The Zibanejads are downsizing.Mika Zibanejad's move to the New York Rangers came as a surprise to the the former sixth overall selection of the Ottawa Senators, who on Monday dealt him for Derick Brassard. But the first thoughts and emotions that ran through his mind weren't of sadness or elation. Rather, annoyance.It meant another move."It's not convenient, I'll tell you that much," Zibanejad, who recently had a mansion built in Ottawa, told NHL.com's Brian Compton.But once Zibanejad's mind drifted from boxes, moving trucks, and floor plans, he quickly allowed himself to get excited about playing in a big city and a major market."It's an Original Six team," Zibanejad said. "The status of the team is very high anywhere you go. I think as far as the roster goes, it looks really, really promising and really interesting. It's a team that goes for the Cup every year and is a big contender for it. I'm really happy to be a part of this and (I'm) hoping I can add more to that as well.He added: "I'm happy. I'm really excited to get this thing started."The thing is, the Rangers have shown in recent seasons that they may be slipping from their perch as perennial title contenders. And in many ways, landing the younger and cheaper Zibanejad is about sustainability and attempting to reverse that downward trend.Yet, as it is now, he's the less-proven asset and a player that hasn't quite reached his impact-player potential - and that obviously carries risk.But Zibanejad believes the Rangers have cycled in an asset prepared to hit the offensive totals that Brassard has provided."I feel like the whole process of my career is going towards the right way," he said. "I feel like I haven't really got the break yet and I feel like there's a lot more to give. I'm quite excited to be able to get this chance with the Rangers and I feel like I'm at that moment in my career to be able to do that and hopefully break out here."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's only a number, but age is preventing Connor Carrick from spending his summer the way he'd like.The Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman took to Twitter to bemoan the age restrictions for Pavel Datsyuk's skill development camp - which just so happened to have a guest instructor in Carrick's former teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov.

It's time to check in with the best hands in hockey.Watch Patrick Kane dance through the "Stickhandler's Playground" - an obstacle course set up by sponsor Bauer.The entire clip is absurd, but the mini backhand flip through the tire is something else.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In with the new.With Clarke MacArthur holding onto the No. 16, Derick Brassard will not only sport a new sweater next season with the Ottawa Senators, but a new number as well.Here's the first look at Brassard's new digs.

Sean Monahan wants to help the Calgary Flames win the Stanley Cup, and understands his role goes beyond on-ice performance.Monahan's kept an eye on the dollars and term being allocated elsewhere in his first summer as a restricted free agent. And after seeing Steven Stamkos make concessions on his long-term pact with the Tampa Bay Lightning, he said he's willing to do the same in order to help Flames brass surround him - and fellow free agent Johnny Gaudreau - with capable talent."If you're a high-end player and you're playing somewhere at a young age, that's where your heart is and that's where you want to win," Monahan said Monday on TSN, according to NHL.com."Our goal is to bring a Stanley Cup to Calgary, so if that's what it is, that we can bring other players in, to have a little extra money room and get them in to help us to be a better team, I think that's the idea."Instead, Monahan's representatives are insisting on term in their ongoing negotiations with Brad Treliving and his staff."I definitely want to be there for a long time," the forward said. "So I would prefer a longer-term contract, but that's not up for me to decide. So I think I want to be there, I want to be in Calgary for the rest of my career, so that's something that I'm looking forward to doing."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Wild have placed Jordan Schroeder on regular, non-buyout waivers, according to multiple reports Tuesday.Schroeder, a restricted free agent, is scheduled for an arbitrator's ruling on July 27 - which means it's possible the Wild are posturing ahead of the third-party ruling.The 25-year-old split duties between the Wild and their American Hockey League outfit in Iowa last season. He scored two goals and four points in 26 games at the NHL level, also scoring once in the playoffs.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

You can't say Beau Bennett lacks humility.The Stanley Cup champ with the Pittsburgh Penguins and one of the newest members of New Jersey Devils shared a Photoshopped image he received on Twitter, which pokes fun at his oft-injured playing status.

