Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov took to the stand in Denver District Court on Friday after being called to testify in a civil suit filed against him by former girlfriend, Evgeniya Vavrinyuk.It's alleged that Varlamov kicked, beat, and dragged Vavrinyuk by the hair after a Halloween party on Oct. 28, 2013, and Vavrinyuk testified earlier in the trial that Varlamov said he could have killed her had they not been in the United States.Varlamov gave his perspective on what transpired on Friday, saying Vavrinyuk complained he didn't pay her enough attention and accused him of having an affair. He also claimed to have restrained Vavrinyuk after she came after him in his apartment following the party, and that he never meant to inflict harm."I was scared because I could see she wanted to fight with me," he said during his testimony, according to The Denver Post. "I was not afraid of her, but I was afraid she wanted to fight. I tried to calm her down, but she was waving her hands. I really couldn't listen anymore. I stood up and went to the men's room. She ran after me."On Thursday, Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy also testified, telling the court that Varlamov told him that when he arrived back at his apartment, Vavrinyuk confronted him and accused him of being with another woman. Roy was told she then began punching him, at which point Varlamov went into a bedroom and locked the door without retaliating."When he gave us his side, we were satisfied with his story because he had marks and we felt he was telling the truth," Roy said.He also detailed his conversation with the goalie following his release from jail, and the coach's call for him to start that night."He started crying and said, 'I don't think I can play.' I said, 'Varly, I want you to go in there and lose the game for us.' I wanted him to know we were behind him."Roy continued: "He said, 'I'm not going to lose the game.' I said, 'Go in and win for us.'"Varlamov was arrested for kidnapping and assault back in October 2013, but the charges were dropped two months later due to a lack of definitive evidence. The civil suit was launched by Vavrinyuk in October 2014, claiming Varlamov had beaten his former girlfriend for years prior to the arrest.The netminder missed Colorado's last two games prior to the All-Star break as a result of the trial.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien isn't letting the constant chatter surrounding his future get in the way of his day-to-day activity."I'm the guy that just lets it roll (off my back)," Byfuglien told Dan Rosen of NHL.com on Friday. "It doesn't bother me at all. It's business. It doesn't matter even if I have a contract. That date is set and it comes down to that day for everyone. No one is safe. It gets into the back of your head, but it's nothing that I'm worried about. Business is business. I think either side is going to be OK on it. It's something I just gotta go with."Byfuglien is in the final year of a five-year, $26-million contract, and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He's interested in staying in Winnipeg, but talks surrounding a potential extension have been a slow process."We talk, but nothing is moving too fast so it's a matter of sitting here and waiting," Byfuglien said.The 30-year-old All-Star has 29 points in 49 games this season, sitting second in the NHL among defenseman with 14 goals.The Jets will in all likelihood require a decision on his future with the team by the trade deadline on Feb. 29. Regardless of what transpires, Byfuglien enjoys being in Winnipeg."I just want to put on a jersey, to be honest with you. I mean, I don't mind Winnipeg at all," he told TSN's Frank Seravalli. There's so many good things that I like about Winnipeg. I have no problem being up there. ... Fishing, hunting, I get to do a little bit of everything."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As his long-term standing with the Tampa Bay Lightning hangs in the balance, Steven Stamkos has made one thing clear: He's intent on winning the Stanley Cup as the club's captain.Set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, there's still no clear indication as to whether the two sides will come to an agreement on a long-term contract extension. In the immediate future, however, Stamkos has no desire to waive his no-trade clause in the event general manager Steve Yzerman attempts to deal him prior to the Feb. 29 deadline."My view hasn't changed, I want to win with Tampa," Stamkos told ESPN. "Obviously those questions will be asked. But I'm the captain of this team. I want to be with Tampa and win with this group. I've been with Tampa since Day 1, I've seen a lot of guys come and go. You saw what happened last year with this group. We want to get right back there."My view hasn't changed on the fact I want to be with Tampa and win with this group. I don't think that's going to change between now and 30 days from now."From the team's perspective, Yzerman made it clear he's hoping for a mutual agreement."As I've said all along, it's our hope and intention to reach agreement on a new contract with Steven and will continue to work towards that," Yzerman told ESNP's Pierre LeBrun on Friday.The Ligntning went 8-2-0 heading into the All-Star break, rising to second in the Atlantic Division.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

On the Fly, theScore's NHL roundtable series, continues. This week, editors Craig Hagerman, Mark Millard, and Josh Gold-Smith debate how many games Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman should sit out for cross-checking linesman Don Henderson.Hagerman: Wideman deserves to be suspended for 10 games or more.After being hit by Nashville Predators forward Miikka Salomaki, Wideman appeared to be slightly dazed. He gingerly skated back toward his bench when, just before stepping off, he hit linesman Don Henderson from behind.

