The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly unchained from their financial commitment to defenseman David Rundblad.Rundblad and the Blackhawks mutually agreed to terminate his contract and he'll no longer impact the club's payroll, according to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.He was placed on waivers July 1, and the Blackhawks were expected to buy out the final year of his contract, valued at a shade over $1 million.Chicago aided its starving defense this summer with the addition of Brian Campbell, who sprung for a return to the franchise on a reduced salary.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings and defenseman Danny DeKeyser avoided arbitration - and eschewed negotiations for the foreseeable future - by agreeing to a six-year, $30-million contract extension, James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail was first to report Tuesday.DeKeyser will earn $5 million on an annual basis through 2021-22, and will have modified no-trade protection included in the deal, according to multiple reports.He'll also apparently earn a small portion of his salary in signing bonuses.It's a massive and perhaps hurried investment in the fourth-year pro, who took on an increased role under Jeff Blashill but also saw his overall production decline. DeKeyser scored eight goals and 20 points, and his step up in competition was reflected in his underlying numbers.The Red Wings have a current cap estimate beyond the defined ceiling, and still have starting netminder Petr Mrazek scheduled for an arbitration hearing.General manager Ken Holland has allocated significant dollar and term to free agent Frans Nielsen, bottom-six forward Darren Helm, and now DeKeyser before addressing the situation in goal.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When the Edmonton Oilers acquired Adam Larsson from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Taylor Hall, the Oilers' feedback was - to put it nicely - underwhelming.In trading Hall, the Oilers relinquished one of their top offensive threats for an under-the-radar defenseman, yet to reach the pinnacle of his career trajectory as the fourth overall pick in 2011.Still only 23 years old, Larsson believes he can develop into more of an offensive threat, coming off a personally promising campaign last season."I think I can take an even bigger step," Larsson said, according to NHL.com's Derek Van Diest. "There was a lot of focus on defense and penalty kill last year and the next step is to be more offensive, and hopefully, get more powerplay time."In 274 NHL games, Larsson has 69 points, but skepticism aside, he's excited for a change of scenery in Edmonton, even if he's replacing a fan favorite."They are obviously big shoes to fill," Larsson said. "He's a forward and I'm a D-Man and it's different, but New Jersey got a really good player and I'm happy to be here. It's going to be a lot of fun. Looking at the group, it's a really young group, and especially now with the new rink, I think it's going to be a good, new fresh start for everyone."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

On Tuesday, for the first time since a leg injury saw him stretchered out of the rink during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final, Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop will take the ice.The 29-year-old will suit up for the first time this offseason after spending most of the summer rehabbing a high-ankle and shin sprain, according to ESPN's Joe McDonald.Bishop has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason, but he remains with the Lightning for the time being, and is preparing for the World Cup of Hockey in September, where he'll represent Team USA.Last season, Bishop produced the best campaign of his NHL career, winning 35 games with a .926 save percentage and 2.06 goals-against average, en route to second in Vezina Trophy voting.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore is ranking all 30 NHL jerseys. We're counting down by six each day this week.30. Anaheim DucksWe all long for the return of the Mighty Ducks.Four primary colors is difficult to pull off, and although it's unique, the color scheme the Ducks employ is far too busy. A logo featuring more than a duck's foot would make sense too.29. Carolina HurricanesMeh.The colors certainly pop, but Carolina's get-ups lack any sort of punch. The checkered pattern of years past at least provided some intrigue.28. Ottawa SenatorsOttawa's horizontal-striped alternates are glorious, but their regular duds could use some improvement.The design on the jersey doesn't match the socks, and the stripes on the socks don't match the stripes on the pants. Call it nitpicking, but details are what make uniforms great.27. Arizona CoyotesAdding black to a simplistic burgundy and white color scheme brought the Coyotes back a step. It's a shame, because Arizona's logo is one of the best in the league.26. Calgary FlamesThe Flames could use a re-brand.The vertical piping on Calgary's jerseys is out of date, and the black logo certainly doesn't pop as much on a dark red background as the white one did in the past.That said, the flaming letters used to represent Calgary's captains are outstanding.25. Columbus Blue JacketsRed pants save a relatively bland uniform for the Blue Jackets.The cannon shoulder patch would be much better served as a primary logo, but let's just be thankful there's no more neon-green bugs involved.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs avoided arbitration for a second time Monday by agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with defenseman Frank Corrado.