The NHL's free agent frenzy quickly and abruptly halted following July 1.After over $600 million was spent on Day 1 of free agency, teams have since become much more selective in choosing their next moves, and many players are now left nervously waiting for the chance to resume their careers.With so many seeking jobs and only so many spots to be filled, it is only natural that many players who took to the ice last season might not be so fortunate this time around.Here are five players who might not receive a contract heading into next season:Mike RichardsAfter drug charges - which were eventually dropped - and a questionable contract termination by the Los Angeles Kings, the Washington Capitals decided to give Mike Richards another chance this season.The club signed him to an affordable one-year, $1-million deal and pretty much got what they paid for.Richards managed just two goals and three assists in 39 games, and went pointless in 12 playoff games.He was lucky to have had a team take a chance on him last year, he might not be so lucky this time around.John ScottIt's hard to believe that this year's All-Star Game MVP will likely go without a contract next season.After becoming the feel good story of the year, John Scott is likely to go without another NHL contract. After starting the year with the Arizona Coyotes, Scott was dealt to the Montreal Canadiens where he played just one game for the big club before reporting to the St. John's IceCaps for 27 contests.In case we needed another piece of evidence, rather than fielding phone calls on July 1, Scott was a special in-studio guest on TSN's free agency special instead.Rene BourqueRene Bourque once strung together three 20-goal seasons from 2009 to 2011 with the Calgary Flames, but that was many moons ago.Following his tenure with the Flames, he was moved to the Canadiens where he tallied just 21 goals and 39 points over 141 games.A failed 30-game stint with the Anaheim Ducks in 2014-15, followed up with only three goals and eight points in 49 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets this past season, it's hard to imagine another team risking precious dollars on Bourque.Christian EhrhoffChristian Ehrhoff has spent the last two seasons trying to join contending teams and has nothing to show for it.After being sidelined with a concussion and subsequent concussion-like symptoms during the 2014-15 year with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Ehrhoff joined the Kings this season.He played 40 games with the team and five with the team's AHL club before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. There he played eight games with the team, but served as a healthy scratch in the playoffs as the club bowed out in seven games.With his age now a factor - 34 - his numbers dwindling, and a history of concussions to consider, Ehrhoff might just be out of luck.Cody HodgsonDuring the 2013-14 season Cody Hodgson had a career-year, hitting the 20-goal plateau for the first time while adding 24 assists for 44 points in 72 games with the Buffalo Sabres.Two years later, he could be hard-pressed to find a roster spot on a NHL club. After following up his career-year with just six goals and 13 points in 77 games, Hodgson was moved to the Nashville Predators for the 2015-16 campaign where he didn't fare much better.He put up just three goals and eight points in 39 games, only showing promise with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL where he had 11 points in 14 games.Hodgson failed to crack the lineup for the Predators during their postseason run, and now it seems as though the former first-round pick's best chance at a roster spot could be in Europe.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Veteran forward Kyle Chipchura is resuming his hockey career in the Kontinental Hockey League.Chipchura, who played for three NHL teams during his nine-year career, signed a one-year contract to play for HC Slovan Bratislava on Monday.The 30-year-old is the second player from the Arizona Coyotes to head to the KHL in as many days, as Viktor Tikhonov agreed to terms with SKA St. Petersburg on Sunday.Chipchura collected four goals, eight assists and 38 penalty minutes in 70 games with the Arizona Coyotes last season.The 18th overall pick of the 2004 draft, Chipchura scored 31 goals, set up 73 others and had 376 penalty minutes in 482 career games with the Montreal Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks and Coyotes.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pokemon GO craze continues to inspire.Folks at Benjamagnus Design have reimagined NHL logos of past and present.Here are a few of the coolest "Puckmon" designs:"Anaheim Mighty Psyduck""Columbus Bluedrill""Edmonton Smokescreen""Arizona Mightyote""Washington Articaps"Check out the entire "Puckmon" collection here.- With h/t to BarDownCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

