Brent Burns and the San Jose Sharks are in the infant stages of a potential contract extension, and don't appear to be close to a deal, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.LeBrun was on TSN's Insider Trading segment on Tuesday where he gave an update on the current contract talks between the Sharks and Burns - who will become an unrestricted free agent next summer - which have not gone anywhere yet."They're not close at this point and I think the reason for that is Brent Burns isn't ready to make the biggest decision of his NHL career," said LeBrun.According to LeBrun, Burns may take his time with the decision, also suggesting that the 31-year-old could test free agency next summer.Burns hit career-highs in goals and points with 27 and 75 respectively last season and will enter the final year of his five-year, $28.8-million contract this season."There have been talks, it's been very cordial, but nothing imminent," said LeBrun. "Brent Burns wants the year to start and go from there."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacob Trouba saga may not be coming to an end anytime soon.So says TSN's Bob McKenzie, who - on Tuesday's edition of Insider Trading - outlined the difficulties facing the Winnipeg Jets in regards to their asking price in any deal involving the young defenseman."Not an easy transaction to conclude because the Winnipeg Jets' desire - in what they get back for Jacob Trouba - is so very precise as to make it difficult," McKenzie said. "They're looking for a left-hand shot defenseman of similar age, experience, potential. And that's really difficult. Anaheim's not trading Hampus Lindholm, Toronto's not trading Morgan Rielly, Arizona's not trading Oliver Ekman-Larsson."Still, McKenzie added, more than half the teams in the NHL have varying degrees of interest in the talented, two-way defenseman, with four standing out as most willing to make a deal."I can think of four teams - maybe more - that have a really significant interest in this player but don't have the proper fit right now," he said. "That would be Arizona, Boston, Colorado, and the New York Rangers, among others."Maybe the parameters change at some point, but this would suggest to me maybe this is going to be a long, drawn-out affair."Trouba's agent has made it clear his client is looking for a top-pair role on the right-side of the ice, and the restricted free agent isn't looking to reach a new deal with the Jets at this time.That the Jets have specific requirements in place and that the trade request was made public only further complicate the matter, allowing prospective suitors to wait and see if the parameters for a trade do indeed soften from Winnipeg's side.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Team Europe may have already accepted their fate as they get ready to open the World Cup final on Tuesday.The team will be faced with the grueling task of taking down tournament favorites Canada in a best two-of-three series, and Thomas Vanek understands that Europe's chances aren't great."We know this is the best team in the world," Vanek said, according to TSN's Mark Masters. "To beat them is going to be tough. To beat them twice is gonna ... It's impossible. So, our mindset is: It's best of three, but we can't look at all three games. We look at tonight."Of course Canada has already topped Europe in the tournament once in round-robin play, when they bested the club 4-1, outshooting the team by a ridiculous 46-20 margin.But it's hockey, anything can happen.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Wayne Gretzky, the most accomplished player to ever don a pair of skates, revealed Tuesday that he would not include himself if he ever had a chance to assemble a lineup of the NHL's all-time greats.Related: Gretzky to serve as ambassador in NHL's Centennial plansFor The Great One's dream team, former teammate Grant Fuhr would be in goal, while Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey would easily form the top defensive pairing of all-time.Up front, Gretzky said he'd roll a trio of Gordie Howe, Jean Beliveau, and Mark Messier.To put that into perspective:PlayerGoalsAssistsPointsStanley CupsMessier694119318876Beliveau507712121910Howe801104918504Coffey396113515314Orr2706459152Not too shabby.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Great One is back.In celebration of the NHL's Centennial anniversary, which officially begins Jan. 1, commissioner Gary Bettman announced Wayne Gretzky will serve as the official ambassador.Gretzky, who owns a multitude of NHL records, will make appearances at various events throughout the year."Anyone who knows me knows that I have long revered the history of our game and the players, coaches and executives who built the league before I was fortunate enough to enter it," Gretzky said. "And it is no secret that I remain an avid fan who watches games every night and marvels at the young players who are leading the greatest sport in the world into the league’s next century."The 100-year celebration kicks off with the Centennial Classic between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings at BMO Field. Other celebratory events include the Winter Classic between Chicago and St. Louis, the Stadium Series involving Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, as well as a countdown of the 100 greatest players of all time at the All-Star Game in Los Angeles.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Justin Bieber brushed shoulders with Wayne Gretzky earlier this year, and now he's busy getting acquainted with another Edmonton Oilers great.Prior to his concert Tuesday in Helsinki, the pop star skated with Finnish club Jokerit and snapped a photo with the team's general manager, NHL Hall of Famer Jari Kurri.

