricted free agent.Drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2005, Sobotka has played 381 NHL games and scored 123 points.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

On the Fly, theScore's roundtable series, is shifting its focus from the now-ended World Cup to the coming NHL season. Here are four lines we're looking forward to watching come Oct. 12.Laine-Little-StaffordVaswani: Patrik Laine's ready for showtime, and the Winnipeg Jets are going to give the people what they want.The No. 2 pick is slated to start on the second line centered by Bryan Little, with Drew Stafford at right wing. Little, much like teammate Blake Wheeler, is one of the NHL's more underrated forwards. He's totaled 45 points or more in four of the past six full seasons, and would've hit the mark last season if healthy (he finished with a respectable 42 points in 57 games).I have no doubt Laine and Little will have success. The line will feature an abundance of speed, and Stafford shouldn't have trouble hitting the 20-goal mark again.There's also the possibility of Laine jumping up to the first unit if he impresses and Nikolaj Ehlers struggles. Laine, Mark Scheifele, and Wheeler - that'd be something.Lucic-McDavid-EberleCuthbert: Just a few days after dealing one of the NHL's most efficient left wingers, the Edmonton Oilers devoted $42 million to Milan Lucic, signing him to fill the void on the depth chart left by Taylor Hall. So on Tuesday, the first time skating on a line, apparent disconnect between Lucic and linemates Connor McDavid and Jordan Eberle caught the attention of fans, and of course the media.Except McDavid's impression was very much the opposite. The Oilers soon-to-be captain, whose opinion, mind you, is really the only one that matters, mentioned afterwards he thinks Lucic is "almost a perfect winger" to complement his game, as the bruiser possesses the size, strength, and offensive instincts to create space and force defenses into mistakes.McDavid's already the most exciting, most dynamic player this league has to offer; who doesn't want to him operate in more space, and more often?D. Sedin-H. Sedin-ErikssonHagerman: Vancouver Canucks fans were lucky enough to get a sneak peak at their future top line at the World Cup.The trio of Daniel and Henrik Sedin with Loui Eriksson largely played as Team Sweden's top trio, and boy did they look good.The three went off for a combined six points in four games during the tournament, along with another eight points in three pre-tournament contests. The triumvirate have an average age of over 34 years old, but you'd never know it based on how they played for Sweden.Immediately, the three appear in sync - of course the Sedins always have and always will be - as Eriksson has seemed to fit seamlessly with the twins' high-tempo, passing-play style.Unlike Radim Vrbata - whose experiment with the Sedins thrived during the 2014-15 season, but failed last year - Eriksson is a much more well rounded player able to also help out in the corners, perfect for the Sedins.The Canucks will have a lot going against them this season, but their No. 1 line should be no worry.Vesey-Zibanejad-NashWilkins: The New York Rangers' second line offers a little bit of everything, from highly touted recruit Jimmy Vesey, to new pivot Mika Zibanejad, and streaky winger Rick Nash.Vesey and Zibanejad are both new faces to New York, with Vesey joining as an unsigned college recruit, while Zibanejad brings his talents from the Ottawa Senators. The 2016 Hobey Baker winner, Vesey was pursued by many teams after tallying 46 points in 33 games with Harvard.Acquired for veteran center Derick Brassard, Zibanejad brings young legs and up-and-coming skill to Manhattan. The 23-year-old playmaker is showing signs of a breakout - he scored a career-best 51 points in 81 games last season - and he'll have a chance to build on that partnered with two shooters.A new season offers a clean slate for Nash, who plummeted to 15 goals last year after finishing with 42 in the previous campaign. Still, he was limited to 60 games in 2015-16, and a full season surrounded by fresh linemates could be just the trick to help the former Rocket Richard winner find the back of the net more often.