P.K. Subban sees many things in Nashville; an opportunity, a vibe, a reflection of oneself.The newest member of the Predators and their ascendant defensive corps was introduced to the media Monday, immediately speaking in adulation for the city in which he'll soon establish roots."It's been really, really fun. Nashville is a fun city - great people and great energy," Subban said, via TSN."I'm a high-energy person. Just really a zest for life, I guess you could say. I wake up every morning and just try to be better - a better person and better at what I do. I feel like Nashville is the type of city filled with people like that."He added: "There's no question that this is a city that I'm going to embrace as home."Subban said he feels like a rookie again, entering a new market, organization, and having a new slate of teammates. But he believes the benefit of six NHL seasons will make for a seamless transition."I'm definitely more prepared now to understand how to come into a new situation and build - build every day. Build relationships on and off the ice, and just progress and get better every day."With continued advancements at the individual and team level, Subban believes he's in an environment where he can fulfill his championship aspirations he now shares with a franchise that parted with its captain to acquire him."I'm excited about the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup," he said. "That's what this is all about."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Russian Hockey Federation has named a replacement for Slava Voynov on its roster for the World Cup of Hockey, appointing Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Nikita Nesterov to the squad.Voynov was named to the initial roster for the NHL-branded showcase despite serving an indefinite suspension after being arrested and charged following a domestic incident in October 2014.The Russian Federation fought to have the former Los Angeles Kings defender exempt after being informed of Voynov's ineligibility but was once again overruled, and acknowledged as such Monday.Nesterov, 23, represented Russia in junior competition, but never at the men's level. He was on Russia's second- and third-place teams at the 2012 and 2013 World Junior Hockey Championships.He joins Nikita Kucherov, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Andrei Vasilevskiy on the Russian squad, and makes 13 Lightning players named to the event.In the Russian Federation's statement, Voynov's candidacy for international events was emphasized, as well as the fact that he and his wife were recently married.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Age is more than just a number to New York Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton.Related: Brassard, Zibanejad deal provides value to both sidesFollowing news that his club had acquired forward Mika Zibanejad in a trade for forward Derick Brassard, Gorton told media Monday that the deal made too much sense not to pull the trigger."This is a younger player, that's coming off two 20-goal seasons ... he is just scratching the surface," Gorton said.He added, "This is an opportunity to get better and we took it."At 28, Brassard is five years older than Zibanejad with a larger cap hit. Zibanejad gives New York a player who has fared less productively on the power play, but provides value on the penalty kill.

Phil Kessel gave some children a day they won't soon forget during his Stanley Cup celebration in Toronto.The Pittsburgh Penguins winger brought the Cup to the Hospital for Sick Children - also known as SickKids - on Monday and spent time with patients and their families.

The New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators gave hockey fans something to chew on nearly three weeks after free agency opened up.The clubs exchanged talented forwards, swapping Mika Zibanejad and a second-round pick in 2018 for Derick Brassard and a seventh-round pick in 2018.Related: Rangers trade Brassard to Senators for ZibanejadAt first glance it can be hard to determine who exactly came out the winner in the transaction and that is simply a product of a deal that aids both sides.Ottawa SenatorsIn Brassard the Senators acquire a forward who has seen his goal production climb every year since the 2012-13 season. He's coming off his most lethal season, hitting a career-high 27 goals in 80 games.

Here are the fantasy implications of the Ottawa Senators trading C Mika Zibanejad to the New York Rangers in exchange for C Derick Brassard:

The New York Rangers traded forward Derick Brassard and a seventh-round pick in 2018 to the Ottawa Senators on Monday in exchange for forward Mika Zibanejad and a second-round pick in 2018, the Rangers announced.Brassard, 28, is coming off a career year that saw him eclipse the 20-goal plateau for the first time, leading all Rangers players in that category. His 58 points fell just two shy of matching his career best from 2014-15 and were three behind Mats Zuccarello for the team lead this season.Zibanejad, meanwhile, has played at least 80 games in two straight seasons. The 23-year-old is also coming off a career campaign that saw him post highs in both goals and points, with 21 and 51 respectively.The trade frees up $2.375 million in cap space for the Rangers with Zibanejad signed on for one more season at $2.625 million. Brassard has three years remaining on his deal, which carries an annual average value of $5 million.The Rangers have been trying to shake up their forward group, reports James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Radim Vrbata's days as a free agent could be numbered.The veteran of over 930 NHL contests could be nearing a contract with one of four teams, according to his agent Rich Evans."We have been discussing the structure of a contract with four teams and hope to come to an agreement shortly," Evans said, according to Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports.After an outstanding first season with the Vancouver Canucks in 2014-15 that saw him lead the club with 31 goals and come third in scoring with 63 points in 79 games, Vrbata drastically tailed off, managing just 13 goals and 27 points over 63 contests last season.The 35-year-old is coming off a two-year deal with the Canucks that paid him $5 million per season, but can likely expect a smaller paycheck this time around.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Winnipeg Jets have put pen to paper with forward Jack Roslovic, signing him to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Monday.The 19-year-old was drafted by the club 25th overall in the first round in 2015. His deal has an average annual value of $1,137,500 per season.The Columbus, Ohio native spent his draft year with the U.S. national Under-18 team and put up 11 goals and 38 points in 25 games. Roslovic then played out the 2015-16 season at Miami University, contributing 10 goals and 26 points in 36 games.The signing also earned congratulations from his hometown NHL team.