The Florida Panthers signed forward Denis Malgin to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Monday.Malgin was the club's fourth-round pick in 2015, taken 102nd overall. He spent the majority of last season with the ZSC Lions of the Swiss National League A, where he racked up five goals and 17 points in 38 games.The 19-year-old shone at the World Junior Championship this past winter. He finished tied for sixth in tournament scoring and first on Switzerland with nine points in six games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Two Canadian hockey icons have received one of their country's biggest honors.Don Cherry and Ron MacLean, stars of "Hockey Night in Canada" and the segment "Coach's Corner," received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame, which was officially unveiled Monday.

The Detroit Red Wings are coming down to the wire with two of their young stars set to go to arbitration.The Red Wings will get a third-party decision on Thursday regarding Danny DeKeyser's next contract, unless both sides are able to come to an agreement first."Ideally, Danny would like to do a longer-term deal. The club would like to do a longer-term deal," general manager Ken Holland said, according to Brendan Savage of MLive.com. "Since they filed, this period of negotiation and time to do your brief for an arbitration hearing has mostly been about discussions on a longer-term deal."We talked Thursday, we talked Friday, we're going to talk again (Monday)."Holland said both sides have "basically agreed on what the one-year award looks like" in the event they don't agree on a longer contract.DeKeyser is coming off a two-year, $4.375-million deal and an eight-goal, 20-point season.The Red Wings are also trying to finalize a contract with goaltender Petr Mrazek, but things don't appear to be going as smoothly as they are with DeKeyser. The team elected to go to arbitration with Mrazek asking for one year more than the Red Wings' proposed one-year contract and negotiations are ongoing."We've had lots of discussions," Holland said. "There's way more comparables, I think, in Dan DeKeyser's case so it was easier to figure out what was the marketplace. That's certainly not the case of Petr Mrazek's situation."So we've had lots of conversations about them explaining their position and (us) explaining our position."In Mrazek's case, both sides will have two days to negotiate a deal before their scheduled hearing Wednesday. The 24-year-old is coming off a career year that saw him post 27 wins, a .921 save percentage, and a 2.33 goals-against average in 54 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The investigation into Russia's Olympic doping scandal could soon impact the NHL.IIHF president Rene Fasel plans to submit a request for the release of the 14 hockey players implicated in the World Anti-Doping Agency's report on alleged systematic doping in Russia."We will do it ... at least if we find out they tested positive we will of course suspend them," Fasel said in an interview with Russian news agency TASS.The 14 hockey players identified by WADA's independent commission participated in the men's and women's competitions at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.There were 16 NHL players on the men's squad, which finished fifth.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and forward Peter Holland have settled on a one-year contract worth $1.3 million, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports.He was scheduled for an arbitration meeting with the Maple Leafs just prior to signing the deal.Holland didn't take on a greater role under Mike Babcock as was expected in a season in which the Maple Leafs tore down. He produced at about the same offensive rate and with a similar usage as the year prior, and finished with 27 points to edge his career-best total.The former first-round draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks was placed on waivers last week as a tactic leading up to Monday's scheduled meeting.Toronto has $1.3 million in cap room with restricted free agents Frankie Corrado and Martin Marincin still unsigned, as well as an empty slot on the roster for a backup goaltender.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Twitter will begin streaming weekly live out-of-market NHL and MLB games and a new nightly highlight show, the social media platform announced Monday in conjunction with MLBAM.NHL events will be available free to Twitter users in the United States, while MLB games will be livestreamed worldwide.A schedule is to be released at a later date.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Flyers avoided a third-party ruling with Brayden Schenn, signing the breakout performer to a four-year contract extension worth a reported $20.5-million, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.Schenn's $5.125-million average annual hit is reasonable value for a 25-goal, near-60-point scorer on an upward trajectory, but Flyers general manager Ron Hextall did make concessions with this deal. Schenn was apparently asking for $5.5 million in arbitration, whereas Philadelphia had countered with roughly $4.3 million.The contract was agreed upon moments before the scheduled arbitration hearing.Schenn, 24, hit career highs across the board last year, emerging as a first-line scoring threat. He played the last three-and-a-half months of the season as a point-per-game contributor, totaling 44 points in 44 games to lead all Flyers.He'll have the fourth-highest cap hit among Flyers, earning less than only Claude Giroux, Jakub Voracek, and Mark Streit. Roughly half his salary is insured in signing bonuses.Philadelphia will have plenty of cap room to sign its last remaining restricted free agent, defenseman Brandon Manning.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ben Scrivens has signed with Belarusian outfit Dynamo Minsk on a one-year deal, the KHL team announced Monday.The 29-year-old goalie started with the Bakersfield Condors last season after failing to crack the Edmonton Oilers roster out of camp. He then found back-up work with the Montreal Canadiens with Carey Price out, and also made a start for the St. John's IceCaps.Scrivens had an .890 save clip in 57 starts for the Oilers during the 2014-15 season, his last full NHL campaign.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kris Versteeg is indeed heading to Switzerland.SC Bern of the Swiss National League A confirmed the signing of the two-time Stanley Cup champ and habitual rental commodity with a press release Monday.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are nearing a contract agreement with journeyman backup Jhonas Enroth, reports Johan Svensson from Swedish outlet Expressen, as relayed by TSN.Enroth stopped pucks at a respectable .922 clip last season, his first with the Los Angeles Kings. But he was entrusted with just 13 starts in a support role for Jonathan Quick, a workload the 28-year-old grew frustrated with.He would certainly take on a heightened role in Toronto, and in a backup role behind Frederik Andersen. The former Anaheim Ducks split starter - the only NHL-caliber netminder in the Leafs' system after Jonathan Bernier came to represent a portion of his return - has a career-best 53 starts in a season, and just 114 over the last three years.Enroth would keep Garret Sparks and Antoine Bibeau splitting duties with the Toronto Marlies.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