Artemi Panarin has reportedly named his price, and it doesn't bode well for the Chicago Blackhawks.The reigning Calder Trophy winner is seeking a six-year extension worth more than $6 million per season, according to Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune, citing a source.Panarin's agent, Tom Lynn, revealed his client and the Blackhawks began contract discussions last week, and Chicago general manager Stan Bowman is optimistic a deal will get done."We're always confident," Bowman said. "You go into a negotiation expecting to get a deal done. That's the way I've been in the past and that's the way I am now."Each negotiation is different," Bowman added. "I wouldn't put any timetables or handicap it one way or another. It will get done when it gets done."Panarin torched opponents alongside Patrick Kane last season, scoring 30 goals and adding 47 assists, which has already earned him several bonuses on his current contract, a $812,500 cap hit.The problem for Chicago - the same problem that's hit them every offseason since catapulting into the NHL's elite - is cap space.The Blackhawks are $2 million under the salary cap, and owe captain Jonathan Toews and Kane $10.5 million annually through 2023. Additionally, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith, and Brent Seabrook are all on contracts greater than $5 million per year until 2021, 2023, and 2024 respectively.That, as evidenced by the Blackhawks' three Stanley Cups since 2010, is the price of success in today's NHL.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In eschewing the basic premise of international competition, there was always going to be risk.The NHL prioritized the endorsement of its own product when establishing the format for the World Cup of Hockey, a decision that not only threatened its legitimacy as a best-on-best competition, but one that left the tournament's place as a potential replacement for the Olympics to chance.Nevertheless, having weighed concerns armchair executives didn't hesitate to communicate, the NHL went ahead with its contrivance. And with it, successfully engineered extraordinary drama, novel theater, and incredible moments from the 23-and-under North American squad that, in three games, illustrated just how thrilling the sport can be and had the hockey world begging for more.Yet, the tournament that captured attention for its daring, self-serving tactic, is now trending toward an uninspired, potentially unwatched conclusion, largely for two apparent miscalculations.Or one gross underestimation.An experimentComing together quickly as a formidable squad, Team Europe, the assortment of stars who hail from lesser hockey nations, took advantage of a weak group in order to advance to the knockout stage. And then, because the NHL went with a multi-game final in lieu of a quarterfinal round, or that extra hurdle an underdog would have to clear, the Europeans used one elimination triumph - its bewildering upset over Sweden - to throw an absolute wrench in the NHL's experiment.Now it's the misfits versus powerhouse Canada in a best-of-three final devoid of historical significance, that has genuine relevance to one nation, and offers but straws to grasp at when attempting to concoct an alluring narrative."The great thing about it is I don't have to worry about that. All I have to worry about is finding a way to win," Team Canada coach Mike Babcock told theScore when asked if this matchup has taken a little shine off the tournament."What I would tell you is they earned the right to be here. There were lots of good teams in the tournament, and they kept finding a way to get better and better. Everyone doubts them, and they just keep winning,” he added."They're organized, they play hard. Everyone is playing for the team. They seem to have really enjoyed one another, and are playing for one another. It looks like a good team to me, and that's who we're playing and we're excited to play them. We have a chance (to play) in the World Cup final, and I don’t know how it gets better than that."More than hardwareWith a chance to extend his incredible international record with Canada, and win one of the few existing championships he's without, it's understandable the opponent, and the matchup it offers fans, doesn't trouble Babcock.But this coach is aware of impact. Just last week, Babcock readily marvelled at North America, waxing on unprovoked about the amount of good those kids, and that team, were doing for the game. He championed the strategy, calling it an "unbelievable marketing scheme," and believed that with it, the NHL was going to secure hoards of new fans.Maybe with the finish line in sight, the greater good is no longer his concern. Or maybe whether he wants to acknowledge it or not, he understands along with the rest of us that the NHL's desire to pump its international showcase full of its own talent has indeed come at a consequence.LegacyExtensions of their coach, Canada's players were predictably unwilling to let on if they were experiencing some semblance of letdown from clashing with a non-traditional opponent at the World Cup.Steven Stamkos defended Europe, justifying the team's presence in the final, and construction in the first place."These guys earned their right to be in the finals. You can’t blame them for beating Sweden in the semifinals," Stamkos told theScore. "At the beginning of the tournament no one thought they would do that. A lot of people had Canada-U.S. and Russia-Sweden, but that’s why you play the games. The teams that deserve to be in the final will be in the final."John Tavares, too, admitted he was surprised Europe has made it to this point, but added that, based on its performance and the fight put up versus Canada in the preliminary round (Europe was outshot better than two-to-one), the opponent is a worthy adversary."You look at the teams they've beaten to get here, and it's pretty impressive," Tavares said. "We saw first hand playing against them. They didn't make it easy for us. We know this is going to be a challenge."We're at the final hurdle, and we want to make sure we approach it the same way, and get the job done."It's fully expected Canada will, and the World Cup's best-of-three finale will only require two games, ensuring NHL training camps will be attended in full by the weekend.If so, one of the greatest collections of talent will celebrate the same before disbanding, perhaps without ever being challenged.But it remains to be seen if the public will share in that enthusiasm.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 offseason indeed brought change for the New York Rangers, who dealt their second-leading goal scorer, Derick Brassard, to the Ottawa Senators in an effort to alleviate cap pressures and enhance other aspects of their lineup.Still, fans should anticipate another shoe to drop, as this Rangers team - which understands it needs change - will still rely on a similar core, a diminishing back end, and of course that otherworldly goaltender.Here's how the Rangers stack up heading into 2016-17:LWCRWRick NashDerek StepanMats ZuccarelloChris KreiderMika ZibanejadKevin HayesJimmy VeseyJ.T MillerJesper FastNathan GerbeOscar LindbergMichael GrabnerTanner GlassBrandon PirriPavel BuchnevichMax LapierreJosh Jooris

International hockey offers players the opportunity to compete against the best in the business.It's also a stressful time for general managers and coaches, who cross their fingers that their top players don't fall to injury while away from the team.In a short three-week tournament, five key players competing in the World Cup have already been sidelined:Marian GaborikThe Los Angeles Kings will be without winger Gaborik for eight weeks, as the veteran suffered a foot injury while competing with Team Europe. One of the team's top players, Gaborik had a pair of goals in the tournament.Aaron EkbladFlorida Panthers star defenseman Ekblad was pulled from the tournament after a nasty hit left him with a concussion. Ekblad, who suffered the injury in round robin action, has since returned to Sunrise and has already began skating, according to Panthers coach Gerard Gallant.Tyler SeguinIt wasn't a long tournament for Dallas Stars center Seguin, who was injured during exhibition play. After sliding feet-first into the end boards, Seguin was diagnosed with a hairline fracture in his heel. He returned to Dallas where the Stars continue to monitor his recovery.Matt MurrayFirst thought to be a thumb injury, Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Murray in fact suffered a broken hand that will keep him out of the lineup for three-to-six weeks. Murray appeared in two games with Team North America, where he posted a lowly .886 save percentage.Ales HemskyAs if one injury wasn't already enough, the Stars will also be without forward Hemsky, who's been sidelined seven-to-10 days with a groin injury. The 33-year-old appeared in three games with Czech Republic, grabbing a pair of assists.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings will honor "Mr. Hockey" this season with a commemorative patch on their jerseys showcasing Gordie Howe's iconic No. 9, the team announced Tuesday.