Marcus Johansson has named his price.The Washington Capitals forward is scheduled to go arbitration with the team Wednesday, and heading into the meetings, the 25-year-old is seeking a contract worth $5.25 million per season, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.The Capitals are reportedly countering with a deal worth $3.85 million.Johansson finished sixth in scoring with 17 goals and 46 points in 74 games last season, his sixth with the club. He's coming off a one-year contract that paid him $3.75 million after he collected 20 goals and 47 points in 2014-15, playing all 82 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Rangers signed forward Robin Kovacs to an entry-level contract, the team announced.The 19-year-old was selected by the Rangers in the third round, 62nd overall in 2015, and is coming off his second season with AIK IF of Allsvenskan in Sweden.He finished the year with 21 goals and 34 points in 44 games and added another four points in seven playoff games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After much speculation, the conditions on the draft pick the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired by trading Jonathan Bernier to the Anaheim Ducks have been reported - and the Leafs need their ex-goalie to have a postseason to remember in order to get any compensation.There are four conditions on the pick from the July 8 trade, sources told Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.The Leafs will reportedly receive the Ducks' 2017 second-round pick if Bernier either starts half of their playoff games in the spring and they win the Stanley Cup, or if Anaheim trades him to a team where he starts half of that team's playoff games and it wins the Cup. In the event the Ducks no longer own that selection, Toronto gets Anaheim's next available second-round selection in an upcoming year.The Leafs will reportedly receive the Ducks' 2017 third-round pick if Bernier's team loses in the Stanley Cup Final, with the same starting and trade stipulations as the second-round pick. Again, Anaheim will transfer Toronto its next available third-round selection in an upcoming year if the Ducks no longer own theirs in 2017.Heading into next season, John Gibson is expected to be the Ducks' starting netminder after posting a .920 save percentage and a 2.07 goals-against average in 40 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Russia's attempt to have Slava Voynov on its World Cup of Hockey roster has come up short.The country has acknowledged Voynov's ineligibility to play in the tournament and will now have the opportunity to replace him, an NHL source told TSN's Gary Lawless.

After his least productive season since his rookie campaign, Ryan Johansen is hopeful that dedication to conditioning will help him rebound in a contract year.The Nashville Predators forward is entering the final year of a three-year, $12-million deal. After scoring 12 fewer goals and 11 fewer points than he did one season earlier, he has his sights set on bouncing back in his first full campaign with the Predators."For me, the approach is, we're going to get (a contract) done if I do my thing," Johansen said, according to Adam Vingan of The Tennessean. "My whole thing is having a great summer of training, being in the best shape I can be in and just doing my thing on the ice. I've never doubted myself playing hockey and I never will. I always come to the rink with a smile on and have fun."If I put myself in a situation to have success where my body's in the shape I want it to be in and I gain that confidence over the summer with all of the work I've put in, I feel like the sky's the limit for me and I can do some great things."Johansen has gone so far as to have Predators strength and conditioning coach David Good come to his home in Vancouver to help with his training."I'm not taking anything away from my previous trainers; I really think he can take my game to the next level," Johansen said. "It was great to learn a few more things and the program that he wants us to follow. I've been feeling great. I feel like I'm already in great shape."Johansen is just one year removed from setting a career high with 71 points, and two seasons away from his first and only 30-goal season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Despite heading toward his potential second arbitration hearing in two years, Mike Hoffman's desire to be an Ottawa Senator has not been swayed.The 26-year-old - who elected for arbitration - has no hard feelings toward the club that signed him to three consecutive one-year deals, even after leading the team in goals the past two seasons."That's obviously my No. 1 goal. I love Ottawa, I love the fans there," Hoffman said, according to the Ottawa Citizen. "We're a great team, great guys, so that's obviously my first priority, to try to get something done with them."Heading into next season, Hoffman has a little extra motivation as the team's new bench boss, Guy Boucher, is a man he knows all too well from his days with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL."Very good relationship with him. So definitely looking forward to working with him again," Hoffman said.Hoffman's arbitration date is set for Aug. 4 where he will argue 56 goals and 107 points over the last two seasons warrant more than a one-year contract.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Phil Kessel is taking the party home.The Pittsburgh Penguins winger handed the Stanley Cup over to sister and 2016 NCAA national champion Amanda Kessel on Sunday, and, as one is wont to do, she promptly took a sip of an unspecified (but likely adult) beverage out of it.