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.A 20-point regression in the standings forced the Calgary Flames to make some serious moves this offseason.The club brought in a new head coach, completely revamped its goaltending tandem, and added a veteran two-way presence up front.The Flames still hold a large portion of the roster that saw them reach the second round of the playoffs in 2015 and their new acquisitions should only help them get back to the postseason.Here are three questions facing the club this season:Can Elliott, Johnson provide stable goaltending?Goaltending was the Flames' biggest crutch last season, there's no way around it.The team had a league-worst 3.13 goals-against per game, even though they allowed only the 20th most shots.Their goalies surely didn't stack up to the rest of the 46 goaltenders who played at least 25 games last season.GGAA (Rank)SV% (Rank)Karri Ramo2.63 (31).909 (36)Jonas Hiller3.51 (48).879 (48)Luckily, with Brian Elliott and Chad Johnson now at the helm, the club should be in much better stead.What can the Flames expect from Brouwer?Next to Elliott, the Flames' biggest acquisition of the summer was that of Troy Brouwer.The club inked the 31-year-old to a four-year, $18-million contract after he posted a productive 18-goal, 39-point season, while adding another eight goals and 13 points in the postseason.Brouwer provides both offense and grit as his 52 blocks and 200 hits prove. However, there is certainly a reason to be cautious regarding expectations.Offensively, Brouwer has seen a drop in both his goals per game and points per game over the last three seasons, and since the 2012-13 season he has a Corsi-for rating of just 49.07.Brouwer certainly makes the club better, but Flames fans shouldn't be surprised if his production once again continues to slide.Was Gulutzan the best choice for coach?After dismissing Bob Hartley of his head coaching duties, the Flames took a long, hard, and delayed look at all their potential candidates before coming to a decision on Glen Gulutzan.While Gulutzan has lots of experience, including, but not limited to, serving as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks the past three seasons and as head coach of the Dallas Stars during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons, the Flames passed over on some big candidates.During the time of Hartley's firing, Bruce Boudreau was without a job after being dismissed by the Anaheim Ducks, Guy Boucher had not yet signed with the Ottawa Senators, and Mike Yeo was also still kicking around.Each of the men above have more experience as head coaches in the NHL. This is not to knock Gulutzan, only to serve as a precaution as the team is set to embark on a new chapter sans a coach with a deep NHL resume.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Jose Sharks prospect Timo Meier will see his professional hockey debut delayed.The 19-year-old will not take part in any NHL or AHL games for roughly four weeks as he deals with mononucleosis (otherwise known as mono), the team announced on Friday.Meier was drafted with the ninth overall pick in 2015 and split last season between the Halifax Mooseheads and the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL where he had a combined 34 goals and 87 points in 52 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Some early-season exposure at the World Cup of Hockey has paid off for defenseman Christian Ehrhoff.The 34-year-old - who laced them up for Team Europe - has signed a professional tryout contract with the Boston Bruins, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.Ehrhoff impressed on a European squad that shocked many, reaching the final before falling in two games to the host Canada. In six games, Ehrhoff led the team's defense core with three points.Ehrhoff bounced from the Los Angeles Kings to the Chicago Blackhawks last season, playing a total of 48 games while managing just 12 points.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The current stalemate between the Buffalo Sabres and restricted free agent Rasmus Ristolainen is not due to an undervaluation of the player, according to Tim Murray.The Sabres general manager joined WGR 550 in Buffalo on Friday where he updated the current status of the contract negotiations, insisting it's all about finding what's fair."You just can't give him what he wants, but you try to be fair," said Murray. "I want to be fair within our structure. It's not like we're trying to low-ball this kid."