Jaromir Jagr, John Tavares, Patrick Kane, and John Scott got a firsthand experience Friday of what their head coaches go through on a regular basis.The NHL All-Star Game captains had to make some difficult decisions to fill out their respective rosters for Saturday's skills competition in Nashville.Here's how each of the events will shape up:Fastest SkaterEastern ConferenceWestern ConferenceDylan Larkin (DET)Roman Josi (NSH)Brandon Saad (CBJ)Matt Duchene (COL)Erik Karlsson (OTT)Taylor Hall (EDM)Kris Letang (PIT)Dustin Byfuglien (WPG)Breakaway ChallengeEastern ConferenceWestern ConferenceEvgeny Kuznetsov (WSH)James Neal (NSH)Brandon Saad (CBJ)Matt Duchene (COL)P.K. Subban (MTL)Brent Burns (SJS)Cory Schneider (NJD)Jonathan Quick (LAK)Accuracy ShootingEastern ConferenceWestern ConferenceJohn Tavares (NYI)Patrick Kane (CHI)Patrice Bergeron (BOS)Joe Pavelski (SJS)Claude Giroux (PHI)Corey Perry (ANH)Evgeni Malkin (PIT)Jamie Benn (DAL)Passer: Nicklas Backstrom (WSH)Passer: Drew Doughty (LAK)Passer: Jaromir Jagr (PHI)Passer: Vladimir Tarasenko (STL)Hardest ShotEastern ConferenceWestern ConferenceAaron Ekblad (FLA)Dustin Byfuglien (WPG)Justin Faulk (CAR)Tyler Seguin (DAL)P.K. Subban (MTL)John ScottSteven Stamkos (TBL)Shea Weber (NSH)Skills Challenge RelayPositionEastern ConferenceWestern ConferenceOne-timer right shootersAaron Ekblad (FLA)Shea Weber (NSH)Erik Karlsson (OTT)Drew Doughty (LAK)Steven Stamkos (TBL)Corey Perry (ANA)One-timer passerPatrice Bergeron (BOS)Taylor Hall (EDM)Mini-net passerNicklas Backstrom (WSH)Daniel Sedin (VAN)Puck control relayJustin Faulk (CAR)Johnny Gaudreau (CGY)Stick HandlingClaude Giroux (PHI)Patrick Kane (CHI)Goalie GoalsBraden Holtby (WSH)Pekka Rinne (NSH)One-timer left shootersRyan McDonagh (NYR)Mark Giordano (CGY)Leo Komarov (TOR)James Neal (NSH)Ryan O'Reilly (BUF)Vladimir Tarasenko (STL)One-timer passerJaromir Jagr (FLA)Matt Duchene (COL)Mini-net passerEvgeny Kuznetsov (WSH)Jamie Benn (DAL)Puck control relayKris Letang (PIT)Roman Josi (NSH)Stick handlingDylan Larkin (DET)Tyler Seguin (DAL)Goalie GoalsBen Bishop (TBL)Devan Dubnyk (MIN)ShootoutRound 1:Eastern ConferenceWestern ConferenceEvgeni Malkin (PIT)Patrick Kane (CHI)Jaromir Jagr (FLA)Matt Duchene (COL)P.K. Subban (MTL)Brent Burns (SJS)Ryan O'Reilly (BUF)Mark Giordano (CGY)Leo Komarov (TOR)Vladimir Tarasenko (STL)Aaron Ekblad (FLA)Daniel Sedin (VAN)Roberto Luongo (FLA)Devan Dubnyk (MIN)Round 2:Eastern ConferenceWestern Conference Patrice Bergeron (BOS)Joe Pavelski (SJS)Nicklas Backstrom (WSH)Taylor Hall (EDM)Steven Stamkos (TBL)Jamie Benn (DAL)Evgeny Kuznetsov (WSH)James Neal (NSH)Ryan McDonagh (NYR)Johnny Gaudreau (CGY)Justin Faulk (CAR)Dustin Byfuglien (WPG)Braden Holtby (WSH)John Gibson (ANA)Round 3:Eastern Conference Western Conference Claude Giroux (PHI)John ScottDylan Larkin (DET)Shea Weber (NSH)John Tavares (NYI)Tyler Seguin (DAL)Kris Letang (PIT)Corey Perry (ANA)Erik Karlsson (OTT)Drew Doughty (LAK)Brandon Saad (CBJ)Roman Josi (NSH)Cory Schneider (NJD)Pekka Rinne (NSH)Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Mark Giordano has an idea that would set more than the internet ablaze.The Calgary Flames defenseman jokingly suggested a way teammate Johnny Gaudreau could one-up Linus Omark, who lit his stick on fire in the KHL All-Star shootout last weekend."Maybe we'll just light Johnny on fire," Giordano said Friday at NHL All-Star Media Day in Nashville.Gaudreau wanted to light his stick on fire at last year's skills competition in Columbus, but he wasn't allowed.He wasn't selected for this year's Breakaway Challenge, but he will compete in the NHL Shootout and Skills Challenge Relay events on Saturday.The league wouldn't be thrilled with Gaudreau becoming The Human Torch, but maybe he could just wear one of these fire-resistant suits under his equipment.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Some come to All-Star weekend for the skills competition, others for the 3-on-3 tournament - but everyone is in attendance for Jaromir Jagr.Nearly all the All-Star Game participants were at media day Friday, and they seemed to have something in common: the desire to play alongside and meet the Florida Panthers star.All this despite the 43-year-old's reluctance to attend the festivities in the first place.Related: 3 defining moments in Jaromir Jagr's career

John Scott is just soaking it all in.The Pacific Division captain couldn't help himself at All-Star Media Day in Nashville on Friday, asking the assembled throng to stick around after his media session so he could capture the moment on his phone.