Unlike Steven Stamkos in Tampa, there will be no suspense when it comes to whether John Tavares will re-sign with the New York Islanders.This according to new co-owner Jon Ledecky, who maintains the franchise center and team captain is "not going to be a free agent" when his contract with the Islanders expires at the end of the 2017-18 season.Instead, he and Scott Malkin will work toward ensuring Tavares is surrounded with enough talent to bring the Stanley Cup to Brooklyn."We should be the world-class destination for free agents," Ledecky said, according to Arthur Staple of Newsday. "If you think about a capped world, everybody can spend to the cap, and we certainly have no constraints on our (general manager) and our staff to spend."We want to create and continue to progress toward John Tavares lifting that Stanley Cup, so we should be world-class in everything we do."The Islanders made a splash in free agency this summer by signing winger Andrew Ladd to a five-year, $38.5-million contract. Ladd's $5.5-million cap hit is equal to what Tavares will carry over the next two seasons, but that number is set to rise significantly on his next contract.Tavares and the Islanders can officially begin negotiating an extension on July 1, 2017.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman in for the long haul, Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman is doing his best to keep as many pieces of the band together as possible.Winger Alex Killorn signed a seven-year, $31.15-million extension with the Lightning on Sunday, with Yzerman citing his desire to keep his team's core intact."We're very comfortable doing a long-term contract at the right cap number with Alex," Yzerman said Sunday, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "He's been with us his entire career. He's a high-character young man, tremendously fit and part of the core of our team."We're trying to keep the core together as much as we can."This is where things get a bit more challenging for Yzerman.With Killorn signed, the Lightning have $8,529,167 in projected salary cap space for 2016-17, with restricted free agents Nikita Kucherov, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Nikita Nesterov still waiting on new deals.On top of that, Tampa Bay has several players facing free agency in 2017.PositionPlayerAge2016-17 Cap HitStatusFJonathan Drouin21$894166RFAFTyler Johnson25$3.33MRFAFOndrej Palat25$3.33MRFAFBrian Boyle31$2MUFADAndrej Sustr25$1.45MRFAGBen Bishop29$5.95MUFAYzerman said Sunday that it's highly likely he'll have to make a move in order for the team to be cap compliant before the beginning of the season, but added that it won't come through another buyout, after having already used one on Matt Carle.The Lightning were one of the NHL's youngest teams last season, and advanced to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals after losing in the Stanley Cup Final the year before.It's no wonder Yzerman wants to keep the core together. How much of it will remain intact long term remains to be seen.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It is indeed real.P.K. Subban was at Ford Ice Center in Nashville taking photos and chatting with new fans in his new gold-and-navy Predators threads on Sunday.