The Calgary Flames aren't wasting time in locking up goalie Brian Elliott.Acquired from the St. Louis Blues in June, the Flames have already begun negotiations with Elliott over a contract extension, reports Andy Strickland of Fox Sports Midwest.The 31-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent, with a current salary cap hit of $2.5 million. He will make his debut with the Flames next month.Elliott appeared in 41 games with the Blues last season, posting a 23-8-2 record, alongside a .930 save percentage and 2.07 goals-against average.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vladimir Sobotka saga has come to a close.Sobotka, 29, had flirted with the possibility of returning to the St. Louis Blues after spending the past two seasons in the KHL. Now, he's decided he's staying in Russia, the KHL club stated Tuesday.The veteran center scored 34 points in 44 games with the Omsk Avangard last season.

The past is the past for Brandon Dubinsky.The Columbus Blue Jackets center, who was part of Team USA at the World Cup alongside Jackets coach John Tortorella, dismissed the possibility of a rift between the two.Facing elimination against Team Canada, Tortorella chose to scratch Dubinsky, plus Columbus teammate Jack Johnson. The Americans ultimately fell to Canada, 4-2."You have to separate the two," Dubinsky told Tom Reed of The Columbus Dispatch. "Like I said there are no easy decisions, especially for a staff like that when you have a group of players like we had."Tortorella dressed New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri in place of Dubinsky."He’s my coach here. He’s given me, and not just here, a lot of opportunities," Dubinsky added. "I'm proud of my career that I’ve had and a lot of it has to do with how he treated me and helped me and coached me and taught me."It's an interesting dynamic between Tortorella and Dubinsky, who also spent four years together with the New York Rangers, where Dubinsky enjoyed a career-best year, scoring 54 points in 2010-11.Through two World Cup games, Dubinsky recorded an assist and four penalty minutes.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The World Cup curtain is set to close.Though many shrugged off the tournament prior to the first puck drop, over the last two weeks, fans have been been treated to some of the best hockey around - and in September, no less.Now it all comes down to Canada and Europe. Here are five things we've learned about the World Cup finalists in the tournament so far.Europe's over its early exhibition blundersAfter two exhibition games that saw Team Europe dismantled by North America 4-0 and 7-4, it seemed that only one of the hybrid teams was going to make it out of round-robin play, and it wasn't Europe.However, after a surprising final tuneup contest that saw the team beat Sweden 6-2, Europe was well on its way.The team shocked the United States and got by the Czech Republic and Sweden, its only loss along the way coming against Canada. It's safe to say now that those early defeats are a thing of the past.Canada never down for longBlink and you might have missed the two occasions in which Canada actually trailed in this tournament.The Americans held the lead against their northern rivals, but that was extinguished just 1:29 later. Then, in Saturday's tilt against the Russians, after Canada opened the scoring, Russia responded with two straight goals.Once again, the Canadians didn't panic, and they'd knot the game up just 1:12 later. No lead is safe over Canada, and the team certainly won't roll over and die.Crosby could do great things as a BruinWho says finding linemates for Sidney Crosby is hard?Some blamed that conundrum for Crosby's poor offensive outing at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, where the captain managed just three points in six games.Mike Babcock appears to have found a solution: pairing Crosby with a couple Boston Bruins in Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron.The three have comprised the team's top line, and through four games, Crosby is excelling, leading the tournament with seven points. Marchand sits second with five and Bergeron isn't far behind with four.The trio's been lethal and valuable in all situations. It's a good thing for NHL clubs that the line will cease to exist once the week wraps up.Halak is a busy manNot only has Jaroslav Halak been Europe's go-to between the pipes, he's arguably been the goaltender of the tournament.Through four games, the New York Islanders netminder has amassed a .947 save percentage and a stunning 1.96 goals-against average, both just slightly worse than Carey Price's numbers.However, take out Halak's 4-1 game against Canada in the round robin and he's leaps and bounds better than any other goaltender in the tournament, with those numbers improving to 9.62 and 1.3, respectively.Canada is as good as expectedCanada entered the tournament as the favorite and will enter the final as such.Nothing has changed the perception of the hockey-loving nation. As the World Cup has trucked along the club's superiority has gone fairly uncontested, much as it did in Sochi.Canada's outshot the opposition by an average of 44 to 29.25 through four games and outscored them 19-6.The Canadians are a machine that keeps on rolling. The real question is whether it takes two games or three for them to capture the World Cup.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.Their resources exhausted after spending the last decade chasing a title, the New York Rangers took a different approach this summer, making decisions with a focus on replenishing what was lost.In the end, general manager Jeff Gorton may wish he accomplished more, but the Rangers were able to get a little younger, a little cheaper, perhaps a little deeper, and look as if they can maintain a certain standard of competitiveness - at least on paper.Here are three things to consider as the Rangers prepare to make a run at a seventh consecutive postseason appearance:Did they move the right man?In order for things to change, New York had to make a decision with its core.There were conversations about Rick Nash and Derek Stepan, but in the end it was Derick Brassard on the move, dealt to the Ottawa Senators in a trade that brought back a talented scoring center still chasing his two-way potential in Mika Zibanejad.At about half the price with several seasons of control, Zibanejad, also five years younger, was a strategic and ideal find. But Brassard, New York's second-leading scorer last year, is a player whose production is also travelling on an upswing, and maybe more importantly, actually provided value on his very reasonable $5-million salary.To alleviate cap pressures, it was incumbent on the Rangers to move a high-priced veteran. You wonder, though, why they chose to move a player who didn't really contribute to that problem.Have they helped Lundqvist?He wasn't Alain Vigneault's most valued asset on the back end, but one of the more coveted members of that unit in league circles - and the player that most effectively lightened the load on Henrik Lundqvist - won't be pushing the puck up the ice for New York next season.Keith Yandle departed in free agency this summer, leaving New York without a proven puck-moving defender whose strength is facilitating transition offense.Because of this, Brady Skjei becomes an enormously important player, but the Rangers are still willingly running the risk of further exposing their world-class goaltender by devoting major minutes to defenders like Dan Girardi and Marc Staal.What else is new?Their finances inhibited them from spending freely, so the Rangers weren't overly involved in the open market. They did however land their most coveted prize: Harvard graduate and Hobey Baker winner Jimmy Vesey.The former third-round draft pick of the Nashville Predators could be a coup. Vesey arrives prepared to contribute immediately in a middle-six capacity, but also on an entry-level salary at age 23.New York also added Brandon Pirri, a 20-goal scorer on a bargain-bin salary; Michael Grabner, a capable penalty killer and bottom-six contributor able to create chances with speed; and Nathan Gerbe and Josh Jooris, who together provide depth at a combined $1.2 million.Look for Pavel Buchnevich, a third rounder in 2013, to bust into the lineup as well.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacob Trouba's agent has expanded on his client's public trade request, making it clear there have been no contract negotiations with the Winnipeg Jets due to what's being considered an untenable depth-chart situation working against the defenseman.Speaking on TSN 1290 in Winnipeg on Monday, Kurt Overhardt stated Trouba simply wants to play on a roster where he can thrive as a top-pair, right-shot defenseman, as relayed in the original statement released explaining the trade request.Related: Jacob Trouba's agent says he's requested trade from Jets"The announcement that we made on Saturday was not done unadvisedly," Overhardt said on the radio. "I think it shows the conviction of a young man who's got a set of values where he wants to have the opportunity to realize his potential. And after several conversations with people in Winnipeg about this, we just don't feel - based on the outstanding depth they have on the right side - that that opportunity is going to be afforded."Overhardt said he has not been negotiating with the Jets on behalf of the restricted free agent."We've been having discussions with the club since May about this particular issue - only about this issue," he reiterated. "We have a lot of respect for (general manager) Kevin Cheveldayoff and the ownership group there, and I think it's pretty much a private matter."But coming all the way to camp - and especially now that the World Cup's over for Jacob and the North American team - we just thought it was necessary to be transparent and explain why he is not at camp."If the Jets decide not to trade Trouba and don't get him signed by Dec. 1, the defenseman will be forced to sit out the season. Asked if that's something his client is prepared to do, Overhardt was non-committal, saying it's a scenario that will be addressed only if and when the time comes.At this point, it seems the issue will be resolved after one side blinks first.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 Tracker.The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed defenseman Nikita Nesterov to a one-year, $725,000 contract.The 23-year-old restricted free agent was coming off his entry-level deal after posting the best numbers of his young career last season.

