The salary cap for the 2016-17 NHL season has been set at $73 million, with a floor of $54 million, the league and NHLPA announced on Tuesday.The new cap marks an increase of $1.6 million (2.2 percent) from last season, and comes from the NHLPA's vote to use its five-percent growth factor.The floundering Canadian dollar impacted league revenue this season, and with expansion on the horizon, revenue should continue to grow.Since the cap was implemented in 2005-06, it has increased in all but one season.SeasonSalary Cap2005-06$39 million2006-07$44 million2007-08$50.3 million2008-09$56.7 million2009-10$56.8 million2010-11$59.4 million2011-12$64.3 million2012-13$60 million2013-14$64.3 million2014-15$69 million2015-16$71.4 million2016-17$73 millionCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Fear not, Montreal Canadiens fans, Carey Price says he's good to go.After a knee injury derailed his, and ultimately Montreal's season, the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner revealed he's fully healthy."I'm at 100 percent," Price told TSN's Gino Reda Tuesday. "I've been working pretty hard since I've been injured."Price's road to recovery has been a long one, only appearing in 12 games last season after a sparkling campaign the year prior.However, before he suits up for the Habs again, Price will compete for the starting job for Canada at the World Cup of Hockey, which begins in September.Price has previously anchored Canada to World Junior and Olympic gold in his career, and is looking forward to another opportunity to represent his country."I'm sure it's going to be a great experience," Price said. "Having played for Team Canada on several occasions, I know it's always fun to get together with your fellow countrymen and guys you don't get to play with on a regular basis. I'm sure it's going to be a fun tournament."Team Canada's training camp opens September 4 in Ottawa.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With news of Ryan Callahan's hip surgery and the subsequent five-month recovery time, Team USA is now without a forward.For many American players, the injury news means they now have a second chance at joining some of the game's elite, as well as the shot at the honor of donning the red, white, and blue.Here are five players who could replace Callahan at the World Cup of Hockey:Kyle OkposoKyle Okposo posted the most points this season of all eligible U.S. forwards not named to the team's initial roster.The New York Islanders right winger collected 22 goals and hit the second-highest point total of his career, picking up 64 points during the 2015-16 campaign. He added seven power-play goals, four game-winning goals, and with 51 penalty minutes he proved he is not afraid to play physical - just like Callahan.He has represented Team USA six times, three times at the World Championship, twice at the World Juniors, and once at the Under-17s and would be an adequate replacement.Tyler JohnsonAnother potential option could be Callahan's own teammate Tyler Johnson.While Johnson regressed after a breakout 29-goal, 72-point season last year - with just 14 goals and 38 points in the regular season - he rallied in the postseason with seven goals and 17 points in 17 games.Johnson provides a stronger shot and more speed than Callahan, and with 42 points in 47 career playoff games, he seemingly raises his game when it matters most.Bobby RyanAfter being among Team USA's final cuts at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Bobby Ryan would be willing to get some international redemption.The Ottawa Senators star had his highest point total since the 2011-12 season with 56 points in 2015-16. And while his point-production has fallen since his 71-point output in 2010-11, he remains an offensive threat with a wicked shot.Ryan could also be very valuable in the shootout after pacing the league with six goals this season. He will also be happy to know Brian Burke isn't making the final decision on the roster this time around.Kyle PalmieriKyle Palmieri surprised everyone - even himself - this season.Entering the year with a previous career-high of 31 points, the New Jersey Devils forward nearly matched that in goals alone in 2015-16, tallying 30 to go along with 27 assists in all 82 games of work.Palmieri proved to be a stud with the extra man, netting 11 power-play goals and 23 power-play points. Factor in his strong shot and willingness to score garbage goals, he has versatility and can do whatever his coaches ask of him.Phil KesselPhil Kessel's incredible playoff run just might earn him a chance to play for his country once again.After mustering his least productive season since 2010 - 26 goals and 59 points - Kessel did what he does best in the playoffs, scoring 10 goals and 22 points in 24 games to lead the Cup-winning Pittsburgh Penguins.What also makes Kessel a valuable add - besides his elite shot and speed - is his proven international track record. While Team USA fell in the bronze medal game at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Kessel shared the tournament lead with five goals and eight points in six games en route to being named the tournament's best forward.Factor in that Kessel shared great chemistry with former Toronto linemate James van Riemsdyk - who collected seven points - while playing together on a line at the 2014 Olympics, and Dean Lombardi and company could create a skillful reunion of sorts.