He may have just one season under his belt, but Connor McDavid appears ready to lead his team, both on and off the ice.On his path to superstardom, speculation has many already calling for McDavid to be named the Edmonton Oilers next captain, but while the 19-year-old doesn't want to get ahead of himself, he admits being named the 19th captain in franchise history would be a great honor."Obviously. If I was ever the captain at any point I think it would be one of the greatest honors and one of the accomplishments that I would definitely take the most seriously," McDavid said, according to Ian Shantz of the Toronto Sun."I don't want to comment on it too much, but obviously it would be an unbelievable feeling."McDavid had a sensational rookie campaign finishing first among all first-year players with 1.07 points per game - good enough for third in the league overall.Heading into year two, McDavid admits he is feeling a lot less pressure than he did last year."I'm really excited. I definitely feel a little bit more comfortable this summer than I did last summer, not knowing basically what to expect about anything," McDavid said. "And now you come back and you have a season under your belt, you can kind of feel a little more comfortable and have a better understanding for certain situations."Come September, before McDavid joins the Oilers for his second regular season in the NHL, he will suit up for Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto - a potential showcase for not only his skills as a player, but as a leader as well.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A five-year professional with shutdown defensive skills, it's easy to forget that Sean Couturier's still a kid. His latest accomplishment won't do much to alter the common assumption otherwise.Couturier, 23, cemented luminary status in his hometown of Bathurst, New Brunswick over the weekend, as he was presented with a street sign that bears his name.