Los Angeles Kings winger Marian Gaborik will be sidelined eight weeks with a foot injury, GM Dean Lombardi confirmed to Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times.He suffered the injury while competing with Team Europe at the World Cup.Fantasy Fallout: Gaborik's injury moves That 70s Line into prime-time slotThe news continues a history of ailments for Gaborik, who was limited to 54 games last season. He missed the final 28 games of the regular season, plus one playoff game, with a knee injury.The 34-year-old is signed through the next five seasons, carrying a $4.875 million annual cap hit.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Marian Gaborik has a foot injury that's ended his World Cup, according to Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos.The severity of the injury, which occurred Sunday, makes it "unlikely" that Gaborik will be ready to begin the NHL season when the Los Angeles Kings open their campaign on Oct. 12.Gaborik has two goals in four games at the tournament in Toronto. He had 12 goals and 10 assists in 54 games last season with L.A.Earlier Monday, Europe head coach Ralph Krueger confirmed that Gaborik is dealing with a lower-body injury, but said a diagnosis was still to come.It was also reported that Gaborik left the Air Canada Centre on crutches with his foot in a cast, by Sportsnet's Matt Brown.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dustin Byfuglien: Not a fan of the World Cup of Hockey.The hulking American defenseman joined his Winnipeg Jets teammates at training camp Monday, and didn't mince words when asked about his time in Toronto with Team USA."The experience and everything that went on. It is what it is," he said, according to Sportsnet's Sean Reynolds. "You know, I didn't enjoy it."The Americans went winless at the World Cup, losing all three of their games. They were eliminated from semifinal play after two contests.Elsewhere, David Backes is at Boston Bruins training camp, and he's still upset about Phil Kessel's now-infamous tweet:

Team Europe could be down a major scoring threat when they face Canada in the World Cup's final round.Forward Marian Gaborik is dealing with a lower-body injury suffered in Saturday's semifinal win over Sweden, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.Europe coach Ralph Krueger confirmed the injury, stating that there's no timeline for his return, but the team will continue to manage the ailment. Krueger would not confirm a report that Gaborik left the Air Canada Centre on crutches with a cast on his leg.Gaborik has been one of Europe's top players at the tournament, scoring two goals in four games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Game 1 of the best-of-three World Cup final between host nation Canada and Team Europe goes Tuesday night in Toronto at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN, Sportsnet).Canada beat the Europeans 4-1 in round-robin play, and had a marked advantage in shots (46-20), possession, and shot attempts.Here's a tale of the tape:CanadaStatisticEurope14Stanley Cup wins8$155MCombined salary$87M4-0Full tournament record3-14Regulation wins119Goals106Goals against8+13Goal differential+2117Shots against150.948Team SV%.9477 (Sidney Crosby)Points by leading scorer4 (Mats Zuccarello)Europe's going to have its hands full, that's for sure.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It will take a left-shooting defenseman to pry Jacob Trouba from the Winnipeg Jets.According to TSN's Gary Lawless, the Jets desire a blue-liner of similar caliber to move on from Trouba, who's requested a trade.Trouba, 22, is a right-handed defenseman who plays behind both Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers. Coach Paul Maurice planned to use Trouba on the left side this season, but that won't happen if he's shipped out.The Jets' current crop of left-shot defensemen includes Tobias Enstrom, Mark Stuart, and young blue-liner Josh Morrissey.Lawless also reports that while the Jets explore deals, his agent is discussing parameters of a contract with interested teams.Trouba will not attend Jets training camp and will continue to prepare at home in Michigan while he awaits a move.A restricted free agent, Trouba must sign by Dec. 1 in order to play this season. He would be forced to sit out the remainder of the year if not signed by that date.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Binghamton Senators are heading north.The Ottawa Senators announced Monday that the club will move its American Hockey League affiliate in Binghamton, N.Y., to Belleville, Ontario. The team will be known as the Belleville Senators and begin play in 2017-18.Senators owner Eugene Melynk acquired ownership of the AHL franchise as part of the deal."Hockey is back in Belleville. The people of Belleville are a deeply passionate and proud hockey community," Melnyk said in a statement. "This community has truly earned the return of hockey and I am committed to making the Belleville Senators an integral part of the city."The team will play out of the Yardmen Arena, the former home of the OHL's Belleville Bulls, which relocated to Hamilton in 2015. As part of the agreement, the arena will undergo an $18.5-million modernization.With the relocation, the Senators' top minor-league affiliate will be closer to its parent club, and the team will avoid any delays that came with the club being located south of the border.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 next steps in the Arizona Coyotes' rebuild will likely see another pair of rookies, Dylan Strome and Christian Dvorak, kick off their NHL careers, following in the footsteps of Max Domi and Anthony Duclair last season.Here's what the Coyotes' lineup looks like going into the 2016-17 season:ForwardsLWCRWMax DomiMartin HanzalAnthony DuclairJamie McGinnDylan StromeRadim VrbataTobias RiederChristian DvorakShane DoanJordan MartinookBrad RichardsonRyan White

To see a list of all transactions throughout the summer, visit theScore's NHL Offseason Tracker.Brad Marchand isn't going anywhere.The star winger has agreed to an eight-year, $49-million contract extension with the Boston Bruins, the club announced Monday.Marchand is in the final year of a deal carrying an annual cap hit of $4.5 million. He would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2017-18."This is an extremely exciting day for me and my family," Marchand said in a statement."I would like to thank the Jacobs family, Cam Neely, Don Sweeney, Claude Julien, the coaching staff, my teammates and our fans for their continued support and belief in me. I have been a Bruin since the start of my pro career and there is no place I would rather play. I look forward to doing everything I can to help our team achieve success and bring the Stanley Cup back to Boston."Marchand's extension is heavily laden with signing bonuses, according to CapFriendly:

Social media is proving there's more than one way to skin a cat.The Edmonton Oilers introduced the first mascot in franchise history Monday - a lynx named after "Wild Bill" Hunter, the club's original owner.

New York Islanders forward Mikhail Grabovski has been added to the injured reserve, the team announced Monday.The 32-year-old winger, who continues to deal with concussion symptoms, was limited to 58 games last season, scoring nine goals and 16 assists.

Contract negotiations between the Arizona Coyotes and right-winger Tobias Rieder have hit a standstill.The restricted free agent has already informed the Coyotes he won't attend training camp before signing a new contract, and now his agent, Darren Ferris, has criticized the Coyotes for being unwilling to make a deal despite being "not far apart," adding that he doesn't believe anything is imminent."We've made them a fair offer at two years at $2.5 million a year, and they're unwilling to do it," Ferris told The Arizona Republic. "Tobi brings a lot of intangibles to that team. I know he's a fan favorite. He loves Arizona, but it's disappointing that they're unwilling to compensate this kid fairly."According to Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports, the Coyotes desire a deal closer to $2.2 million-$2.3 million per year.Ferris has previously stated that Rieder is considering offers from the KHL, and will make a decision following the World Cup. The Germany native is a member of Team Europe.Coyotes general manager John Chayka wouldn't comment on the negotiations, but spoke about the process."We feel like we've made him some real considerable long-term offers that are right on par with the longest offers we've ever made in this organization," Chayka told The Republic.Rieder, 23, played in all 82 games last year, scoring 37 points. He's tallied 58 points over two seasons with the Coyotes.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