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Suddenly, Frederik Andersen was given the keys as the Toronto Maple Leafs' new No. 1 goalie, and now that it's all said and done, he's glad to have finally learned his destination.The 26-year-old netminder was dealt to Toronto from the Anaheim Ducks on Monday, and when the dust settled, it came as a relief."I was going back and forth a little bit (on contract talks) with Anaheim and it was dragging on a little bit," Andersen told Chris Johnston of Sportsnet. "I figured (a trade) could be a possibility, so I wasn't too shocked. I was very excited once the deal got done and I knew where I was going to be next year."The trade came rather quick for Andersen."It was really hectic," Andersen said. "It started in the morning - I got a phone call from my agent (Claude Lemieux) saying 'there's a trade pending a deal.' It went pretty quick from there."Shortly after the deal, Andersen inked a five-year, $25-million contract, signifying his role as the club's new No. 1, a task he believes he's ready for."I like playing a lot," Andersen said. "I'm excited about getting that vote of confidence and (getting to) be in there more."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It was a formality, but Vincent Lecavalier officially retired from the NHL on Tuesday, leaving an accomplished legacy after 17 pro seasons.Here's a look at four memorable moments for the man who made the same number famous in Tampa Bay.Selected 1st overallWith the first pick in the 1998 NHL draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning selected Lecavalier from the Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL, where he accumulated 217 points over two seasons.He was limited to 28 points in his rookie season, but went on to score 874 points in 1,037 games with the Lightning, respectively ranking second and first in franchise history.Lecavalier would wind up finishing his career with 421 goals and 949 points in 1,212 games.Fight versus Jarome IginlaThe Stanley Cup Final rarely includes fights, but Lecavalier took part in one of the more polarizing tilts in league history when he squared off with then Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla in Game 3 of the 2004 final.Lecavalier scored 16 points in 23 games on Tampa Bay's march to the Cup, but his iconic tilt with Iginla was just as unforgettable."Rocket" Richard-winning seasonHe was one of the most consistent scorers of his generation but the 2006-07 season was Lecavalier's best, scoring 52 goals en route to winning the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy as the league's top scorer.Lecavalier chipped in 56 assists for a career-high 108 points, good for third in the NHL behind Sidney Crosby and Joe Thornton.Over a 14-season stretch from 1999-2014, Lecavalier scored at least 20 goals in 13 of them, topping 30 five times.Setting up the Cup winnerIn a decisive Game 7, Lecavalier was instrumental in setting up the Cup winner.Lecavalier grabbed the puck in the corner, and worked through multiple Flames to set up Ruslan Fedotenko with only five minutes to go, insuring Tampa Bay's first and only Stanley Cup championship.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Sabres have set their price for the eighth overall pick in the 2016 draft.The club currently holds a pick in the top-10 for the fourth straight season, but this time around Murray isn't against dealing it."If we can trade a couple picks and improve our team, we’ll continue to do that," general manager Tim Murray told John Vogl of The Buffalo News. "If somebody offers us a top-end, young, left-shot" defenseman "and they demand our eighth overall pick and we feel it makes us better, we’ll do the trade."According to Murray, the team has a list of three players which he feels the club could take with the pick, which - according to Vogl - contains two defensemen.Josh Gorges, pending restricted free-agent Jake McCabe, and pending UFA Carlo Colaiacovo, are the team's only left-handed shots on the back end.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Artemi Panarin's first season in the NHL was a resounding success, scoring 77 points in 80 games, proving to be the dynamic scorer the Chicago Blackhawks hoped for when they lured him from the KHL last summer.Panarin's success earned him a Calder Trophy nomination as the league's top rookie, along with Edmonton Oilers phenom Connor McDavid, and polarizing Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere.Being 24 years old, and having played five pro seasons in the KHL, many believe Panarin shouldn't be eligible for the award. Though, he disagrees."I think it's fair because the rules are the rules, and (I) didn't write the rules," Panarin said, according to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.If Panarin doesn't win, an imminent raise for exceeding expectations should be a fair consolation.No matter what side of the debate you're on, the outcome will be determined June 22 at the NHL Awards.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Callahan underwent successful hip surgery Tuesday and will be out approximately five months, subsequently missing the World Cup of Hockey, the Lightning announced.The surgery was completed in New York City at the Hospital of Special Surgery by Dr. Bryan Kelly.Callahan, who saw a drastic drop in production this season, collected just 10 goals and 28 points in 73 games, after matching a career-high 54 points during the 2014-15 campaign.He was also highly ineffective in the postseason contributing just two goals and four points.His injury is expected to keep him out until November and now opens a forward spot on Team USA's roster at September's World Cup of Hockey.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After the best season of his career Patrick Kane is staying put in Chicago, and ideally out of the spotlight this offseason.Kane will remain in Chicago to train this summer, rather than returning home to Buffalo, according to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.Though it was originally thought to be the team's decision, it was Kane who made the call.