Nicklas Backstrom was convinced he wouldn't be an All-Star.So convinced, in fact, that the Washington Capitals forward booked a vacation to the Turks and Caicos for the break."I haven't been to an All-Star Game in eight years, so I definitely didn't think, 'You're going to get in the ninth,'" Backstrom told Isabelle Khurshudyan of The Washington Post."I booked it because I didn't think. I was kind of surprised when they picked me. I'm honestly excited about it."Backstrom joins teammates Braden Holtby and Evgeny Kuznetsov, as well as Capitals head coach Barry Trotz, on the Metropolitan Division squad in Nashville.Trotz says Backstrom has never expected to be an All-Star despite his qualifications, which include four 60-assist seasons, six campaigns with at least 65 points, and a 33-goal, 101-point effort in 2009-10."That's Nick," Trotz said. "He's always so unassuming and maybe he doesn't realize how good he is. That’s maybe the greatness of Nick Backstrom, that he does a lot of stuff quietly. But his greatness is there every night ... Anybody who watches him really closely knows he's a true All-Star. I'm happy for him that he's going for the first time. I'm absolutely shocked that it's his first time, but he's excited about it."Capitals teammate Brooks Laich agrees."Nicky is the quietest superstar in the league," Laich told Stephen Whyno of The Associated Press. "Great players make other people look better, and I think Nicky is the king of that."Backstrom, who ranks second on the team this season with 45 points in 44 games, will take part in the All-Star Skills Challenge on Saturday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Jose Sharks placed forward Raffi Torres on waivers Friday, reports TSN's Bob McKenzie.Torres has not played for the Sharks this season after receiving a 41-game suspension for delivering a head shot to Anaheim Ducks forward Jakob Silfverberg in the preseason. He also underwent knee surgery in December, extending his absence.The 34-year-old did not record a point in three games during a conditioning stint with the AHL's San Jose Barracuda.He has 137 goals and 123 assists in 635 career NHL games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A select few players might be taking this year's NHL All-Star Game more seriously.While the league's midseason classic has historically been a time for players to take a leisurely skate around the ice and put forth a middling effort to score highlight-reel goals, this year is different.A $1-million prize for the winner of the 3-on-3 tournament provides motivation to elevate their game, while the sense of playing among the league's elite - and John Scott - could prove to be a great slump-buster.A number of players enter the weekend in a funk despite being impressive enough to warrant an All-Star selection in the first place.Here are three players hoping All-Star weekend can help get them back on track:Stars - Tyler SeguinHe remains third in league scoring with more than a point per game, but Tyler Seguin has been in some kind of funk lately.While only Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane and Seguin's teammate Jamie Benn have more than his 53 points in 50 games, the month of January has not been kind to the Dallas Stars forward.In 11 games, Seguin has added just three points to his season totals. He's gone pointless in nine games, including his last four heading into the weekend - his longest drought of the season.Seguin had six points in six games after recording two goals and two assists in last year's All-Star Game. Another such return from the break would be welcomed by the Stars, who have just three wins in their last 10 games.Maple Leafs - Leo KomarovLeo Komarov had 15 goals in 37 games when he was selected as the lone Toronto Maple Leafs representative in Nashville.The Leafs' roster lacked worthy All-Stars and Komarov was having a career year, collecting more goals than he'd scored in his previous two NHL seasons combined.However, since his selection, Komarov's impressive offensive display has faded. He has one goal in 11 games since the announcement and one in the last 16 games overall, with just seven points during that stretch.He's maintained his lead in goals and points on the Maple Leafs, with 16 and 31 respectively, but after his club collected just 11 goals in its past 10 games, Toronto will hope Komarov rediscovers his scoring touch at this week's festivities.Predators - Pekka RinneNo single player might be feeling more pressure to perform at the All-Star Game than Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne.After Rinne put together one of his most productive years in the league last season, 2015-16 has shaped up as a season to forget for the 33-year-old.His .906 save percentage and his 2.47 goals-against average sit 39th and 29th respectively, and he plays for a team that gives up the second-fewest shots per game in the league.After a rough stretch to start the new year seemed to spell panic for the Predators, Rinne has rebounded in his last three starts. He has allowed just three goals in three games while mustering a .962 save percentage.He should have fan support on his side this weekend, and if he can put up another strong performance - facing the league's best shooters, no less - Rinne should have all the confidence in the world heading into the final playoff push.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jaromir Jagr's distinguished career has been defined by both durability and excellence on the offensive end.The 43-year-old Florida Panthers forward continues to climb up the all-time goals and points lists, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest forwards in hockey history.He's won a slew of individual and team honors including the Hart Trophy, the Art Ross Trophy - five times - and multiple gold medals with the Czech Republic on the international stage.Here are three moments that define the living legend's remarkable NHL tenure.Highest-scoring European player in NHL historyJagr reached a pair of major milestones in a 48-hour span back in Nov. 2006, becoming the highest-scoring European-born player with a pair of goals for the New York Rangers in a shutout win over the Carolina Hurricanes, two nights after becoming the 16th player to score 600 goals.Jagr passed Hall of Famer Jari Kurri."It's huge," Jagr said at the time. "Jari Kurri was a guy everybody looked up to from Europe. He was our idol."Teemu Selanne also passed Kurri before retiring, but Jagr is now fourth on the NHL's all-time list - 53 goals ahead of Selanne - and still going.Oldest NHL player to record a hat trickJagr's career should be celebrated for its length, but it's not just sticking around for so long that's made him great. It's the fact that he's still scoring at an age well past the point when most players call it a career.He demonstrated that on Jan. 3, 2015, becoming the oldest NHL player to record a hat trick as the New Jersey Devils earned a win over the Philadelphia Flyers.Jagr achieved the feat at 42 years and 322 days old, breaking the record held by Gordie Howe, who did so at 41 years and 217 days old.Back-to-back Stanley Cup championshipsJagr was fortunate enough to win the Cup in both of his first two seasons, but he wasn't just a passenger.As a 19-year-old rookie, he notched three goals and 10 assists in 24 playoff games as the Pittsburgh Penguins won their first championship in 1991.He followed that up by scoring 11 playoff goals - including one of the most impressive postseasons markers of all time - and chipping in 13 assists as the Penguins defended their title with another Stanley Cup victory in 1992.Jagr made it back to the Cup Final in 2013 as a member of the Boston Bruins, but he hasn't won a championship or matched his 24-point playoff performance of 1992 in any of his postseason appearances since winning consecutive championships in his first two campaigns.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The sledgehammer is infallible. It doesn't require skill, precision, refinement, rigor, or exactness.Apply strength; damage done.Still, it's been the weapon of choice for Brendan Shanahan, Lou Lamoriello, Kyle Dubas, and a Toronto Maple Leafs management team that's wielded the handheld destroyer to some effect in demolishing the third-rate organization it inherited.There are swings still to be taken. But now, standing in debris, Shanahan and co. are at a point where they must start building beyond what's been rather brilliantly constructed at the minor-league level.And it starts with deciding whether or not James Reimer represents a pillar in the foundation.Who's this Reimer?Before sinking major dollars or substantial term into the netminder, the Leafs must make this determination: Can James Reimer be consistently great?He's been nothing short of elite this season. Reimer finished a fraction off the league lead in total save percentage at the All-Star break, but he's been head and shoulders better than his peers in advanced stats that attach importance to the quality and difficulty of certain saves.For instance, his .923 high-danger save clip is greater than the overall rates of both Henrik Lundqvist and Jonathan Quick.One year isn't enough to make a franchise goalie, though, much like 24 starts doesn't make a season. Not only must the Leafs scrutinize what's left of 2015-16, but they must also consider his rocky year-to-year performance, which predates the arrival of Mike Babcock.That data shows his substandard seasons outweigh his elite contributions:SeasonSave%Rank14-15.9074713-14.9104412-13.924911-12.9005410-11.92117Still, it's what the Leafs, and perhaps more specifically, what Steve Briere - the goalie coach Babcock handpicked to teach and evaluate the position - see right now that will carry the most weight. If Briere's convinced Reimer can perform in a top 10 capacity over the next half-decade, and he can cement the club's conviction, then the Leafs should try to use leverage from previous years to lock Reimer down at a team-friendly rate.But if the book is still out inside the organization - if there's reason to believe he can't hold up as a No. 1, or that he doesn't have the durability or makeup required to be one of the game's greats - he should be considered no different from the other assets Babcock has worked tirelessly to squeeze value from ahead of the trade deadline.IndecisionOf course, the Maple Leafs won't impose an ultimatum upon themselves.Should they have both interest and reservations, they'll have months to pursue a short-term, prove-it-again contract similar to the one Jonathan Bernier inked last summer. Then, the Leafs might find out if Reimer can make 50 starts in a season, and if he and Briere can continue on their trajectory.But if doing business with Reimer similarly to how they dealt with Bernier isn't a harbinger in itself, this strategy isn't without risk. Reimer could fall off a cliff akin to his partner, seeing his value burn at the bottom. He could prove his mettle and drive up the price, or - perhaps worse - muddle his standing further, introducing indecision in a time where glossing over losses will no longer cut it.Then again, why would Reimer settle?TSN's Darren Dreger reported this week that league executives believe Reimer will net a long-term extension in the range of $5 million a year.Choosing not to test the market would be silly, but leaving millions on the table and catering to the hesitation of an organization that previously fumbled your development? Well, that would be dim-witted.The jury may still be out, but Reimer's earned a lengthy investment over 24 starts. And while we'll likely have to wait until summer to see if it'll come from the Leafs, we should have an idea of where they stand soon enough.The window to cash in on his emergence closes in one month.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman was suspended indefinitely Thursday pending a hearing for cross-checking linesman Don Henderson during Wednesday's game against the Nashville Predators.Related: Flames' Wideman blasts through linesman on way to benchAlthough the veteran defenseman claims the incident was "completely unintentional," he's facing potential long-term supplemental discipline from the NHL's Department of Player Safety.Here are three other instances a player has received a lengthy suspension for abuse of an official:1. Jaromir Jagr - 10 games - Jan. 26, 1992Nearly 24 years to the day of Wideman's suspension, Jaromir Jagr found himself in a very similar situation with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992.Jagr - who was an NHL sophomore at the time - was ejected from a game against the Washington Capitals when it was deemed that he intentionally skated into referee Ron Hoggarth.The superstar was eventually handed a 10-game ban for abuse of an official, and the Penguins put together a record of 2-6-2 in his absence. The incident certainly didn't have a long-term effect on the Penguins' season: Jagr finished the campaign with 69 points in 70 games, and the Penguins went on to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup.2. Maurice Richard - Season - March 13, 1955Nearly 61 years ago, Montreal Canadiens legend Maurice Richard sparked one of the darkest days in NHL history: The Richard Riots.During an altercation with the rival Boston Bruins, Richard was hit with a high stick by Bruins' defenseman Hal Laycoe. Seeking retribution, Richard attacked Laycoe with his stick. As linesman Cliff Thompson attempted to break up the melee, he was hit by a punch to the head from Richard.Richard - who was well on his way to yet another scoring title at the time - was ejected from the game after being assessed a match penalty. The following day, it was deemed he would sit out the remainder of the regular season and playoffs for his actions.On March 17, 1955, NHL president Clarence Campbell attended Montreal's following game against the Detroit Red Wings. He was the target of abuse from fans across the Montreal Forum as a result of the suspension, and the melee eventually prompted the release of tear gas in the arena. The game was cut short, resulting in a Red Wings win. The Canadiens went on to lose in the Stanley Cup finals later that season.3. Daniel Carcillo - 10 games - May 22, 2014During Game 3 of the heated Eastern Conference finals against the Canadiens, New York Rangers forward Daniel Carcillo was given an automatic 10-game suspension after he "physically applied force" to linesman Scott Driscoll.Carcillo clearly made significant contact with Driscoll while being escorted to the penalty box during a fight between Brandon Prust and Derek Dorsett. He was given a game misconduct, and did not play another game in the playoffs.The Rangers went on to lose in the Stanley Cup finals, with Carcillo's suspension carrying over to the following season. The tough guy eventually joined the Chicago Blackhawks, winning a Stanley Cup before announcing his retirement from the NHL.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Victoriaville Tigres center Pascal Laberge - the 31st-ranked North American skater on Central Scouting's midterm report - gave scouts on hand at the CHL Top Prospects Game reason to jot down a note or two.Watch Laberge dance around Erie Otters star Alex DeBrincat with a quick move before firing a snap shot into the netting.#PascalLaberge's goal. #TeamOrr from #PierreLucDubois and #LiborHajek #BMOTPCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the business of building, and sometimes talking up assets, but when Lou Lamoriello speaks, he shoots exclusively from the hip.So when the Maple Leafs general manager lauded captain Dion Phaneuf on Thursday, it didn't come with a hint of insincerity or suspicion of an ulterior motive."I came in (to this job) with no preconceived notions, and boy am I glad I did because this man has extremely impressed me," Lamoriello said in a radio appearance with Sportsnet 590 The Fan on Thursday. "Watching him, how he's handled the young players, watching how his work ethic has been, watching how he's handled the media."He added: "He's been one of the most impressive individuals I've been around here. The leadership qualities that he's shown me are not to impress - they're genuine."Lamoriello also heaped comparable praise on head coach Mike Babcock, who certainly doesn't need a boost to his stock."We're extremely fortunate here in Toronto," Lamoriello said of his coach. "In my opinion, we have the best coach in the game. His enthusiasm and the way he teaches and the way he comes to work each and every day no matter what transpires the day before."We have the right person. Mike is a winner."Lamoriello has a coach and a captain. Now all he needs is a roster.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