Luke Schenn is ready for a fresh start.The 26-year-old signed a two-year contract with the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday, his fourth team since being drafted fifth overall in 2008.Schenn is taking the opportunity to play in a more subdued environment, having only played for pressure-packed teams throughout his career: the Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, and Los Angeles Kings."I'm just looking forward to coming to a market where I can just worry about playing hockey and not outside added pressure," Schenn told Dave Vest of Coyotes.NHL.com. "I'm looking forward to hopefully growing with the team. I know they have a lot of upside and I still feel like I've hopefully got some upside, too, and (I'm) still at a good age where I can continue to grow and evolve."Coyotes general manager John Chayka likes what Schenn brings to the table for his team."I think there have been a lot of segments in Luke's career where he has been very impactful," Chayka said. " ... He's a physical player that separates the man from the puck and makes plays in the areas of the ice that we want to make plays. (And) he's been an effective penalty killer throughout his career, and that's another area that we needed to address."In 72 games last season split between the Flyers and Kings, Schenn recorded 16 points.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Coyotes are taking a chance on Luke Schenn.The club signed the 26-year-old to a two-year contract, the team announced Saturday.While the terms were not announced, the deal will pay Schenn an annual average of $1.25 million, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman."We are very pleased to sign Luke to a two-year contract," general manager John Chayka said in a release. "He's a good, young defenseman and we feel we can optimize his performance here. He will be a solid addition to our blue line."Schenn split last season between the Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles Kings, putting up four goals and 16 points in 72 games. He added another two points in five playoff games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Peter Holland is looking to get paid.With two days until a scheduled arbitration hearing, the Toronto Maple Leafs forward is reportedly looking for a $1.325-million raise.Holland is asking for a $2.1-million contract, while the Maple Leafs are countering with $900,000, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.While Holland hit a career high in points last season with 27, including nine goals, in 65 games, he managed just two points more than his 2014-15 total.Holland cleared waivers Saturday, according to James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail, after the Maple Leafs, put his contract up for grabs Friday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Flyers and Brayden Schenn don't appear to be seeing eye to eye.Just two days before a scheduled arbitration hearing, the parties are roughly 1-year and $1.25 million apart in negotiations.The Flyers are offering a two-year contract worth $4.25 million in Year 1 and just under $4.37 million in Year 2, while Schenn is asking for a one-year, $5.5-million deal, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.Schenn is coming off a career year that saw him hit 26 goals and 59 points in 80 games, good enough for third in team scoring. The 24-year-old just completed a two-year contract that paid him an annual average of $2.5 million.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With general manager George McPhee now in place, the Las Vegas NHL franchise is hard at work trying to nail down a name and color scheme.While still nameless, the club has received a place-holder logo in the form of the NHL shield with the name "Las Vegas" underneath it, reports Steve Carp of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.In the meantime, the club continues to negotiate with the NHL on possible names."We’re exchanging names and ideas with the NHL and they’ve come back with names for us," Murray Craven - team owner Bill Foley's hockey advisor - said. "They’ve been great to us, as has Adidas, who have some great ideas for uniform designs."But ultimately, it’s going to be Bill’s call what the name will be."While nothing has been decided, Craven noted the NHL wasn't opposed to the proposed name "Silver Knights," of which the club already owns the trademark."We met with the NHL recently (in Montana) and they haven’t gotten back to us yet," Craven said.Of course, in their search for a name, Craven admits they've received suggestions from outside parties, with some being on the more ridiculous side of things."Someone wanted $50,000 for the name 'Desert Turtles,'" Craven said. "Somehow, I don’t see us calling ourselves the Las Vegas Desert Turtles."As Foley and co. alluded to earlier in the month, the biggest hurdle in the process has been trademarks and the need to avoid gambling references."You want a simple, classic design," Craven said. "Toronto has that with the maple leaf. Detroit has that. Boston with the 'B'. The Blackhawks. It’s very important you get the right look because it’s how people identify with your team."While the hunt continues, Craven said the team is hopeful to have the name, logo, and color scheme decided sometime in September.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dominic Moore is mighty pleased with the New York Rangers' recent re-signing of teammate Chris Kreider.The club came to terms with Kreider, a restricted free-agent forward, on a four-year, $18.5-million contract just prior to a scheduled arbitration meeting, and as Moore sees it, they locked up an all-time skater."Chris is the most explosive skater in the history of the NHL, in my opinion," Moore said, according to NHL.com's Adam Kimelman. "He's a game-changer because he can break out and do amazing things because he is a freak athlete. Guys like that don't grow on trees. He has earned his way into being a valuable player in the league."Former teammate - and newest member of the Ottawa Senators - Derick Brassard echoed Moore's praise, suggesting the 25-year-old's biggest attribute is his strength."Chris is very physically gifted," Brassard said. "He's one of the strongest guys in the league who has really good speed and a really good shot. Guys like him are really hard to find. … The Rangers are lucky to have a player like him."Kreider is coming off his third full season with the Rangers and his second-straight 21-goal campaign, but feels he's just coming into his own."Hopefully I am just scratching the surface," Kreider said. "I am of the mindset that I am trying to get better every single day. I guess if you are not improving, there's no point of doing it."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A day after a report claimed the New York Islanders are talking to the New York Mets about building a new arena in Queens, Robert Brodsky and Jim Baumbach of Newsday reported, citing a source, that the Islanders are eyeing Belmont Park as another possible venue.An arena at Belmont Park, located just outside New York City's limits in Elmont, would bring the Islanders back to Nassau County, where they played for 43 years before relocating to Brooklyn's Barclays Center last season.The source indicated the Islanders' new owners, Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin, have met with the New York Racing Association - which runs Belmont Park, currently a horse-racing facility - several times in recent months.Though the Islanders have only played one season in Brooklyn, the desire for a move stems in part from the unhappiness of fans and players with the commute and conditions of the arena.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Rangers avoided arbitration for the second time Friday, re-signing forward Kevin Hayes, the team announced.The deal will reportedly pay Hayes $2.6 million in both years for a total of $5.2 million, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post.Hayes was the final restricted agent to contend with after the club announced the signing of Chris Kreider earlier in the day. Like Kreider, Hayes was also set to go to arbitration, with a meeting scheduled for July 27.The 24-year-old is coming off his second full season with the Rangers where he finished with 14 goals and 36 points in 79 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed restricted free-agent defenseman Connor Carrick to a two-year contract, the team announced.