The Washington Capitals are hoping that improved forward depth will be the difference going forward.General manager Brian MacLellan spoke to reporters on Tuesday stating he would like to upgrade the team's bottom-six forwards, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.MacLellan admitted that the team could do so in a number of ways including via free agency or through trade. The club's top-six fared admirably this past season with seven forwards hitting the 20-goal plateau.In addition to adding to the team's bottom forwards, Washington also has four restricted free agents to contend with in Marcus Johansson, Dmitry Orlov, Tom Wilson, and Michael Latta, all who MacLellan plans on giving qualifying offers, according to CSN's Chuck Gormley.

The National Hockey League's 2016-17 regular-season schedule has been released, featuring four outdoor games, two of which will be played on consecutive days to begin January.Related: 2016-17 home openers announced, Penguins to host CapitalsHere's a look at other key dates to look forward to over the course of the dog days of summer.Stanley Cup Final rematch

Mark your calendars, because hockey will be back before we know it.The NHL released the complete 2016-17 regular-season schedule Tuesday, with plenty of dates to look forward to, beginning with four outdoor games:

Vincent Lecavalier is hanging up his skates after 17 NHL seasons.The 36-year-old center officially announced his retirement from professional hockey Tuesday, offering the following statement through the Los Angeles Kings:

Tim Murray certainly has a way with words.The Buffalo Sabres general manager, who acquired the rights to free agent forward Jimmy Vesey on Monday, creatively expressed his plan to use fellow college standout and good friend Jack Eichel in the recruiting process."I'd be a tool not to," Murray told reporters Tuesday.Murray added he has no problem with Vesey's agent saying his client still intends to explore all options on the open market, adding he fully expected them to say exactly that.Both Eichel and Vesey are represented by the same agent, and have been skating together in Massachusetts in the offseason.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Winnipeg Jets have signed goalie Michael Hutchinson to a two-year contract worth $2.3 million.The 26-year-old, who was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer, will carry an average annual valuation of $1.15 million through 2017-18.Winnipeg also has goalies Ondrej Pavelec ($3.9 million) and Connor Hellebuyck ($667,500) under contract for next season, according to General Fanager.Selected in the third round (77th overall) at the 2008 NHL Draft, Hutchinson has appeared in 71 games with the Jets, posting a 32-36-8 record with a .912 save percentage.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ahead of the NHL draft and free agency - which opens July 1 - we're looking at three teams from each division facing integral summers. Next up, the Western Conference's Central Division.Dallas Stars