When the NHL All-Star Game concludes Sunday, a frantic four-week period will commence ahead of the trade deadline on Feb. 29. Although there are several star players who've been deemed completely untouchable by their organizations this season, it's certainly worth examining those big names nearing the final stages of their current contracts - untouchable or not - and the irreplaceable value each of them have to their respective franchises.Here are three All-Stars whose teams can least afford to lose them:1. John TavaresThe New York Islanders would be completely lost without the face of their franchise. Tavares is in the fourth season of a six-year, $33-million contract, and it's easy to imagine him becoming another Steven Stamkos when he faces unrestricted free agency after the 2017-18 season. General manager Garth Snow would be wise to ensure it never gets to that point with his captain.Tavares is enjoying yet another All-Star campaign - he was named captain of the Metropolitan Division on Thursday - with 16 goals and 18 assists over 44 games. A point-per-game player since 2011-12, the 25-year-old has become the savior of what was a struggling franchise before he was drafted first overall in 2009. In fact, Tavares has become the Islanders' most important player in every aspect of the game since joining the team:CategoryTotalRankGames4762Goals1901Assists2451Points4351Power-Play Points1551Game-Winning Goals351Shots14821Playoff Points111With a team that's consistently near the bottom of the league in attendance - the Islanders currently sit 28th despite moving to Brooklyn this season - it's certainly difficult to imagine a scenario where the Islanders could afford to lose their most important player, both on and off the ice.2. Jamie BennBenn is in the fourth year of a five-year, $26.25-million contract, and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season. The Dallas Stars have absolutely no choice but to lock up last year's Art Ross Trophy winner as soon as possible.Dallas currently possesses arguably the most dynamic scoring duo in the NHL in Benn and Tyler Seguin, who've combined for 438 points in the three years they've been teammates, and Benn is the primary reason for their success. Not only does he lead the NHL in points over the past two seasons, but the Stars' captain is fourth in the entire league in points since the 2012-13 lockout:Rank Players Points1Sidney Crosby2852Patrick Kane2613Alex Ovechkin2584Jamie Benn257It's nearly impossible to find this type of homegrown elite-level offensive production. Benn's play has not only affected Seguin's output, but is also responsible for the team's rise in the standings, and has had a direct correlation to the Stars' growing attendance numbers.Dallas' attendance has spiked since Benn took over as captain. After finishing 28th in the league in fan support at home in 2013-14, it moved up to 19th last year, and sits 14th this season. Benn had led the revival of hockey in Dallas, helping the Stars become a franchise that fans want to watch on a nightly basis. They wouldn't be on such a rapid rise without him.3. Dustin ByfuglienThe clock is undoubtedly ticking for the Winnipeg Jets. Byfuglien is in the final year of a five-year, $26-million contract, and will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.Winnipeg has approximately $28 million in cap space for next season, but that's without factoring in significant contract extensions for Byfuglien and captain Andrew Ladd, as well as raises for restricted free-agent youngsters Mark Scheifele and Jacob Trouba. The Jets can't afford to sign all of them, and must choose between keeping Ladd or Byfuglien.When comparing their statistics since the team relocated to Winnipeg in 2011-12 (while taking their positions into consideration), it's evident that the Jets would be in a lot of trouble without Byfuglien:GPPointsPPPSCF%Dustin Byfuglien3052118298354.53Andrew Ladd3382396691451.49The 30-year-old defenseman has averaged 57 points over a full 82-game schedule during the past five seasons. He quarterbacks Winnipeg's power play, leading the team with 82 points on the man advantage over the aforementioned period. He also drives puck possession with his impressive Corsi, and brings significant toughness that's exemplified by his team-leading 138 hits this season.Replacing Byfuglien would be a seemingly impossible task for the Jets, and it would set the franchise back even further if they couldn't manage to get a deal done to keep him in Winnipeg.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Connor McDavid's return has never been closer than it is right now.The ultra-talented rookie, who's skating with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors while the Edmonton Oilers recess for All-Star weekend, absorbed his first "bumps" since breaking his left clavicle in November."I was cleared for contact right before the All-Star break," McDavid said Thursday, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun. "I didn't have a chance to (do) that with the guys (in Edmonton), so it's a good chance down here to take some bumps and really battle hard and test it out and see how it feels."I've already taken a few (bumps) down here and I feel pretty good."McDavid didn't confirm whether he would return to the lineup when the Oilers kick off the unofficial second half of the season Feb. 2 versus the Columbus Blue Jackets, but provided no reason to believe otherwise."There's still a process to go through to be cleared to play and I'm going through that now," McDavid said. "Whether it's Feb. 2 or not, I'm not too sure right now, but obviously it's sometime not too long after the All-Star break."Edmonton is once again sitting dead last in the Western Conference. But McDavid, who has missed 37 games, still thinks the Oilers' season can be salvaged."Yes, we're in last place, but you look at our division, the Pacific, you're never really out of it right now," he said. "Is it an ideal position? No. Is it the end of the world? No. I don't think anyone in our room and our organization feels that it's out of the question. We'll see what happens after the break."The Oilers will play four games in six nights coming out of the All-Star break.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard has a special treat in store for his team's Stadium Series contest against the Colorado Avalanche on Feb. 27.The netminder is set to honor some of the greatest players in Detroit Tigers history with a brand new mask featuring the images of Al Kaline, Ty Cobb, Alan Trammell, and Kirk Gibson, as well as broadcaster Ernie Harwell, and manager Sparky Anderson.