The NHL is well aware of the news that Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane turned himself into Buffalo police Friday morning, and has been charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass and five non-criminal offenses.The league is monitoring the situation, but won't take any disciplinary action at this time, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.Kane's arrest stems from an incident at Bottoms Up bar in Buffalo on June 24 where Kane allegedly put his hands on four people (three women and one male bouncer.)The 24-year-old is also alleged to have put his hand on the throat of one of the woman while trying to force her into his car.Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly spoke with Dreger, and says that Kane will be directed to the NHL/NHLPA Behavioral Health professionals for evaluation and counseling if deemed necessary.The Sabres issued a statement Friday regarding the arrest stating they are aware of the incident and will not speak further.

Kris Versteeg appears to be taking his talents across the Atlantic.The 30-year-old is expected to sign with SC Bern of the Swiss National League this weekend, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.Versteeg split last season between the Carolina Hurricanes and Los Angeles Kings where he managed a combined 15 goals and 38 points in 77 games, chipping in another two points in two postseason contests.Since joining the league full-time during the 2008-09 season, Versteeg has changed teams six times. He has accumulated 131 goals and 313 points in 550 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane turned himself into Buffalo police on Friday, and has been charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass, four counts of non-criminal harassment, and disorderly conduct according to Dan Herbeck, Jane Kwiatkowski Radlich, and Lou Michel of the Buffalo News.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are making a last ditch effort to avoid going to arbitration with forward Peter Holland.The club has placed the 25-year-old on waivers, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.Holland elected to go to arbitration and is scheduled to have his hearing on July 25. He played a career-high 65 games with the team last season, where despite scoring two fewer goals, he managed a career-best 27 points.In his last contract, Holland made $1.55 million over two seasons.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Rangers have signed forward Chris Kreider to a new contract, the team announced on Friday.The terms and conditions were not disclosed, but according to NHL analyst Aaron Ward, the deal is four years in length at an annual average of $4.625 million for a total of $18.5 million.

Not everyone feels the Nashville Predators won the Subban-Weber trade.Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele joined Sportsnet 590 on Wednesday where he admitted if he was playing the role of general manager he would take Shea Weber over P.K. Subban."Personally, I would take Shea Weber on my team," said Scheifele. "I've played against Shea Weber more. Being in the West, we only got to see P.K. twice this season. Being in Weber’s conference, I got to see him a lot."He’s just so strong. He can control a game. First off, his physicality is a huge asset of his. Every time he touches you, it feels like your bones are gonna crack - which is definitely a tough thing to deal with. He’s just a competitor."The Montreal Canadiens have largely been named losers in the deal that went down in June, thanks in part to Weber's age, contract, and possession stats, but as Scheifele explains, there are other metrics to Weber's game that might not show up on the stats page."Every shift, he treats it like it’s his last shift," said Scheifele. "He’s just so tough to beat. He’s an all-around unbelievable player, and obviously his shot is dangerous as well."Scheifele and his bones must be happy knowing that heading into next season they'll only face Weber on two occasions compared to the five this past year.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After 10 seasons with countless stops on the way, Ryan O'Byrne is calling it quits.The 32-year-old defenseman announced his retirement on Twitter on Thursday, planning to finish his degree at Cornell University.

Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux is ahead of schedule on his road to recovery.The 28-year-old pivot underwent surgery to repair right hip and bilateral lower abdominal muscle tears May 17, returning to the ice Wednesday, one week ahead of the initial 10-12 week recovery timeline.Flyers equipment manager Derek Settlemyre posted a video of Giroux taking the ice for the first time since the operation.Last season, Giroux scored 67 points in 78 games, leading the Flyers. He also earned the nod to represent Canada at the World Cup of Hockey in September.- with h/t to NHL.comCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

NBC announced its broadcast schedule for this upcoming season, and as is customary, the Chicago Blackhawks will play a starring role.Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Co. will appear on national television a league-most 21 times as part of the network's 106-game schedule.The Philadelphia Flyers are a close second with 20 appearances, while the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers are close behind with 16 games apiece.Chicago will meet the St. Louis Blues - who dispatched them in the first round last season - four times on national broadcasts.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have turned their attention to Josh Leivo, announcing Thursday they've signed him to a two-year contract extension.Leivo is coming off a strong third professional campaign in the Maple Leafs organization, and appears prepared to make the jump to the big club on a full-time basis.He scored 17 goals and 48 points in 51 games with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, adding five goals in 12 games with the Maple Leafs.The former third-round selection of the Maple Leafs also led the Marlies in scoring during their Calder Cup Playoffs run.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

We spent more time talking about Auston Matthews' entry-level contract than the No. 1 overall selection and his representation did with the Toronto Maple Leafs.A lot more, apparently.Speaking on a conference call Thursday shortly after officially adding Matthews to the Maple Leafs' banner, general manager Lou Lamoriello said the contract was agreed upon within 10 minutes at the table with Matthews' agent Pat Brisson.It had been speculated over the last several weeks that Lamoriello was hesitant to give Matthews the fully loaded, incentive-laden deal he did eventually sign Thursday. Lamoriello and Brisson, however, indicated that the two parties did not have any issues ironing out the deal.Lamoriello attributed the delay to other ongoing housework, and said he's operating the "Toronto way," meaning precedent from his time with the New Jersey Devils does not apply to his dealings in Toronto.He said the No. 1 overall pick deserves the maximum salary and financial incentives permitted under the collective bargaining agreement.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and No. 1 overall draft selection Auston Matthews finally agreed to terms Thursday on a three-year, entry-level contract.And the kid apparently won out.Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Matthews will indeed receive a full base salary and have maximum bonus potential throughout his entry-level term with the organization, sources told Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.The "full permissible package," as Matthews' agent Pat Brisson described it, and which is customary for No. 1 overall draft picks to receive, includes a $925,000 standard salary and $2.85 million in performance bonuses.It's believed Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello was hesitant to sign Matthews to an incentive-laden contract - an old-school preference that dates back to his time with the New Jersey Devils.Brisson, however, said there were no issues in negotiations with Lamoriello, according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets signed his entry-level deal at just short of the maximum potential value. Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, meanwhile, each negotiated the full freight in their deals last summer.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Islanders are reportedly in talks with Major League Baseball's New York Mets about building a new arena across from Citi Field, according to sources of Bloomberg's Scott Soshnick.The discussions are focused on a new rink at Willets Point in Queens that would serve as the new home for the hockey club if Islanders owners can't get Barclays Center officials to agree on hockey-specific upgrades to the venue, reports Soshnick.In the Islanders' indecisive debut season in Brooklyn last year, fans were dissatisfied with obstructed views at the 15,700-seat arena, while players were believed to be unhappy with the commute from Long Island as well as substandard ice quality in a venue designed for basketball.The Islanders and officials from Barclays Center declined to comment when approached by Soshnick.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Admiration poured in from NHL teams and players of past and present after two-time Stanley Cup winner Brad Richards announced his retirement Wednesday.Here are some the well wishes:Richards won his second career Stanley Cup in his second-to-last, and only, season with the Chicago Blackhawks.Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane thanked him for his contribution to their dynasty.