If the Calgary Flames want to land the best available goalie on the trade market, it's going to cost them.Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford is reportedly asking for Calgary's first-round pick - sixth overall - in a trade for Marc-Andre Fleury, according to Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun.A first-round pick was used Monday in a trade for a goalie, as the Toronto Maple Leafs sent one that originally belonged to Pittsburgh to Anaheim in exchange for Frederik Andersen.That pick, however, comes in at 30th overall, and landed Toronto a player who is five years younger and a bit cheaper than Fleury, even after a reported five-year, $25-million contract extension signed by Andersen immediately after the trade.Fleury, 31, is coming off two of the best statistical regular seasons of his career, with 69 wins and a .921 save percentage in 122 appearances. he remains under contract for three more seasons at a cap hit of $5.75 million, according to General Fanager.The veteran goaltender watched as Matt Murray led the Penguins to a Stanley Cup win, allowing for a possible trade.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Maple Leafs needed a goalie. The Anaheim Ducks had two capable ones, one of them without a contract. Say hello to Frederik Andersen, Toronto, your new No. 1 'tender.After trading a first-round pick in 2016 acquired from the Penguins in the trade for Stanley Cup-winner Phil Kessel, as well as a second-round pick of their own in 2017, the Maple Leafs locked restricted free agent Andersen up for five seasons at $5 million per. And make no mistake, that's a lot of dough for a goalie who will be 27 when the 2016-17 season begins, and who's only made 114 career starts.But it had to be done. Jonathan Bernier wasn't - isn't - the answer. And so ends that experiment, while a new one begins.An inexact scienceGoalies are weird. Finding a good one is hard. Drafting an elite one even harder. Toronto, where goalies go to die, knows that best.The Maple Leafs took a chance on Southern California-based Bernier when he had 54 starts and a .912 save percentage to his name. In other words, if you're worried about Andersen's body of work, Bernier's CV should have kept you awake at night.Andersen, another goalie who was living the SoCal dream, arrives in the north having made 125 starts - all with the Ducks over the past three seasons, when they averaged 109 points - and with a .918 save percentage. When he was between the pipes, the Ducks rarely lost - Andersen leaves Anaheim with a 77-26-12 record. He's in for a reality check in Toronto, no doubt.Three-year sampleHere's what Bernier and Andersen have done over the past three years:Goalie Season GS SV% SA SV SOBernier2013-1449.923178716491Andersen2013-1424.9237837230Bernier2014-1555.912173515832Andersen2014-1553.914143613133Bernier2015-1636.908111410113Andersen2015-1637.91910869983Career TotalsGoalie GS SV% SA SV SOBernier140.915463642436Andersen114.918330530346The Maple Leafs immediately signed Bernier to a two-year, $5.8-million extension after trading for him from the Los Angeles Kings. He had a strong first season in the blue and white, as he clearly enjoyed the opportunity to play on a regular basis. His second season didn't go as smoothly, but Randy Carlyle's final months in Toronto were a trainwreck. No goalie would have survived.In fact, Bernier and Andersen's 2014-15 statistics tell a story - one of an elite team and one of a horrific team. Bernier made two more starts than Andersen that season and saw 299 more pucks. He averaged 31.5 shots against per start in '14-15, while Andersen averaged 27.1. And you better believe the chances the Maple Leafs were giving up were of much higher quality than the Ducks'. That Bernier finished with a .912 save percentage to Andersen's .914 is, in a way, impressive.All that work seemingly ruined Bernier. After cashing in on a two-year, $8.3-million extension, Bernier had the worst season of his career in 2015-16. However, you can see in the shot totals that Mike Babcock's Maple Leafs tightened things up. Bernier saw an average of 30.9 shots this past season, while Andersen, on a far-superior Ducks team, faced 29.3 per night. Anyone who watched any Maple Leafs hockey last season can attest to the fact the team gave up far fewer 10-bell chances in their own zone. After Carlyle, it was almost beautiful to watch: a system in place, Toronto with the puck.Long story short: who knows which goalie's better. All we know is that Toronto officially gave up on Bernier on Monday, while handing the reins to Andersen. Anyone who tells you that's good or bad, one way or the other, actually has no idea. Time will tell. Andersen's deal could blow up in Toronto's face. It could work out. Let's talk in three years. Until then, enjoy the roll of the dice.When does the window open?The Maple Leafs bottomed out last season. The kids came up, Auston Matthews is next, Morgan Rielly and Nazem Kadri are signed long term, and though Steven Stamkos is not a Maple Leaf currently, to many Toronto supporters, he already is.General manager Lou Lamoriello came to Toronto from a New Jersey Devils team that employed Martin Brodeur and Cory Schneider. One tire fire of a season was enough for him to fold on Bernier. More importantly, Lamoriello has been impressed by what Andersen has done in the playoffs, where he has a .916 save percentage in 28 starts.When Lamoriello traded for Schneider, he had been splitting the crease with Roberto Luongo and had never made more than 30 starts in a season. That trade worked out well.Lamoriello knows that it all starts from the crease. He saw what Babcock was able to get out of a rag-tag roster - the Maple Leafs, for the first time in years, played competitive hockey. And they still finished last. It worked perfectly.The plan remains in place, and now it includes a goalie. Another goalie. And it's almost as simple as standing Bernier and Andersen next to one another. Bernier's 6-foot and 184 pounds. Andersen's 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds. Lamoriello can say Andersen's more "athletic" until he's blue in the face - he's going with the goalie who can cover more of the net.Sure. Why not.Good ifsIf William Nylander's ready, if Matthews is the one, if Stamkos is the next Maple Leafs captain, and if Andersen's the answer in the crease, perhaps Toronto can compete a lot quicker than initially anticipated.While there are questions to the Andersen trade, Toronto dealt from a position of strength - surplus draft picks (which, in and of itself, is a miracle with respect to this franchise). It's crazy to think, but it's almost as if the Maple Leafs' new regime has already earned the benefit of the doubt.Long live the Shanaplan.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Florida Panthers draft plan is coming together.A year after picking just outside of the top-10, the Panthers will occupy the 23rd overall selection this year and with it, the team knows one thing for sure: They will not select a goaltender, general manager Tom Rowe said Monday, according to Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel.On top of that, Rowe will also enter the draft looking to select the best player available, whether that be a forward or a defenseman.The club will take to the draft stage five times over the course of Friday and Saturday, with one selection in each of the first two rounds, two in the fourth, and one in the sixth.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kevin Shattenkirk's name is once again being floated around in trade talks.Related: Report: Teams calling Blues about potential trade for ElliottThe St. Louis Blues have received calls about the 27-year-old defenseman from the Edmonton Oilers and the Boston Bruins, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun told TSN 1040 on Monday.Shattenkirk has led all Blues defensemen in goals every year since the 2012-13 campaign, and while his offensive numbers have been welcome, the rise of Colton Parayko coupled with Shattenkirk's impending unrestricted free agency next summer make him a viable trade chip.Meanwhile the Oilers are in dire need of help on their back end, and the Bruins would certainly like to add a proven offensive right-hander to their defensive core.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Florida Panthers look ready to replace one veteran defenseman with another.The club is not close to signing pending unrestricted free agent Brian Campbell, general manager Tom Rowe said, according to George Richards of the Miami Herald.

It appears Brian Elliott's impeccable regular season and equally impressive postseason didn't go unnoticed.With the current goalie market rather thin, teams have been calling the St. Louis Blues about a potential deal involving Elliott, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun told TSN 1040 on Monday.Despite the interest, the Blues don't appear to be shopping the 31-year-old as earlier this month general manager Doug Armstrong stated he could see both Elliott and Jake Allen back with the team next season.Elliott posted the second-best save percentage of his career this season (.930) along with a commendable 2.07 goals-against average.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Anaheim Ducks general manager Bob Murray didn't want to trade goaltender Frederik Andersen. He had no choice."This is a situation that just had to happen at this time," Murray said of the deal that saw Andersen head east to the Toronto Maple Leafs for two draft picks - a first-round pick in 2016 and a second-round pick in 2017."There was no avoiding it," he added.