John Scott's All-Star inclusion is proving profitable.The NHL's online store was plum out of $30 John Scott All-Star "shirseys" by Thursday morning, running out of stock before the event officially kicks off in Nashville this weekend.Patrick Kane, John Tavares, and Jaromir Jagr T-shirts are still available in multiple sizes, if you're willing to settle on just some other captain.It's the NHL, obviously, who stands to earn with his inclusion despite its efforts to have him bow out. Scott detailed the saga, painting a pretty bad picture for the NHL in an article published in The Players' Tribune on Thursday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman has been suspended indefinitely pending a hearing for cross-checking linesman Don Henderson on Wednesday night.The league will meet with Wideman on Tuesday, Feb. 2.Related: Report: Linesman Henderson released from hospital after Wideman collisionWideman hit Henderson into the boards from behind as the blue-liner traveled back to the Flames' bench in the second period of a 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators on Wednesday nightThe cross-check came moments after Wideman himself was hit hard by Predators forward Miikka Salomaki.Related: Flames' Wideman: Cross-check on linesman was 'completely unintentional'Wideman wasn't handed a game misconduct or even penalized for the hit on Henderson, and a result, he isn't subject to the NHL's Rule 40 - which would restrict a suspension to either three, 10, or 20 games - as Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman pointed out Thursday night.The league's director of hockey operations, Colin Campbell, can instead potentially suspend Wideman for a duration of his choosing.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Scott confirmed Thursday that the NHL and the Arizona Coyotes repeatedly asked him not to take part in the All-Star Game, and he's not happy about how the entire situation was handled.The veteran pugilist told his side of the story in a first-hand account published Thursday on The Players' Tribune."So when someone from the NHL calls me and says, 'Do you think this is something your kids would be proud of?' That’s when they lost me," Scott wrote."That was it, right there. That was the moment. Because, while I may not deserve to be an NHL All-Star, I know I deserve to be the judge of what my kids will - and won't - be proud of me for."The 33-year-old forward says the league requested a public statement from him in a clear attempt to manipulate the vote."So when they asked me to make a statement - nudging the fan vote in another direction and denouncing the John Scott 'movement' - I did it without hesitation. I told the fans, 'Listen. I don't deserve this. Vote for my teammates.' And I was telling the truth."Scott was voted into the All-Star tournament as Pacific Division captain before being traded by the Coyotes to the Montreal Canadiens, who immediately sent him to the AHL's St. John's IceCaps.He was eventually allowed to take part in the game, but he's still not pleased with how the NHL dealt with him."But while I don't deserve to be an All-Star, I also don't think I deserve to be treated like I’ve been by the league throughout this saga. I'm an NHL player - and, whatever my set of skills may be, that I'm an NHL player is no accident. I genuinely believe that when I'm on the ice, or even just the bench, I make my teammates feel safe to do what they do best."Related: John Scott guarantees he'll impress players, spectators at All-Star GameScott added that someone from the league initially contacted him and told him, "This is not a game for you, John."This candid account of the affair confirms TSN's Bob McKenzie's post-trade report that both the Coyotes and the NHL asked Scott to bow out of the All-Star events, and that Scott refused.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Don Henderson was sent to hospital for precautionary reasons after a collision with Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman on Wednesday and has since been released, TSN's Darren Dreger reported Thursday.The 47-year-old was knocked to the ice after Wideman, who was visibly dazed after being hit into the boards moments before, ran the linesman over from behind.Related: Flames' Wideman: Cross-check on linesman was 'completely unintentional'Sportsnet's Eric Francis reported that Henderson, who was able to finish the game, was in hospital until 5:00 a.m. dealing with "neck pain and nausea," and went through the concussion protocol.Dreger added that a decision on whether Wideman will be suspended as a result of the collision is expected later Thursday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