They may not always understand each other, but Team Europe's diverse group speaks the universal language of music and football chants.The triumphant underdogs jumped up and down singing "'Olé, Olé, Olé," following Tomas Tatar's overtime winner Sunday that unexpectedly catapulted Europe into the World Cup of Hockey final against Canada.Team Europe will continue its quest to pull off a modern 'Miracle on Ice' in Game 1 of the best-of-three championship series Tuesday night.(Video courtesy: NHL.com)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.After finishing with just 56 points in 2014-15, the Arizona Coyotes began the climb back to respectability last season, missing the postseason by just nine points. Arizona looks to take another step this year under new GM John Chayka. Here are three Coyotes to keep an eye on this season:Dylan StromeThe Coyotes introduced rookies Max Domi and Anthony Duclair last season, and will likely do the same this year with first-year pivots Christian Dvorak and Dylan Strome.After finishing with 111 points in junior last year (and 240 points over the past two seasons), the betting is that Strome, 19, is ready to make the jump to the NHL. After Arizona bought out veteran Antoine Vermette, another spot opened up at center.While the long-term goal is to pair Strome with Domi, Duclair, or some of the team's other budding forward prospects, Strome could start the year paired with veteran wingers like Jamie McGinn and Radim Vrbata, both of whom signed with the Coyotes this summer.Martin HanzalWhen healthy, center Martin Hanzal provides the Coyotes with size and a dominating presence down the middle. In addition, he's a valuable penalty killer and a great net-front presence on the man advantage.The problem is that Hanzal spends too much time on the injury reserve. He was limited to 64 games last season and has not played more than 65 games in any of the past six seasons. Still, he scored a career-best 41 points last campaign, and if he can avoid the injury bug, that number figures to increase as the team infuses more young talent.Hanzal, 29, is a pending unrestricted free agent. In August, Chayka admitted to the possibility that the Coyotes could enter the season with no extension in place. Depending on the team's performance, and if he is still unsigned, the Coyotes could move Hanzal at the trade deadline. In June, Arizona asked Hanzal, who carries a modified no-trade clause, for a list of teams to which he would accept a trade.Mike SmithThe Coyotes' season will live and die on the performance of starting goalie Mike Smith.Smith, 34, missed 40 games last season after undergoing core muscle surgery. Upon his return, he posted a 5-4-1 record, a pair of shutouts, and an incredible .944 save percentage. He finished the year 15-13-2, with a .916 save percentage, his second-best with the Coyotes.When healthy, Smith has been heavily replied upon by head coach Dave Tippett, appearing in no fewer than 62 games in any of his three full seasons in Arizona.Last season, young backup Louis Domingue proved capable, and could run with the starter's role should Smith falter. Adding another wrinkle, the Coyotes will need to expose a goalie in next summer's expansion draft, and Smith's big-ticket contract - three years remaining with a $5.67 million cap hit - could be made available to Las Vegas.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When the World Cup of Hockey began over a week ago, Team Europe was an afterthought, already written off.Pre-tournament games against Team North America suggested that perhaps the European experiment wouldn't work. That notion was only further cemented after a four-period span in which Europe was outscored 9-1 by the kids."That was a real turning point for us," defenseman Roman Josi said after Europe beat Sweden 3-2 in overtime to advance to the World Cup final against Canada. "That's when I think we started coming together."Once the puck dropped for the first round-robin game, Team Europe took on a whole new identity, and changed people's perceptions in the process.The OutsidersTo understand this underdog story, look no further than Europe head coach Ralph Krueger.In June 2013, he was dismissed as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers - over Skype - after one lockout-shortened season. After a brief stint as an advisor for Canada at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Krueger left hockey and is now chairman of the Premier League's Southampton Football Club. It was a career change in sport that is rarely done successfully, especially at the highest level.Europe's captain, Anze Kopitar, is a perennial All-Star from Slovenia. He's had to carry his nation's hopes at every World Hockey Championship, with Slovenia regularly alternating between staying in the top 16 in order to play in the main tournament, and relegation.Training camp was in Quebec City, far from Europe, and the team chose to have no national anthem or musical score played before its games, even though a medley was provided by the tournament. Meanwhile, every other team heard its anthem before puck drop, with North America getting both the U.S. and Canadian anthems.Team Europe: Outsiders by all accounts."A lot of the presidents are down there from the eight countries we're representing, but I think we're representing all the rest, which is about 12 to 13 countries in Europe that cannot play in the top six, and I think that the pride in that group right now is large," Krueger said.A Force, TogetherMost of the countries where the members of Team Europe come from wouldn't stand much of a chance at placing on the podium at the Olympics or even a World Championship. In fact, none of the eight nations Team Europe represents has ever been to the final of a best-on-best tournament. United in their difficulties to achieve international supremacy, the Europeans are now in uncharted territory - they're through to the World Cup final with heavily favored Canada."Obviously, a big opportunity," said forward Tomas Tatar, who scored twice against Sweden, including the overtime winner. "The story continues. We know and respect Canada and how good they are, but we will be together and we will battle together for a win."Europe kicked off the World Cup last week by blanking the Americans 3-0. In an instant, the perception of the European team - and the U.S. team - changed. Krueger's squad punched its ticket to the semifinals with a win over the Czechs two days later. The club's latest and most impressive achievement is an overtime win over hockey powerhouse Sweden to keep the run going."I think nobody would guess we could be in the final," Marian Hossa said. "It was 33-to-1 odds against us. So it just feels good to be where we're at. I think everybody here is really happy."JustifiedA best-on-best international tournament with two select teams was a concept many weren't sure would work. But with North America dazzling every game and Europe in the final, it's the best possible outcome for the organizers who dreamed it up. A Europe-Canada final sheds the World Cup of the gimmick label and helps to grow the game internationally."There were half the people who were into it and half the people who weren't," Hossa said. "I think now more people have started getting into it and realizing there are a few guys playing for each of those countries in the final against the best team there is in Canada. Lots of people are going to watch now."With the final a best-of-three format, Team Europe will play at least two more times, on the biggest international stage, its players taking part in what will likely be the most important international games of their careers."I came in here saying that we hoped that a few young children back in those countries get inspired by what we do and become great NHL players in 10 years or 12 years," Krueger said. "And if that happens when I'm old and retired, I hope that it was a part of this tournament that did that."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Emotions ran high at an Ottawa Senators scrimmage Sunday, and Bobby Ryan is standing by his actions.After roster hopeful Patrick Sieloff delivered a highly questionable hit on Clarke MacArthur that resulted in another concussion for the winger, Bobby Ryan immediately came to MacArthur's defense by dropping the gloves.Watch: Bobby Ryan goes after Senators prospect for hit on MacArthurAfter a local reporter said Ryan did the right thing, a fan retorted, causing Ryan to jump into the conversation and say his peace.