The Toronto Maple Leafs weren't the only club vying for Frederik Andersen's services.Related: Report: Maple Leafs ink newly acquired Andersen to 5-year, $25M extensionThe Calgary Flames were also pushing hard to acquire the newest member of the Maple Leafs, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.The Flames are in desperate need of help between the pipes, and LeBrun speculates the club may now set their sights on other potential solutions such as James Reimer, Jimmy Howard, Marc-Andre Fleury, Brian Ellliott, or Ben Bishop.The Flames finished last season 30th in the league and were one of only two teams that averaged more than three goals-against per game (3.13).Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jimmy Vesey's plan doesn't appear to have changed since having his rights dealt to the Buffalo Sabres.Related: Sabres' Murray on Vesey trade: 'We have a spot in our top six for him'The 23-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 15 and he still intends to do so, his agent said according to WKBW's Nick Filipowski.Vesey was originally signed by the Nashville Predators in the third-round in 2012, but the North Reading, MA native elected not to sign with the club after playing out his entire college career at Harvard. The decision ruffled the feathers of the Predators, and caused a confrontation of sorts between the two camps back in March.In the meantime, the Sabres will have roughly two months to sway Vesey, lest he hit the open market and sign wherever he chooses.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Sabres general manager Tim Murray is giving it his best shot at landing the best player in college hockey.His club acquired the rights to this season's Hobey Baker Award winner - Jimmy Vesey - and while there is no guarantee Vesey will choose to sign with the Sabres, Murray feels his team could be desirable to the 23-year-old."Why not us?" Murray said, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie. "Why not give it a shot? We have a spot in our top six for him. We had four third-round picks."Murray acquired Vesey's rights in exchange for a third-round pick in this year's draft, which was acquired in the trade that sent forward Jamie McGinn to the Anaheim Ducks."If I could've traded Jamie McGinn for Vesey's rights at deadline, I'd have done it," said Murray. "We'll give it our best shot."

The Florida Panthers have acquired the rights to pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman Keith Yandle from the New York, the Rangers announced.In return, the Rangers will receive a sixth-round pick in 2016 and a conditional fourth-round selection in 2017 if Yandle signs with the Panthers.The deal comes as no surprise. Earlier in the week, it was reported that both sides had not begun contract talks, even with the 29-year-old set to become a UFA on July 1.In his first full season with the Rangers, Yandle led the team's blue-liners with 47 points in 82 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Well that didn't take long.Only minutes after acquiring him from the Anaheim Ducks, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed goaltender Frederik Andersen to a five-year contract extension Monday, according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.The deal will pay Andersen $5 million per season, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN, for a total of $25 million.Andersen figures to be the long-term answer the Leafs have been searching for in goal, with James Reimer and Jonathan Bernier splitting the duties over the past three seasons. The 26-year-old Danish netminder posted a .919 save percentage and a 2.30 goals-against average with the Ducks last season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Frederik Andersen from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for the 30th overall pick in this year's draft (acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins) and a second-round pick in 2017, the Maple Leafs announced.Andersen is coming off his third season with Ducks, where he lost his starting role to teammate John Gibson. Andersen started one fewer game then Gibson, posting a respectable 2.30 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage.However, Andersen shined in the playoffs, stealing the net from a struggling Gibson and nearly leading the team to a first-round victory, turning in a stellar 1.41 goals-against average and a .947 save percentage.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Buffalo Sabres have acquired the rights to forward Jimmy Vesey from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2016 Draft, the Sabres announced.The 2016 Hobey Baker Award winner - as the NCAA's best player - was originally selected by the Predators in 2012, but made headlines this season after stating he would not sign with the club, electing to become a free agent on Aug. 15.Vesey has spent the past four years playing at Harvard, where he posted his second-most productive season this year collecting 24 goals and 46 points in 33 games.He told reporters in May that he felt his hometown Boston Bruins would be among the teams on his list of potential places to sign.The Sabres will now have exclusive negotiating rights with Vesey on a potential contract.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman is hopeful Steven Stamkos will make a decision on his future soon.Yzerman continues to negotiate with Stamkos in the hopes of re-signing the 26-year-old forward. But with no traction made and a plethora of other free agents to contend with, he is hoping that he will soon know what resources he will have to work with."We're doing all we can to sign him," Yzerman said of Stamkos, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "What we look like if Stammer re-signs with us, it effects what we can do with our team."For us, we'd like to know sooner than later," Yzerman said. "At some point on other players, I have to make a decisions, whether it'd be restricted free agents, or potential trades or qualifying offers and things like that. I've got to make decisions and they can't be put off forever."Here is a look at the club's free agents this season and next:YearPlayerStatus16-17Steven StamkosUFA16-17Alex KillornRFA16-17J.T. BrownRFA16-17Vladislav NamestnikovRFA16-17Nikita KucherovRFA16-17Cedric PaquetteRFA16-17Nikita NesterovRFA17-18Tyler JohnsonRFA17-18Ondrej PalatRFA17-18Jonathan DrouinRFA17-18Victor HedmanUFA17-18Andrej SustrRFA17-18Ben BishopUFA17-18Andrei VasilevskiyRFAYzerman will certainly have his hands full in the coming weeks and going forward.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The third overall selection at the NHL Draft may be up for grabs, but that pick won't come without a steep price.The Columbus Blue Jackets are listening to offers for the No. 3 pick, and TSN's Darren Dreger reports the team would like to attach a long-term contract to the draft choice to provide cap relief - which will be needed to sign restricted free-agent defenseman Seth Jones to an extension.Dreger suggests forward Scott Hartnell and his contract could be the asking price. The 34-year-old - who reportedly waived his no-trade clause earlier in June - is signed through the 2018-19 season, holding a cap hit of $4.75 million per year.Despite the hefty financial commitment, Hartnell has been productive in his last two seasons with Columbus, recording 51 goals and 58 assists in 156 games.While Hartnell is widely expected to be moved before the start of next season, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has three other veteran forwards signed to long-term deals to choose from for a potential trade - but all three also have no-movement clauses in their contracts.Pos.PlayerCap HitFinal YearFBrandon Dubinsky$5.85M2021FNick Foligno$5.5M2021FDavid Clarkson$5.25M2020Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