John Scott is aiming to prove he's no joke at the NHL All-Star Game."I'll pick every corner of the net," Scott told Michael Traikos of the National Post on Thursday. "I guarantee I'll be good. I think they'll be trying to get me goals. I'll be sure to tell them before the game, 'Let's get the big guy goals.' I'll get a hat trick and everyone will be like, 'oh wow.'"From being mocked over his All-Star Game selection, to getting traded from the Arizona Coyotes to the Montreal Canadiens before being sent down to the minors with his wife due to deliver twins, the past few months have been far from ideal for Scott. But the 33-year-old tough guy is turning what most would view as a very difficult situation into a positive experience."This is probably a one-time deal for me and I don’t think the league will let it happen again," Scott said. "But it's nice to kind of make everyone stop and think and say, 'There’s other players in the NHL other than the top-tier guys.' It’s a lot harder to be a fourth-line guy than a first-line guy. ..."I'll bet they get decent ratings this year because that's what everyone is talking about. Everyone wants to see the big goon and see how he does."NHL players across the league have supported and encouraged Scott right from the get-go, making his decision to participate much easier."During stoppages, the players on the other team were saying, 'Good job,'" Scott said. "They’re like, 'I think it's great that you're going to the All-Star Game.' If there was a lot of guys that were upset about it, I would maybe think twice about going. But everyone has just been super cool about it. They just want to see me there, because it's going to be different."Scott undoubtedly has a lot to prove, and he plans on demonstrating that he possesses the skill required to play in the NHL. Most importantly, he hopes to show the hockey world who he really is."It’s funny, because I play in the summer with some old guys and some junior kids and they think, 'Oh you’re a goon, you’re not going to be any good,'" Scott said. "And then I bury seven or eight goals. I am a good hockey player. There is a reason why I'm playing in the NHL."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler turned down an invitation from the NHL to participate in the 2016 All-Star Game in Nashville due to prior plans with his family, the Jets confirmed Thursday.The 29-year-old, seen as one of the biggest snubs from the All-Star Game roster, was asked by the league if he wanted to play after Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews withdrew due to illness, according to Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun.Nashville Predators forward James Neal was later selected to fill Toews' spot on the Central Division team.Wheeler has 13 goals and 35 assists this season, and is the only player of the top-10 scoring leaders who will not be taking part in All-Star festivities after Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov was added to the Metropolitan Division team Thursday to replace teammate Alex Ovechkin.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After arriving in Nashville for the 2016 All-Star Game, San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns took to Twitter to let his Pacific Division team captain know he's ready to play.The 30-year-old posed with his trademark toothless smile in front of a photo of former Arizona Coyotes forward John Scott with a message for his soon-to-be leader.

Alex Ovechkin won't be taking part in the NHL All-Star Game because the Washington Capitals are rightfully focused on something more significant.Related: Capitals' Kuznetsov replaces Ovechkin in All-Star GameOvechkin is arguably the NHL's best goal-scorer, and if he's not fully healthy, the Capitals are absolutely right to hold him out of a midseason spectacle if it benefits their best player and the club in the long run.Washington boasts the league's best record, and is the clear favorite to win the Stanley Cup. This could be the club's best chance ever to win a championship, and that's not worth jeopardizing for on an exhibition game and a skills contest.Braden Holtby, Nicklas Backstrom, and Evgeny Kuznetsov will represent the Capitals at the All-Star festivities, but Ovechkin is the team's most important player and as such, he deserves the break."Would I like to have Ovi in Nashville? Absolutely, but you have to think about the big picture," Washington head coach Barry Trotz, who'll also coach the Metropolitan Division All-Stars, said Wednesday."The big picture for my ownership, my general manager, my (dressing) room - the players in our room, our team, and our fans is that we have to make the right decision."Trotz is prioritizing the long-term success of the Capitals over getting Ovechkin a share of the $1 million awarded to the winning All-Star team in the NHL's new divisional 3-on-3 tournament."We are in the entertainment business, I get that, but you don't get two points for that game, you get prize money," Trotz said Wednesday. "To us, it's not about the prize money. We have a bigger goal, and if we want to get to where we want to get to, we can't do it without Alex Ovechkin being 100 percent."Washington had two games postponed by the snowstorm last weekend, and Ovechkin will miss the first game after the break as punishment for skipping the All-Star events.That means he'll only play two games between the Capitals' win over the Columbus Blue Jackets back on Jan. 19 and the next time he's eligible on Feb. 4 against the New York Islanders.Two of the last 10 Presidents' Trophy winners have won the Stanley Cup, so having the best record and a few star players doesn't guarantee anything. Still, holding Ovechkin out of the All-Star Game illustrates just how serious the Capitals are about challenging for hockey's Holy Grail in June.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman says he didn't mean to hit linesman Don Henderson with a cross-check Wednesday night."I took a pretty hard hit down in the corner and had some pretty good pain in my shoulder and neck, and I was just trying to get off the ice," Wideman told reporters postgame, adding that he immediately explained himself to the official."I was kind of keeled over and at the last second, I looked over and saw him, and I couldn't avoid it. I went up to Don and apologized to him on the ice (and said) I didn't see him (and) I didn't know where to go or how to get out of the way of him."Wideman was hit by Nashville Predators forward Miikka Salomaki in the second period of Nashville's 2-1 victory, and after appearing momentarily dazed, Wideman laid into Henderson near the bench.The veteran blue-liner insisted there was no intent."Throughout my career ... I've treated every official with the utmost respect and I'd never intentionally try to hit a linesman or a ref or anything like that. It was completely unintentional and I already apologized to him."Wideman said he doesn't believe the play is worthy of discipline from the league's Department of Player Safety."At the time, I didn't really think anything of it. It was obviously not intentional ... I'd be surprised (if the league acted on it), but if that happens, all I'm going to do is tell them my side and what happened, and hope for the best."Wideman could be slapped with a 10-game suspension regardless of whether or not he meant to hit Henderson, as TSN's Frank Seravalli first pointed out.Here's Rule 40.3:

The NHL announced Thursday that New York Islanders forward John Tavares has been named the captain of the Metropolitan Division team at the 2016 All-Star Game in Nashville.Tavares will be replacing fan-voted captain Alex Ovechkin, who will not participate in All-Star Weekend due to a lower-body injury.The 25-year-old has 16 goals and 18 assists in 24 games this season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Alex Ovechkin won't play in the All-Star Game, but his teammate and countryman will.Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov will take Ovechkin's spot on the Metropolitan Division roster in the midseason 3-on-3 tournament.The Capitals announced Wednesday night that Ovechkin won't attend the event due to injury, and he'll serve a one-game suspension as a result.The captain will miss Washington's first game back from the break, on Feb. 2, against the Florida Panthers.Kuznetsov has apparently been dreaming about the opportunity for a while.