P.K. Subban will wear Nashville Predators gold for the first time in game action Saturday night versus the Tampa Bay Lightning, Adam Vingan of the Tennessean reports.Subban was sidelined during the start of his first camp with Nashville while nursing an upper-body injury.The gregarious defenseman was paired with Mattias Ekholm in his return to practice Friday morning, and it's expected that the two will work out of the same unit versus the Bolts.Subban was acquired by Nashville in a stunning swap with the Montreal Canadiens for former captain Shea Weber.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It seems like the World Cup began just yesterday, but it's over just like that.Canada are champions - that's no surprise. That it took tight 3-1 and 2-1 wins over a competitive European squad to get it done is.Here's what we learned over the past few weeks.September hockey can be gloriousPick one: the World Cup of Hockey or preseason hockey.For all the tournament's criticism, hockey of the absolute highest quality was played for three weeks in September. Canada and the U.S. played each other three times, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who could point out which two didn't matter.An Under-23 squad of the finest North American players on this planet, arguably the fastest team ever - ever! - assembled, played six games, winning four of them.Three-on-three overtime is a new phenomenon, but North America and Sweden gave us the best five minutes of the format we've ever seen.Hockey is fun. Especially in September, after two months without it, featuring the sport's finest players. You should have enjoyed it.Rooting for Marchand is weirdIf you're not a Boston Bruins supporter, Brad Marchand is the enemy. Always has been. Always will be.The most super-pest to ever super pest, Marchand is the classic "Hate him unless he's on my team" player. The type who Bruins fans would go to the ends of the earth to support - and rightfully so. That he's loathed by most outside Boston is, in the end, a sign that he does his job well.There's no denying Marchand's talent. He's a five-time 20-goal scorer and would have hit the mark in 2012-13 if not for the lockout. He exploded for a career-high 37 goals and 61 points last season, and picked up where he left off this fall.Marchand looked remarkably calm and comfortable playing alongside Sidney Crosby, and finished with a World Cup-best five goals - four of them in the semifinal and final.They were big goals, too - none bigger than Thursday night's tournament winner.The World Cup offered a glimpse into life as a Bruins supporter. Patrice Bergeron and Marchand are world-class players, and when No. 63 exchanges black and gold for red and white, the hatred is traded for admiration. When Marchand's not pissing you off, he's actually quite enjoyable to root for.Respect, Mr. Marchand. But now back to our regularly scheduled programming.The World Cup matteredThink this tournament didn't matter? Europe captain Anze Kopitar would like a word:

Ken Hitchcock is considering the possibility of coaching in the NHL beyond this season, but he's still leaning toward moving on next summer.The St. Louis Blues head coach told TSN's Darren Dreger there's a chance the coming campaign might not be his last in the league."That (coming back) is possible, but that's in May or June and that's a long time off and you know I just don't think at this time ... I don't think it's fair to do that," Hitchcock said."I'm going to coach like crazy and I want to see how I feel and if I feel different then I will let somebody know. Other than that, I feel like I want to pour it all in now and then take stock at a different time."In late May, the Blues announced Hitchcock was returning for "one final season."When the team hired Mike Yeo as associate coach in mid-June, general manager Doug Armstrong said Yeo would serve under Hitchcock in 2016-17, then succeed him as head coach "for three years after that."TSN's Bob McKenzie said Friday that the club's plan hasn't changed, and that if Hitchcock decides to coach beyond this season, it won't be with St. Louis.The veteran coach told Dreger there could be enough motivation for him to reverse his original plan, but he won't decide that any time soon.“Maybe there will be, but that's a decision that's going to be made quite a few months from now," Hitchcock said."Looking back, when we talked about this in May I couldn't make that decision and I didn't think it was fair to the team, nor to Doug (Armstrong) to sit there and hold them hostage, so we were proactive in it."The 64-year-old is entering his 20th season behind an NHL bench, and his sixth with the Blues. He guided St. Louis to the Western Conference final in 2015-16, and ranks fourth all time with 757 coaching victories.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The St. Louis Blues will be without winger Jaden Schwartz for at least four weeks, as he's been sidelined with a left elbow injury, the team announced Friday.The 24-year-old will be evaluated at the end of that timeline.An ankle injury limited Schwartz to just 33 games last season, in which he recorded 22 points. The Blues' first-round pick in the 2010 draft, Schwartz has notched 157 points in 240 career games.Schwartz signed a five-year extension with the Blues in July.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.