An announcement regarding the future of an expansion team in Las Vegas is expected prior to the NHL Awards on June 22, but if there's one thing that's likely guaranteed to happen Wednesday it's that Braden Holtby will win his first Vezina Trophy.Bovada released odds for a number of NHL Awards on Monday, and listed the Washington Capitals netminder as the 1-30 favorite to win the award for the league's top goaltender - meaning a $30 bet would win you a whopping dollar.Fellow nominees Ben Bishop of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings were listed at 7-1 and 15-1, respectively.Here's odds for six other awards:Hart (Most valuable player)Player OddsPatrick Kane (CHI)1-10Jamie Benn (DAL)7-1Sidney Crosby (PIT)7-1Norris (Top defenseman)Player OddsErik Karlsson (OTT)5-8Drew Doughty (LAK)2-1Brent Burns (SJS)4-1Calder (Rookie of the year)Player OddsArtemi Panarin (CHI)4-15Connor McDavid (EDM)3-1Shayne Gostisbehere (PHI)8-1Selke (Top defensive forward)Player OddsAnze Kopitar (LAK)10-11Patrice Bergeron (BOS)1-1Ryan Kesler (ANA)6-1Lady Byng (Most sportsmanlike player)Player OddsAnze Kopitar (LAK)1-2Aleksander Barkov (FLA)3-1Loui Eriksson (BOS)10-3Jack Adams (Coach of the year)Coach OddsGerard Gallant (FLA)5-6Barry Trotz (WSH)1-1Lindy Ruff (DAL)8-1Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Chayka announced his first trade as Arizona Coyotes general manager Monday, sending prospect Maxim Letunov and a 2017 sixth-round draft pick to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a pair of draft picks - a 2016 fourth-round selection and a 2017 third-round selection.In Letunov, the Sharks acquire a 20-year-old center who recently completed his first season in the NCAA with UConn, recording 40 points in 36 games. It's the second time the Russian forward's been traded since he was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2014.Meanwhile, Chayka heads to Buffalo with eight selections for the upcoming draft, which begins Friday.