Steve Yzerman continues to keep Tampa Bay intact.The Lightning have signed forward Alex Killorn to a seven-year, $31.15-million contract extension, the team announced Sunday.Killorn was one of the key restricted free agents for Tampa Bay this season, along with forwards Nikita Kucherov and Vladislav Namestnikov.In a busy offseason, Yzerman has also managed to retain captain Steven Stamkos, as well as provide defensive-anchor Victor Hedman with a long-term extension.Killorn, 26, recorded 14 goals and 26 assists in 81 games last season, and added 13 points in 17 playoff contests for the Lightning.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Viktor Tikhonov is heading back to the KHL.The Arizona Coyotes forward reached terms with St. Petersburg SKA, marking his third stint in the Russian League.Tikhonov played for St. Petersburg from 2011-2015 before joining the Chicago Blackhawks last season.Arizona claimed the 28-year-old from Chicago last December, and the former first-round pick recorded three goals and three assists in 39 contests.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Building an NHL franchise is no easy task, just ask George McPhee.Still, the newly appointed general manager of the Las Vegas franchise is ready to get to work, starting with the bare bones.The team has 11 months before they can even add a player, but don't think for a second McPhee won't be occupied during that span."That 11 months is going to fly by, absolutely fly by because we are going to be so busy putting a staff together and then strategizing and trying to execute on that strategy in the way we're going to scout both the amateurs and the pros," McPhee told Dan Rosen of NHL.com. "It's going to be a lot of work, not to mention everything we have to do in house to get our offices and everything like that set up. But this time is going to fly by. We're not going to feel like we have enough time."Although it's a daunting project, McPhee is relishing the uniqueness of building an NHL franchise from scratch."Other than the initial building of it, which should be fun and is sure I'm something all GMs would like to do when building a team, have an absolutely clean slate, I've just been overwhelmed by the number of people interested," McPhee said."Once we get through the expansion draft and the first draft, then it's the same for all GM's it's drafting and developing properly and managing people and managing your team. The other element is it's a brand new market and it's up to us to educate the market, to grow grassroots hockey, to make people aware of the game and really enjoy it and help them understand it."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Don Sweeney is indeed in talks with Brad Marchand in regards to a contract extension.A report surfaced Friday that the Boston Bruins general manager had been in touch with Marchand and his representatives, and Sweeney himself confirmed he's looking to re-sign Marchand before the winger becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer."I think I’ve been pretty up front in that I’d like to be aggressive in trying to identify - and we have identified - Marchy as a core guy," Sweeney said Friday, according to Eric Russo of BostonBruins.com."We want to continue down that path, but it takes two sides to make a deal I would envision that he’d like to be part of this organization for what could be, arguably, his whole career. But Brad has a say in this as well."The 28-year-old led the Bruins with a career-high 37 goals this past season, and the winger is averaging 27.6 goals per every 82 regular-season games played since making the jump to the NHL in 2010. Marchand has also become a staple alongside Patrice Bergeron, forming one of the league's most effective lines without whoever's lucky enough to jump on the right side.He also recently represented Canada at the World Championships and will suit up for his country at the World Cup in September.Marchand is set to make $5 million in salary this season while carrying a $4.5-million cap hit, and is certain to command a healthy raise on his next contract.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Haydn Fleury knows an opportunity is there for the taking.The 20-year-old defenseman, who was drafted seventh overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2014, has yet to make his NHL debut, but is well aware that a spot on the blue line recently opened up."Ever since (James) Wisniewski was bought out, that's the only thing that's been on my mind," Fleury said, according to Kurt Dusterberg of NHL.com."It's extra motivation for me in the gym and on the ice the rest of this summer."Fleury took on a leadership role at the team's summer development camp, and head coach Bill Peters expects the young defenseman to fight for an opening-night roster spot at training camp.And that's exactly what Fleury intends to do, despite seven defensemen being signed for next season after the Wisniewski buyout."I'm going to come into the main camp in the fall and do my best to take that spot."Fleury spent the past two seasons back with the WHL's Red Deer Rebels, recording 12 goals and 29 assists in 56 games in 2015-16.