Jaroslav Halak wasn't supposed to be between Europe's pipes at the World Cup of Hockey.In a way, the international tournament was going to be Frederik Andersen's formal introduction to Toronto after the hometown Maple Leafs acquired the goalie in a trade with Anaheim earlier in the summer.Plans change, though, and Halak was pressed into duty for the makeshift European squad after Andersen was injured in an Olympic qualifying match days before the World Cup was set to begin.As he's been prone to do in stretches over the course of his career, Halak's played at the highest of performance levels since the beginning of the group stage - leading to, as fate would have it, a best-of-three final against Canada following a semifinal win over Sweden in which he stopped 37-of-39 shots against.The goalie at the other end of the ice in the final? None other than former Montreal Canadiens teammate Carey Price, the goalie on whom the most storied franchise in hockey banked their future, despite Halak's play during Montreal's borderline miracle run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2010.The matchup likely won't be lost on the goalies, says Canadian general manager Doug Armstrong, who was happy to trade for Halak as general manager of the St. Louis Blues back in 2010.

Gordie Howe is home.The hockey legend's ashes were laid to rest at the base of a statue erected in his honor outside the SaskTel Centre - home of the WHL's Blades - on Sunday.

What should one do with the jersey of a player who's been traded?Have it signed by the player he was traded for, of course.That's what a Nashville Predators fan appears to have done Sunday, as P.K. Subban was seen signing an old Shea Weber jersey.

Tomas Tatar's overtime winner gave Team Europe a 3-2 victory over Sweden in their World Cup semifinal Sunday, vaulting Europe into the best-of-three final series against Canada.Tatar's second goal of the game, which deflected in off his skate, was briefly reviewed but ultimately upheld. The winner came 3:43 into the extra frame.Sweden's Erik Karlsson tied it late in regulation.Tatar gave Europe a 2-1 lead when he scored his first goal of the contest 12 seconds into the third period.​Nicklas Backstrom opened the scoring after pouncing on a rebound less than three minutes into the game, but Marian Gaborik made it 1-1 when he deflected Christian Ehrhoff's shot late in the second stanza.Sweden outshot Europe 39-31, including 17-8 in the third. Europe's Jaroslav Halak made 37 saves, while Henrik Lundqvist allowed three goals on 31 shots.The final series between Canada and Europe begins Tuesday. Game 2 will be played on Thursday, and a winner-take-all Game 3 would take place Saturday if necessary.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The tragic death of Jose Fernandez has many reflecting on his remarkable life and career.Related: 5 times Jose Fernandez made everyone love baseballThe late Miami Marlins ace left an indelible mark on his sport, and for one night last winter, his youthful exuberance and curiosity led him to another one.Fernandez performed the ceremonial faceoff prior to a Florida Panthers game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the BB&T Center in February.(Courtesy: NHL.com)Fernandez and teammate Mike Dunn joined the local broadcast crew at the intermission. The young pitcher talked about what it was like attending his first NHL game and poked fun at himself for originally calling the puck a "ball."Fernandez's sense of humor, playful disposition and humility were all on display that night.The Cuban right-hander died early Sunday morning in a boating accident at the age of 24. The Panthers expressed their condolences to the Marlins and Fernandez's family.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This isn't the best way to endear yourself to potential teammates.Patrick Sieloff, a 22-year-old defenseman hoping to crack the Ottawa Senators, caught veteran Clarke MacArthur with a dangerous hit Sunday at training camp, and Bobby Ryan immediately came to MacArthur's defense.Ryan clearly wasn't pleased with the blindside check at the time.

Clarke MacArthur is dealing with another head injury, and this one occurred in a controversial manner.The Ottawa Senators forward was diagnosed with a concussion and taken home to rest Sunday after being drilled by defenseman Patrick Sieloff in training camp.Related: Bobby Ryan goes after farmhand for blindside hit on MacArthurSenators general manager Pierre Dorion said MacArthur will be evaluated daily."We're at the point where we're heartbroken," the GM said, according to the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch. "I don't care about the hit. I care about Clarke."Bobby Ryan and Chris Neil both went after Sieloff after he caught MacArthur with a dangerous hit along the boards.MacArthur appeared in only four games last season due largely to concussion issues.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jacob Trouba's trade request doesn't sit well with Winnipeg Jets teammate Mathieu Perreault."This guy plays big minutes, 22 minutes, and he's gonna complain some sort of way about his ice time?" Perreault told Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press. "How much more does he want?"Trouba, 22, is a restricted free agent, and has stated he's looking for more playing time. The right-handed defenseman plays behind Winnipeg's Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers.Related: 3 potential suitors for Jacob TroubaPerreault said the situation won't be a distraction in the dressing room as the team gears up for the regular season, after Trouba stated he won't attend camp and instead continue training in his home state of Michigan while he awaits a trade."I think for (Trouba's) case, you know, it might be even worse not to come play," Perreault said. "If we start the year and it goes well, then, you know, it feels like we don't even need you."In a statement Saturday, Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said: "As an unsigned player, we cannot compel Jacob to report to training camp at this time. However, we will continue to work diligently to resolve this matter. We will have no further comment on this matter until such time as it is resolved."Drafted ninth overall by Winnipeg in 2012, Trouba has spent the past three seasons with the Jets, tallying 23 goals and 49 assists through 211 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