Kyle Okposo's days as a member of the New York Islanders appear to be numbered, making him one of the prized unrestricted free agents in this year's class.Isles general manager Garth Snow touched on the troubling reality of their cap situation, and noted failing to retain the 28-year-old is one of the tough decisions he has to make for the well-being of the team going forward.Related: Garth Snow wishes Okposo 'nothing but the best' ahead of free agencyOkposo carried a cap hit of $2.8 million last season, and is due for a raise after notching his third-career 20-plus goal season.The winger has long produced at a high level alongside John Tavares on the Islanders top line, and could provide scoring punch for several teams in need.Here are three spots Okposo could land come July 1:New Jersey DevilsJumping the Hudson River is a viable option for both Okposo and the Devils.New Jersey has over $27 million in cap space, and apart from re-signing forwards Kyle Palmieri and Devante Smith-Pelly, general manager Ray Shero has no other major contracts to assess.Veteran Patrik Elias is likely to seek a one-year deal, while depth forwards Sergey Kalinin, Stephen Gionta, Jiri Tlusty, and Jacob Josefson are all free agents as well.Still, with all those players needing contracts, Okposo could easily fit into the Devils' books, and could mesh nicely on a team that finished dead last in goals for (202) and goals for per game (2.22).Detroit Red WingsFor a team that qualified for the playoffs, the Red Wings had a tough time finding the back of the net last season.Detroit ranked 23rd in goals for with 209, and no longer have the wizardry of Pavel Datsyuk at their disposal.The Red Wings have a distinctive blend of veterans and youth on their roster, and Okposo could easily bolster the depth on the wing in Hockeytown.General manager Ken Holland is expected to make a run at Steven Stamkos, but Okposo could be a fair consolation, and fits nicely into Detroit's $11 million of cap space.Nashville PredatorsGeneral manager David Poile addressed the Predators need for goals by flipping talented defenseman Seth Jones for centerman Ryan Johansen last season, and adding Okposo could turn a promising Nashville team into a serious threat in the West.With the likes of Filip Forsberg - a restricted free agent - along with James Neal, Mike Ribeiro, and Johansen, Nashville had several weapons for the first time. It showed, with the team advancing to Game 7 of the second round.Considering the plethora of talent on Nashville's blue line, if Poile wants to make a splash to take the next step as a franchise, Okposo could be the answer. With over $11.5 million to spend, the 28-year-old could fit in logistically, creating a formidable top six in the NHL's demanding Central division.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Just eight days after the Pittsburgh Penguins captured the Stanley Cup, the NHL announced they will raise their fourth championship banner to the rafters Oct. 13 when Sidney Crosby will host Alex Ovechkin and the rival Washington Capitals.The season will start a week later than usual with the World Cup of Hockey wrapping up Oct. 1.The regular season's opening night will take place Oct. 12, and will feature the opening of Rogers Place as the Edmonton Oilers host their Alberta rivals, the Calgary Flames. The night will also feature a battle of Ontario as the Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Ottawa Senators.Meanwhile, south of the border, the Western Conference champion San Jose Sharks will begin their season against the division rival Los Angeles Kings, and the Chicago Blackhawks will look to avenge their first-round playoff series loss, hosting the St. Louis Blues.Here is the full list of home openers:HostOpponentDateAnaheim DucksCanucksOct. 23Arizona CoyotesFlyersOct. 15Boston BruinsDevilsOct. 20Buffalo SabresCanadiensOct. 13Calgary FlamesOilersOct. 14Carolina HurricanesRangersOct. 28Chicago BlackhawksBluesOct. 12Colorado AvalancheStarsOct. 15Columbus Blue JacketsBruinsOct. 13Dallas StarsDucksOct. 13Detroit Red WingsSenatorsOct. 17Edmonton OilersFlamesOct. 12Florida PanthersDevilsOct. 13Los Angeles KingsFlyersOct. 14Minnesota WildBluesOct. 13Montreal CanadiensPenguinsOct. 18Nashville PredatorsBlackhawksOct. 14New Jersey DevilsDucksOct. 18New York IslandersDucksOct. 16New York RangersIslandersOct. 13Ottawa SenatorsMaple LeafsOct. 12Philadelphia FlyersDucksOct. 20Pittsburgh PenguinsCapitalsOct. 13St. Louis BluesWildOct. 13San Jose SharksKingsOct. 12Tampa Bay LightningRed WingsOct. 13Toronto Maple LeafsBruinsOct. 15Vancouver CanucksFlamesOct. 15Washington CapitalsIslandersOct. 15Winnipeg JetsHurricanesOct. 13The full 2016-17 regular-season schedule will be released Tuesday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

There's a cinematic quality to Patrik Laine, the antagonist.He's a prototypical athlete harnessing boundless raw talent out of sight. He's understood just how good, how contrastive his skills are compared to those of his peers since long before he forced himself onto our radar. Perhaps slightly aggrieved, he believes, unequivocally, he's the most valuable asset available for selection at the NHL draft, and won't hesitate to communicate it. But his most powerful tool for disseminating that message is his outrageous attacking faculty on the ice.Laine turned out an 18-year-old season for the ages. He represented Finland at three levels of international competition, racking up 22 goals and 14 assists in 24 games. He led Finland to gold in both junior competitions, and then was named most valuable player at the men's event, outshining a collection of the greatest hockey players on the planet - including reigning No. 1 overall pick Connor McDavid.And as you would imagine, his booming authority over the men's game extended to club competition. Laine posted solid regular-season numbers for a teenager, scoring 17 goals and 33 points, but didn't truly take flight until the playoffs. His production spiked as he tapped into his spectacular offensive arsenal, scoring 10 goals during Tappara Tampere's title run.For his exploits, he claimed the Jari Kurri Trophy as Finland's postseason MVP.But because the Toronto Maple Leafs are prepared to make Auston Matthews their champion, Laine's name will become synonymous with a different Finnish legend.It's an understatement to say a lot has changed in the near quarter-century since Teemu Selanne scored 76 goals as a rookie with the Winnipeg Jets. As a result, the Jets - since reborn and now holding the second overall pick - would be satisfied with Selanne's single-season video-game total if Laine provided it over the course of his entry-level deal.But there's reason to believe the dynamic Finn can, in today's NHL, be a similarly pure, multi-faceted impact finisher.Laine is as determined as he is dynamic, an absolute load on the rush and deep in the offensive zone. Unlike many of the game's great talents - and the prospects available at the draft - he also has the rare ability to be as lethal at a standstill as he is with a full head of steam.Winnipeg is about to cast a distinctive talent, and one unwilling to rest until considered second to none.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Auston Matthews is the new face of Bauer.The projected No. 1 pick at the upcoming NHL draft has entered an exclusive partnership with Bauer Hockey, the equipment manufacturer announced Monday.

Less than 24 hours after Dustin Johnson captured the U.S. Open, a group of Stanley Cup champions had a chance to play 18 holes at Oakmont Country Club.Pittsburgh Penguins forward Nick Bonino posted a photo on Twitter, posing alongside linemate Phil Kessel before teeing off at the first hole Monday.