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Summer development camps are where prospects go to make a name for themselves, and Joey Dudek of the New Jersey Devils did exactly that.The 20-year-old center out of Boston College dropped an absolutely filthy move or three during a shootout Saturday, leaving the goalie looking all kinds of lost.Dudek was drafted 152nd overall in 2014, and scored only one goal in 34 NCAA games this past season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Marian Hossa knows it's only a matter of time.The veteran, who will turn 38 on Jan. 12, is heading into next season with 499 career regular-season goals. He's one away from a milestone. But it's not really on his mind."To tell you the truth, I never even thought about it this summer," Hossa said, writes the Chicago Tribune's Chris Kuc. "I'm not too worried about it."Hossa scored only 13 goals last year, his fewest in a full season in his career. After potting 30 in 2013-14 and 22 in 2014-15, he's trending in the wrong direction as he gets up there in age. But luck hasn't exactly been on his side - Hossa's 6.8 shooting percentage in 2015-16 was by far the lowest of his career.The former first-round pick said he should have had more than 13 goals last season - "the puck didn't want to go in" - and knows that if he does what he's done his entire career, the goals will come. He bagged three in seven playoff games, after all."I'll just play my game and I know good things will happen."Where he plays is the focus of Kuc's piece, as he notes that the Blackhawks may be transitioning Hossa to more of a defensive role. Either way, head coach Joel Quenneville is expecting Hossa to produce - with or without the puck.Hossa's under contract through 2021 and said he feels good at 37. He averaged a healthy 17:16 in ice time last season, pushing 18 minutes in the playoffs.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Amid a Jamie Benn-centric Friday for the Dallas Stars, general manager Jim Nill offered an update on the team's other superstar forward.Related: Stars sign Benn to 8-year, $76M contract extensionCenter Tyler Seguin, who was limited to just one of his team's 13 playoff games this past spring due to a calf injury, is expected to be fully recovered in time to represent Canada at the World Cup of Hockey in September."He has been skating and seems to be having no troubles," Nill said, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas News. "There's a little bit of stiffness there still, but he feels comfortable and should be ready for the World Cup."Seguin also missed the last few weeks of the regular season with an Achilles injury, but did record 73 points in 72 games in 2015-16.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's all about who you know.After a pair of seasons with the New Jersey Devils, winger Jordin Tootoo found himself on the open market as an unrestricted free agent earlier this summer.The 33-year-old quickly signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Chicago Blackhawks, and, as it turns out, it was defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook who initiated the union.The Blackhawks alternate captains all live in Kelowna, British Columbia, and spend time with Tootoo in the offseason. Keith and Seabrook got into the ear of general manager Stan Bowman, who extended the offer which Tootoo agreed to terms with."First and foremost he’s a good teammate," Keith said, according to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun Times. "He’s a good guy to have in the locker room, and the energy that he brings - I know playing against him, I don’t like going back for pucks when he’s on the ice. You always have to be aware when he’s on the ice because he’s going to finish every hit."I think it was a great addition to have him [and add] some physicality. I know the fans in Chicago like seeing big hits at the United Center and I know he’s going to bring that intensity."Tootoo will be called upon to help plug the hole left by Andrew Shaw, and comes in at a much smaller cap hit of $750,000."Every team needs a little spark plug," Tootoo said. "I’ve been around the game a lot of years now, and I just want to add that little piece. And hopefully we can bring the Cup back here."In 673 career games at the NHL level, Tootoo has recorded 63 goals, 95 assists and 982 penalty minutes.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Sure, the 2016 offseason is barely a month old, but with all the major news seemingly out of the way, it's fair to begin looking at next year's crop of free agents.The megastars - Jamie Benn, Anze Kopitar, and Victor Hedman - have all signed extensions to remain with their respective teams, but that doesn't mean the available talent pool is shallow.Here's a look at five players that will certainly gather attention next July 1. Hopefully they don't sign extensions before then and ruin it for us.Joe Thornton