Mikahil Grigorenko and the Colorado Avalanche have reached a settlement, as the centerman signed a one-year deal, the club announced Wednesday.In closing a deal, both sides avoid arbitration. Colorado didn't disclose terms, but reports indicate it's worth $1.3 million.The 22-year-old was traded to the Avalanche in the deal that sent Ryan O'Reilly to the Buffalo Sabres, where Grigorenko was drafted 12th overall in 2012.In his first season in the Mile High City, Grigorenko notched six goals and 21 assists in 74 contests.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Milan Lucic made it clear the Connor McDavid factor weighed in on his decision to sign with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, and as it turns out, the 19-year-old is happy to welcome him into the lineup.McDavid believes Lucic's impact on the roster will be immediate."It means so much," McDavid said, according to Mike Brophy of NHL.com. "It kind of gives us that swagger, that meanness that we have been looking for. We tried to do that a little bit last year in adding a couple bigger bodies and it definitely helped, but now you have the addition of Lucic and those guys we added before. We definitely have that mean streak that other teams won't want to be pushing us around."Lucic is coming off his fourth career 20-goal season, but his knack for winning appeals to McDavid as well."We're a young team and he is a bit of an older guy who has won at every level," McDavid said. "That goes as long way."The duo are expected to start the season as linemates, with the towering Lucic set to drive the net and create space for the ever-dangerous McDavid."I think it's going to be a really good experience, something we can both benefit from. He definitely makes players around him better and for me, if I can get him the puck in good positions around the net, he's going to put it away," McDavid said.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Two-time Stanley Cup champion and former Conn Smythe Trophy winner Brad Richards has announced his retirement.The veteran forward played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, and most recently the Detroit Red Wings in his largely successful 15-year career.In 1,126 regular-season games, Richards racked up 298 goals and 932 points, which ranks him 101st in NHL history. He also scored 37 goals and 105 points in 10 appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.He won championships with the Lightning and Blackhawks, and appeared in the Stanley Cup Final with the Rangers in 2014.Richards also won the Memorial Cup in 2000 with the Rimouski Oceanic, and represented Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship, World Championship, World Cup, and the Olympics.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL has dismissed James Oldham, the neutral arbitrator who ruled to reduce Calgary Flames defender Dennis Wideman's suspension for cross-checking official Don Henderson, reports Liz Mullen on the Sports Business Journal.Though in itself, the NHL having jurisdiction over who delivers third-party decisions drips with irony, it underscores both the power the league wields and its desire to protect officials.Wideman served nearly the length of the initial 20-game suspension before Oldham's decision was rendered, though he was able to recoup losses. The league then responded by launching a legal suit against the Players' Association in protest of the ruling.The NHL stated in June that Oldham "exceeded his contractual authority" in slashing Wideman's suspension in half.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It'll be Kyle Palmieri - not Phil Kessel - replacing Ryan Callahan on the United States' roster for the upcoming World Cup of Hockey.Palmieri was appointed to the squad Wednesday, augmenting what's been a delightful month for the break-out New Jersey Devils forward. He signed a five-year, $23.25-million extension with his hometown team on July 7, on the heels of his first 30-goal campaign.

The Washington Capitals and forward Marcus Johansson avoided a third-party ruling for the second straight summer, agreeing to a three-year, $13.75-million contract extension before meeting with a neutral arbitrator Wednesday.The deal, which will pay Johansson an average annual salary of $4.583 million through 2018-2019, was agreed upon three minutes before the scheduled hearing, according to Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post.Johansson receives a three-year commitment from the Capitals, who drafted him in the first round in 2009, and an $830,000 raise from his arbitrator-ruled $3.75-million salary from last summer.He also has a five-team limited no-trade clause in the last two seasons of his deal, a source told Khurshudyan.Johansson scored 17 goals and 29 assists last year, supplying solid middle-six scoring contributions for another season. He's offered a little more than a half-point per game each year since his rookie campaign, most recently providing 0.62 points per contest and 1.74 points per 60 minutes at even strength.Washington has almost $3.5 million in available cap space with Dmitry Orlov still needing a new deal.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Tortorella is an accomplished NHL coach, but he has a new trophy in his sights.The 58-year-old will coach Team USA at September's World Cup of Hockey in Toronto, and coming away with a win on the international scale would be right up there on the list of Tortorella's accolades, which include the 2003-04 Jack Adams Award and Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning."For U.S. to go into Toronto, a Canadian city, fantastic hockey city, what that atmosphere is going to be like," Tortorella told CBS Sports, via NHL.com. "And to go in there and do our business and try to do it the right way, at this point in time in my career, it's going to have to rank as one of the top things because it's your country and it's the U.S. in Canada."Tortorella, current coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, has experience in this field, earning a silver medal with Team USA at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, but he's ready for another chance."Totally honored to be involved with this, to represent your country," Tortorella said. "We're really looking forward to it. I was very fortunate to win the Stanley Cup, (but) to do something in this situation and try to come into a situation and win it, man oh man, I'm not sure where you'd rank that."Team USA kicks its tournament off Sept. 17 versus Team Europe at the Air Canada Centre.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.