Ahead of the NHL draft and free agency - which opens July 1 - we're looking at three teams from each division facing integral summers. First up, the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division.Florida Panthers

It was a busy week for the Calgary Flames. The club named Glen Gulutzan its new head coach, but general manager Brad Treliving still has a lot of work to do.The draft is Friday, and still on Treliving's list of priorities are contract extensions for Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, who are both restricted free agents."We continue to work away at it," Treliving said during his media availability at the Gulutzan presser. "As everybody knows, those are two top young players for us that need new contracts. Sometimes these take a little bit of time. This is not unusual, that we're sitting here at this time and they're not done."We'll continue to bang away at it. We've got to get to something that makes sense for them and for us."I have every confidence that we will."Gaudreau and Monahan are the present and future of the Flames offensively. Gaudreau, 23 in August, had 78 points last season, and may be the best player to come out of the 2011 NHL Draft, where he was a fourth-round selection at 104th overall.Monahan's third NHL season was his best. He had 27 goals and 36 assists for a career-high 63 points. He'll turn only 22 on Oct. 12.Another high-scoring forward that needs a new contract is Joe Colborne. Also a restricted free agent, he put up career-best numbers across the board, with 19 goals, 25 assists, and 44 points.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are NBA champions.LeBron James made the impossible possible on Sunday night, and a number of NHLers were watching the thrilling finish to the most improbable comeback in NBA history.

Five years. It's a lifetime in sports. So, ahead of the 2016 NHL Draft, we thought it would be fun to look back at the 2011 draft and commence the second-guessing.The Edmonton Oilers had the first pick five years ago - obviously. They were followed by the Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers, to round out the top three.Seven first-round picks from 2011 have over 100 points in the NHL. Two second-round picks have hit the century mark, one fourth-rounder, one fifth-rounder, and one seventh-rounder.The Century ClubPlayer Team Round Drafted Number GP Points PPGRyan Nugent-HopkinsOilers113132220.71Gabriel LandeskogAvalanche123562460.69Jonathan HuberdeauPanthers132721720.63Mika ZibanejadSenators162811510.54Mark ScheifeleJets172271450.64Sean CouturierFlyers183501570.45Dougie HamiltonBruins/Flames192601260.48Brandon SaadBlackhawks/Blue Jackets2432861790.63Nikita KucherovLightning2582111480.70Johnny GaudreauFlames41041601430.89Andrew ShawBlackhawks51393221370.43Ondrej PalatLightning72082321660.72

It appears the George Stroumboulopoulos era on Hockey Night in Canada is over.The host won't return next season, reports The Toronto Star's Dave Feschuk, who adds that Ron MacLean - the man Stroumboulopoulos replaced - will take back his old gig.MacLean will continue his duties on "Coach's Corner" with Don Cherry.Stroumboulopoulos was brought in to attract a younger audience, but with all seven Canadian franchises missing the playoffs in 2015-16, ratings were down across the board.In November 2013, Rogers paid over $5.2 billion for rights to broadcast NHL games for 12 years.Sportsnet president Scott Moore refused to comment on Feschuk's report, writing it was "simply speculation."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ron Hextall has a plan for his Philadelphia Flyers, and he's not going to waver from it.Like every other general manager, his goal is to win the Stanley Cup, but Hextall isn't ready to copy the Pittsburgh Penguins' recipe for success."The one thing I learned over the years is you have to be very careful being a copycat," Hextall said, according to Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly. "When you start chasing everybody, you go away from your foundation and the very next year a team that plays a totally different style wins a Cup."So you've got to be careful there, You've got to believe what you believe in, stick to your foundation and make little adjustments rather than flip from black to white."Pittsburgh's strength throughout the postseason was speed and puck possession, but Hextall is relying on a more traditional approach in building a winner."I still believe (in) goaltending, defense, and centers," Hextall said. "Build through the middle. In terms of how far away we are ... talk is cheap. We need to keep building here and find ways to get better and allow our success to tell us when our time has come."Hextall and the Flyers squeaked into the final playoff spot last season, ultimately eliminated in the first round by the Washington Capitals.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Who's your daddy, Roberto Luongo?

The Chicago Blackhawks agreed to terms with one of their top prospects Sunday.Nick Schmaltz has signed a three-year entry-level contract, the club announced.

When Father's Day is also your day with the Stanley Cup, it's only right to bring them together.Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ian Cole got his time with the trophy Sunday, so he did what any loving son would do and brought it to his father.

The team that selects Jesse Puljujarvi at the NHL draft will have to wait until at least training camp to see him on the ice.The highly touted Finnish forward, who's expected to be plucked as high as third overall, will not skate in development camps this summer following minor knee surgery to repair an injury suffered at the World Under-18 tournament in April.This according to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post Dispatch, who adds Puljujarvi vows to be ready for the regular season.The Blue Jackets, of course, possess the third pick, and would likely target Puljujarvi if they intend to use it amid reports of aggressive trade offers.Puljujarvi was limited to upper-body workouts at the draft combine as a result of the injury.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.