The sting of the Andrew Shaw trade was felt all the way at the top of the Chicago Blackhawks organization."That was a tough one for a lot of reasons," club president John McDonough told David Hugh of the Chicago Tribune. "He's a wonderful young man."And he's not the only Windy City resident to share that sentiment."From the end of the season on, I had workers with hard hats screaming to me from the third floor, 'Don't trade (Andrew) Shaw,'" McDonough said. "Wherever you went, people that I would run into said the same thing."He had an organic grittiness that really struck a nerve with Chicagoans, maybe more than any athlete I've been associated with. He really resonated with everybody. Not the most skilled player but the classic overachiever. He got under people's skin. He represented what people wanted this franchise to embody."Ultimately, Shaw was dealt to the Montreal Canadiens for a pair of second-round draft picks, a move made necessary by Chicago's salary cap crunch.Shaw signed a six-year, $23.4-million deal with the Canadiens shortly after being traded, while the Blackhawks signed Jordin Tootoo to a one-year, two-way deal worth $750,000 in an attempt to replace the lost grit.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Stars signed Jamie Benn to an eight-year, $76-million contract extension, the team announced Friday.The 26-year-old has one year remaining on his five-year, $26.25-million deal and was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season."The Stars are the only organization I know and Dallas is home to me," Benn said in a statement. "In working with the Gaglardi family and Jim Nill, they have made it clear that they are dedicated to winning, and winning the right way. I'm happy to commit to that process for eight more years. My teammates and I value the passion and dedication that we receive from Stars fans and we're looking forward to getting this season started."Benn has served as the team's captain since the 2013-14 season after taking over for Brenden Morrow. He is coming off his two most productive seasons since being drafted 129th overall by the Stars in the 2007 NHL Draft, capturing the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer during the 2014-15 season before finishing second in league scoring last season with 89 points in 82 games."Jamie has evolved into one of the most complete players in the NHL and his ability to lead our team is second-to-none," general manager Jim Nill said. "He impacts the game in so many ways and this signing was extremely important for the direction of the franchise. He's shown in the playoffs, and at international events like the Olympics and the World Championship, that he is up to any challenge and that his fingerprints will be left on every game. He's our leader and does things the right way, every day."Benn's eight-year deal will see him remain with the club through the 2024-25 season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forward Matt Nieto to a one-year, $735,000 contract, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.Nieto was a restricted free agent coming off his entry-level deal.The 23-year-old was brought back on the heels of his worst statistical season since entering the league, mustering a career-low eight goals and 17 points in 67 games, while adding a goal and two assists in 16 playoff contests.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Blake Wheeler isn't easily swayed by rewards.With Andrew Ladd now locked into a seven-year contract with the New York Islanders, the Winnipeg Jets are in need of a new captain. But while Wheeler would be honored to step into the role, he feels it would do little to change how he conducts himself with his teammates."Regardless of what letter I have on my jersey, my role on the team and who I am with the team is not going to change," Wheeler told Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press. "I think last year was a big growing year for me, with [my] foot on the gas the whole time."In the meantime, Wheeler admits that he is just starting to get over what was a difficult year for the Jets. After earning a playoff spot last season for the first time since the team relocated to Winnipeg in 2011, the club failed to return to the postseason seeing a 23-point drop in the standings."As much as anyone, especially the older guys on our team, we felt the (disappointment), and I know that because we talked about it every single day," Wheeler said. "Sitting on the couch after the season was over and watching the playoffs, it was a bad feeling, a really bad feeling probably this year more than any other year."And as it went on, the bad taste of last year started to go away, and you started to re-hash things and think about the season and about some of the guys we have, some of the young guys we have and now some more of the young guys we have, it’s kind of like, 'OK, I get it now.'"However, as the 29-year-old approaches the upcoming season, he has had time to digest the club's moves - including drafting Patrik Laine with the second overall pick - and he is thrilled to get going."I think now certainly I do have a clear view of where we’re headed and what’s ahead of us," said Wheeler. "I’m probably more excited today than I have been at any point about what we have going forward, just from purely a talent standpoint."We tried to win every game, and that’s the way I believe it should be done and sure enough, the lottery balls reward you for that stuff. I believe if you do things the right way, you’re going to get rewarded. Now we’ve got a nice little new toy to play with."His teammates also have reason to be excited, as along with fresh talent, Wheeler himself is coming off a career-season that saw him hit 78 points in 82 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Sabres have signed 2016 eighth overall draft pick Alex Nylander to a three-year, entry-level contract."We are extremely pleased to sign Alex to his entry-level deal," said general manager Tim Murray. "When we selected Alex, we obviously knew he was a talented, skilled player. We look forward to him coming to training camp and competing for a job."Nylander led all Mississauga Steelhead (OHL) players in goals (28), assists (47), and points (75) in 2015-16, adding an additional six goals and six assists in six playoff games.The stellar performance earned Nylander both OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year honors.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils will have to wait until training camp to see if Pavel Zacha is ready to make the jump to the NHL club.Related - Shero: Devils roster will have room for ZachaThe 19-year-old - who was selected sixth overall by the Devils in 2015 - will not skate during the team's summer development camp as a result of a hip pointer."I was in the hospital two days ago, had something to do with my hip pointer, and I feel much better today," Zacha told Chris Ryan of NJ.com on Friday. "I got my first little workout in, so I feel really good, so I hope I'll be able to work out and go on the ice pretty soon."I'll go on the ice when I go back home, start working out, practicing there, but I won't be able to go on ice this camp."Zacha made his pro debut late this past season, recording two assists in one appearance for the Devils and a goal and two assists in three games with the AHL's Albany Devils.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Signs continue to point to Kevin Shattenkirk's imminent departure from St. Louis.While announcing the signing of forward Jaden Schwartz to a new five-year contract, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong listed a group of core players around whom he's looking to build a championship.Shattenkirk's name was curiously omitted from that list of six.

Brian Campbell has no regrets about returning to the Chicago Blackhawks.Speaking Friday at the team's summer convention, Campbell - who was dealt to the Panthers by the Blackhawks in 2011 - said there are people he will miss in Florida, but he only had the one team in mind when considering where to sign as a free agent on July 1.

The St. Louis Blues have avoided arbitration with Jaden Schwartz, signing him to a five-year, $26.75-million contract.Schwartz was having a productive season until it was cut short due to injury. He recorded eight goals and 22 points in 33 regular season games, and another 14 points in 20 postseason contests."He's part of that core we have moving forward," general manager Doug Armstrong said in a release. "Schwartz and (Vladimir) Tarasenko, Robby Fabbri, Colton Parayko, Alex Pietrangelo, Jake Allen - we're trying to build around these guys. Having Schwartz wrapped up in that group, we know we now have a core that we can build around and try to win a championship around."Armstrong stated heading into the offseason that signing Schwartz was his top priority.The winger was scheduled to have his hearing Wednesday in Toronto.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.