The NHL announced Thursday that Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews will miss the All-Star Game. Toews will be suspended one game for not participating.The 27-year-old will not be heading to Nashville as he continues to battle an illness that forced him to miss the third period of Tuesday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes."(Toews) was pulled from Tuesday night's third period because of an illness and remains symptomatic today," said team physician Michael Terry, per Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times. "At this time, rest over the break is most important for him to properly recover and be fully healthy heading into the rest of the regular season."Nashville Predators forward James Neal has been named Toews' replacement on the Central Division team, and will be the fourth Predators player to suit up at All-Star Weekend along with defensemen Shea Weber and Roman Josi and goaltender Pekka Rinne.Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin will also be suspended one game by the NHL after withdrawing from All-Star festivities due to a lower-body injury. He will be replaced by teammate Evgeny Kuznetsov.

All-Star Weekend lost one of its biggest stars Wednesday, as the Washington Capitals announced Alex Ovechkin, one of four fan-elected captains for Sunday's three-on-three tournament, won't be heading to Nashville due to a lower-body injury.With Ovechkin's absence, a spot is now open for another forward to suit up with the Metropolitan Division on the weekend, and here are five players who deserve to take the ice:Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington CapitalsWith forward Nicklas Backstrom and goalie Braden Holtby already heading to Tennessee, it may seem like a stretch to select another Capitals player for the All-Star Game, but it's hard to find anyone more deserving.Kuznetsov is having a breakout season with 49 points in 47 games to lead not only the league's best team in scoring, but also the entire Metropolitan Division. The Russian looks poised for a number of All-Star appearances in his future, but it's already a shock he wasn't named this time.Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh PenguinsIt was hard to fathom that the player widely seen as the face of the NHL would be left out of the All-Star Game, but his slow start to the season made it difficult to argue that Crosby had earned a spot ahead of any other forwards on the team.That's not the case anymore, as the Penguins' captain is currently riding a seven-game point streak and has quickly climbed into the top 25 in league scoring. The 28-year-old would be a welcome sight in Nashville, but after opting out of last year's game as Ovechkin is now, it's unclear if he would accept the invite.Mats Zuccarello, New York RangersPrior to Derick Brassard's monster five-point night Monday, Zuccarello led the Rangers in scoring for the majority of the season, and he's been widely considered the team's best forward.The speedy winger would be perfect for the three-on-three format, giving the second-place team in the division a second representative on the roster alongside defenseman and captain Ryan McDonagh.Mike Cammalleri, New Jersey DevilsWhile the surprising Devils have had surprising contributions up front from Lee Stempniak and Kyle Palmieri, it's hard to imagine the team competing for a playoff spot without Cammalleri.The 33-year-old is scoring at close to a point-per-game clip for the first time since the 2008-09 season with the Calgary Flames, and though he missed eight games in January with a hand injury, his production has hardly slowed, recording three points in his last four outings.Max Domi, Arizona CoyotesThough Ovechkin's absence won't leave the Capitals without representation at the All-Star Game, the trade sending John Scott to the Montreal Canadiens has left the Arizona Coyotes empty-handed.With the Pacific team captained by a player from the Atlantic (and in the AHL, no less), why not give the Coyotes' star rookie a chance to shine and fulfill the league's wish to have players from all 30 teams. Domi's production has slowed of late, but he still sits fourth in rookie scoring with 32 points on the year.Name Team G A PEvgeny KuznetsovWSH153449Sidney CrosbyPIT172441Mats ZuccarelloNYR181735Mike CammalleriNJD142438Max DomiARI131932Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

In a position where subtle shifts often yield the best results, Jonathan Quick's mastery is in movement.The Los Angeles Kings goaltender's latest show-stopper was a paddled puck steered to safety after Jarome Iginla racketed it out of midair toward goal.Unreal stick paddle windmill save by Quick! #WindmillWednesdayCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Milan Lucic is back from his one-game suspension for sucker-punching Kevin Connauton, but he's still sluggin'.The monstrous Los Angeles Kings winger accidentally popped a linesman in the mouth during a scrum, and immediately sought forgiveness.Related: Flames' Wideman blasts through referee on way to benchCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Suddenly, Jakub Voracek has earned a sun-soaked All-Star break getaway.The Philadelphia Flyers winger put his large frame into action in overtime Wednesday night, effectively shielding Evgeny Kuznetsov as he circled in the offensive zone before securing the bonus point with a wrist shot into the roof of the net.Voracek's goal - his second on the night versus the Washington Capitals, the class of the Metropolitan Division - bumped his previously horrifying stat line further into respectability.He now has eight goals and 36 points at the unofficial halfway point of the season after scoring better than a point per game over the last 18.Voracek had just 15 points through the first two months of the campaign.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It'll be hot water, not a hot beach for Dennis Wideman over the All-Star break after the Calgary Flames defender brazenly plowed through Don Henderson, an unsuspecting linesman who skated into his path, on the way to the bench Wednesday night.Wideman appears to drop the linesman with intent, but just prior to incident, the Flames defenseman looked to be staggered by a hit from Miikka Salomaki.Regardless, Wideman should expect a response from the NHL.Wideman made himself available to media after the game, explaining what he saw."I was just trying to get off the ice. I was kind of keeled over and at the last second, I looked up and saw him. I couldn't avoid it," he said. "I don't know where to go or how to get out of the way of him.""I think I have treated every official with the utmost respect, and I would never intentionally try and hit a linesman, or a (referee)," he added. "It was completely unintentional and I already apologized to him."Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

All-Star antics will have to come from someone else.The Washington Capitals have announced that Alex Ovechkin, the voted-in Metropolitan Division All-Star captain and the NHL's most prolific goal-scorer, will miss the All-Star Game with a lower-body injury."We made this difficult decision after taking into consideration what we felt was best for Alex and our organization," Capitals GM Brian MacLellan wrote in a press release. "Alex has been an incredible ambassador for our team and the league, but we believe it is better if he uses this time to heal and ideally be completely healthy for the duration of the season."By rule, Ovechkin must miss the first game back from the All-Star break - Feb. 2 versus the Florida Panthers. Last season, Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins made a similar decision and suffered the same penalty.It'll be just the second man-game lost this season for Ovechkin, who's one of the league's more durable superstars. The absence came in early October when he was scratched for arriving late to the arena.There's no word on who will replace Ovechkin on the roster, or as captain.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Boston Bruins backup Jonas Gustavsson exited Tuesday's game versus the Anaheim Ducks after experiencing an elevated heart rate, the team confirmed Wednesday.The Bruins backup was taken to hospital and has since been released after tests came back negative. He's expected to rejoin the club after the All-Star break.Boston's medical staff will undergo its own evaluation before clearing him for action, however.Gustavsson has a history of cardiac issues, having previously underwent procedures to deal with irregular heartbeats.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If the Winnipeg Jets do expose their captain to the open market, it appears as though Andrew Ladd will have suitors.NBC's Darren Dreger reported Wednesday that the Florida Panthers would have interest in the pending free agent, as well as perhaps the Vancouver Canucks.Being an experienced, all-situations player that can fit in just about anywhere in the top nine, Ladd would appear to be a perfect fit for the Panthers, who are likely postseason-bound for the first time in four seasons. He would also come with familiarity to management, having once been acquired by general manager Dale Tallon while he was ran the Chicago Blackhawks.The Canucks' apparent interest, though, is a little less discernible. Vancouver is limping into the All-Star break and sliding in the standings, now seated fifth in the Pacific Division. It would be difficult to justify moving a prospect or pick for a player intent on negotiating a lucrative deal, but as Dreger noted, Canucks general manager Jim Benning has expressed interest in Ladd previously.The 30-year-old owns disappointing offensive numbers in his all-important contract season, having scored just 10 goals and 27 points after posting a career-best 62 points last season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Production through legal means has run dry since being named an All-Star for the first time, so Leo Komarov resorted to illegitimate recourse Wednesday versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.Like the vast majority of his team's attacking efforts of late, however, his attempt to bamboozle the officiating crew was quickly snuffed out.To frustrate the scheming winger a touch further, Andrei Vasilevskiy absolutely robbed P-A Parenteau, who fired a shot off a pass out of Komarov's palm.