News that Jacob Trouba wants out of Winnipeg broke Saturday, and while there's no telling how quickly a deal will come together, there's no limit on the list of potential landing spots for the rising star.Related: Jacob Trouba's agent says he's requested trade from JetsThe 22-year-old defenseman was drafted ninth overall just four years ago, but the right-handed shooter is stuck behind the Jets' Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers, and believes he'll have better opportunities to further his career elsewhere.Here are three teams that could offer him that opportunity:Toronto Maple LeafsIf you've kept your eyes on the World Cup, you know how much Canada coach and Toronto Maple Leafs bench boss Mike Babcock likes his defensive pairings to have both a left- and right-handed shot.While the Leafs boast Morgan Rielly on the left side, the best option on the right appears to be Nikita Zaitsev. The former KHLer has had a strong North American debut at the World Cup, but remains an unknown quantity at the NHL level. It's no doubt an area in need of improvement for the Leafs.What they can offer Winnipeg is the question. The Jets could ask for a first-round pick - a tall order for a Toronto team still in the early stages of a rebuild. That move could be a repeat of the deal that brought Phil Kessel to Toronto but saw second overall pick Tyler Seguin head to Boston.Boston BruinsThe Boston Bruins' weakness is their blue line, and captain Zdeno Chara isn't getting any younger.Chara has two years remaining on his contract, and the left-handed shot could pair with Trouba. With the 39-year-old in his hockey twilight, it would represent a changing of the guard in Boston, with Trouba taking ownership of the Bruins' top pairing once Chara moves on.The addition would bolster the Boston lineup and likely extend the team's competitive window, as it slowly infuses young pros like David Pastrnak, Ryan Spooner, and a crop of rookies.Arizona CoyotesIt's no secret that the Arizona Coyotes desire a top-pairing defenseman to partner with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Trouba's name has been connected to the team as recently as the draft. TSN's Bob McKenzie confirmed the reports on Saturday:

The sudden, tragic death of Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez sent shock waves through the sports world, and the nearest NHL team joined in the outpouring of condolences.The Florida Panthers sent well-wishes to the Marlins and Fernandez's family in a statement Sunday morning:

theScore is previewing each team leading up to the 2016-17 season.It's rare for a team to wave goodbye to both its No. 1 goalie and captain, yet assert that their core is still intact, but such is the case with the St. Louis Blues.Brian Elliott was dealt to the Calgary Flames, while David Backes signed with the Boston Bruins. Troy Brouwer also left to join the Flames.The Blues' biggest move to counter these departures was bringing back David Perron, who began his career in St. Louis. With young stars Colton Parayko and Robby Fabbri already making meaningful contributions to the club, the team should remain a contender with a wealth of talent still at their disposal.ForwardsLW C RWJaden SchwartzJori LehteraVladimir TarasenkoRobby FabbriPaul StastnyDavid PerronPatrik BerglundAlex SteenDmitrij JaskinScottie UpshallKyle BrodziakRyan Reaves

Nikita Kucherov might not be without a contract for much longer.Negotiations with the Tampa Bay Lightning should resume now that the star winger's World Cup commitment with Russia is over, general manager Steve Yzerman told reporters including Bryan Burns of the team's official website Sunday.Russia was eliminated from the tournament Saturday night in a 5-3 semifinal loss to Canada, a game in which Kucherov led all skaters with eight shots on goal.Yzerman said Sunday that the club can "push harder" to strike a deal with the restricted free agent now that the World Cup is in the rear-view mirror, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.Related: Projecting Nikita Kucherov's next contractKucherov set new career-highs with 30 goals and 66 points last season after notching 28 goals and 64 points in 2014-15.The Lightning have about $6.6 million in cap space entering the 2016-17 campaign.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The reconstruction of the Ottawa Senators' blue line may still be a work in progress.Senators general manager Pierre Dorion confirmed Sunday that the team is still considering options in unrestricted free agency, naming veteran defensemen Kris Russell and Dennis Seidenberg as possibilities.Dorion did not indicate whether he would prefer to sign or invite either player to training camp on a professional tryout.Russell, 29, split last season between the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars, scoring 19 points in 62 games.Seidenberg spent last season with the Boston Bruins before his contract was bought out in June. The 35-year-old is currently competing with Team Europe at the World Cup.The Senators blue line saw a shakeup over the offseason, following the retirement of veteran blue-liner Chris Phillips. More recently, the team invited Matt Bartkowski to training camp on a PTO. Bartkowski, 28, spent last season with the Vancouver Canucks, scoring 18 points in 80 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's good news on the injury front for Ottawa Senators winger Mark Stone.Stone, 24, who was recently diagnosed with a concussion, is expected to be ready and in the lineup when the regular season begins Oct. 12, general manager Pierre Dorion said Sunday.The Senators begin the regular season on home ice against the rival Toronto Maple Leafs.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Bill Foley had barely completed the purchase of his first hockey team before he began searching for his second.Foley, owner of the NHL's expansion franchise in Las Vegas, is expected to move quickly on a minor-league affiliate, though it's not yet known if he's looking to buy or partner with another club.There are currently 30 AHL clubs, meaning one team would need to double up once Las Vegas brings the NHL to 31 teams."It’s like building another team from scratch, only cheaper," Murray Craven, the team's senior vice-president, told Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "We’re still trying to figure out what we want to do. The choices (for expansion) aren't that numerous."Should Las Vegas look to purchase its own AHL franchise, Foley has previously expressed interest in placing a minor-league club in Reno, Nev., Fresno, Calif., or Salt Lake City, Utah.The AHL has seen a western shift in recent years, with the NHL's western conference clubs moving their minor-league teams to the likes of San Diego, Calif. and Tucson, Ariz., among other locales. Foley's AHL club would likely compete in the same division.While it's unknown where the club will call home, Craven was quick to rule out placing the team in the same city as its parent club, Las Vegas, stating, "I think we’d be better served having our affiliate elsewhere."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.