Steven Stamkos didn't look like the 10-figure commodity the Lightning and Maple Leafs may or may not be bidding for this summer when the teams met in Toronto in December.But on Monday in Tampa, the potential soon-to-be free agent superstar quickly did his part to fuel the narrative.Stationed in a trigger position on the power play, Stamkos launched a one-time rip through Jonathan Bernier on his second shift of the contest.(Courtesy: NHL.com)It was Stamkos' 10th power-play goal, by the way, which doubles that of any Leaf.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Minnesota Wild and New York Islanders have teamed up for a great cause.The clubs announced they'll work with the You Can Play Project, hosting a home-and-home, of sorts, aimed to bring awareness to ensuring equality, respect, and safety for athletes regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.New York will host the first You Can Play night at the Barclays Center on Feb. 2, while the Wild will host one at a later date.(Courtesy: NHL.com)Five dollars from each ticket sold will be donated to the project.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Ovechkin and Co. have convinced more than just the bookies.The Washington Capitals were voted as the overwhelming Eastern Conference favorites and also the team most likely to win the Stanley Cup in a recent head coaches' survey conducted by TSN's Bob McKenzie.Twenty-five of the 27 coaches who participated chose Washington to win the East, while the Chicago Blackhawks - with 15 votes - are perceived as most likely to once again represent the West.Projected Cup WinnerNo. of votesCapitals16Blackhawks9Kings1Lightning1The coaches were also polled on individual performances, deciding (nearly unanimously) on Patrick Kane as the NHL's best player, Braden Holtby as the premier goaltender, and Barry Trotz as the top coach.Drew Doughty and Artemi Panarin claimed close races for top defenseman and rookie, edging Erik Karlsson and Dylan Larkin, respectively.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Clayton Stoner pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges stemming from his part in the illegal hunting and capture of a well-known grizzly bear, CBC News reports.Stoner, a Vancouver Island native, was not in court. His lawyer made the plea on his behalf in British Columbia provincial court in Abbotsford.

The New Jersey Devils are pulling out all the stops for Martin Brodeur.The Devils will officially retire and raise Brodeur's No. 30 to the rafters at the Prudential Center on Feb. 9. The ceremony is set to include the legendary goaltender's former Devils teammates Scott Niedermayer, Scott Stevens, and Ken Daneyko, former coaches Jacques Lemaire and Larry Robinson, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.The club will also unveil a statue of Brodeur outside the arena on Feb. 8.Brodeur remains the league's all-time winningest goaltender with 691 wins, and also still holds the record for most career shutouts with 125.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

After missing the playoffs last season for the first time in 11 years, the San Jose Sharks are having a great bounce-back campaign in 2015-16. The team sits second in the Pacific Division, and are currently riding a league-best 8-0-2 run over their last 10 games.The Sharks just have one glaring fault: They own a dismal record on home ice.Through their first 48 games this season, the Sharks have compiled a poor 10-12-2 record at the SAP Center, the fifth-worst home record in the league this year. This is a trend that's unlike many Sharks teams of the past. Historically, San Jose has been among the league's best at defending their home ice:Year Home Record League Ranking2015-1610-12-226th2014-1519-17-524th2013-1429-7-52nd2012-1317-2-53rd2011-1226-12-39th2010-1125-11-54th2009-1027-6-84th2008-0932-5-41stPrior to last season the Sharks mustered a home record of 156-43-30 in the previous six years, good for a winning percent of 68.1 percent.A lack of offense appears to be a key factor in the team's poor play at home. This season, the Sharks have averaged 3.13 goals for on the road, good enough for third in the league; at the SAP Center, the team is putting up just 2.71 goals per game, giving them a share of 15th in the league.If there's something the Sharks can hang their hat on, however, it would be their play away from the Bay Area. San Jose boasts the second-best road record in the league, going 16-6-2 in 24 away contests.The Sharks do look to be righting their wrongs of late, going 5-0-2 over their past seven home games. That's a trend San Jose will need to keep going if the words "home-ice advantage" mean anything to them.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jack Eichel is on absolute fire for the first time in his NHL career.The 19-year-old rookie phenom is second on the Buffalo Sabres with 16 goals and 18 assists in 50 games, putting him on pace for 55 points heading into this weekend's All-Star break. However, all signs point to those numbers rising rapidly.Since recording just 14 points in his first 32 games, Eichel's been the most productive player on the Sabres. He has seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points - highlighted by six multi-point efforts - in the 18 games since Dec. 17.

The unofficial first half of the season is nearly in the books, and the NHL's power brokers remain largely unchanged.A few perennial contenders that were struggling have started to find their groove, though.Here are the power rankings as we approach the All-Star break:1. Washington Capitals

Fear is the ultimate compliment to Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock.Prior to Wednesday night's contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper explained what it was like to coach against Babcock and what his teams usually bring to the table."Just in my short time in the League, any time we play teams coached by Mike they work hard and they're tight checking and they, more often than not, play the game the right way," Cooper said. "That's why he's been as successful as he has. I watched the game (Tuesday) and I watched a Toronto team that probably deserved a better fate."Babcock was later asked about Cooper's comments and though he respects the praise from his peers, he admits he would rather a much different reaction from his opponents.

The Washington Capitals could have their stud defenseman back in their grasps Wednesday night.John Carlson is probable to return to the lineup against the Philadelphia Flyers, head coach Barry Trotz confirmed.The 26-year-old was back skating alongside Nate Schmidt on the team's top defense pairing during the club's morning skate.Carlson has been missing in action since Boxing Day while dealing with a lower-body injury. The ailment has kept him out of the Capitals' past 12 games, though the club has fared just fine without him, going 9-2-1 during that stretch.Carlson will take the pregame warmups where his status for the game will be determined.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.