Restricted free agent forward Luke Evangelista signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Nashville Predators on Saturday.

• Evangelista, 23, recorded 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) in 68 games last season with the Predators, including 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in his last 14 games.

  He has 86 points (33 goals, 53 assists) in 172 career games since being selected by Nashville in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft.

  --Field Level Media

The Minnesota Wild signed goalkeeper Filip Gustavsson to a five-year, $34 million contract extension on Saturday morning.

• Gustavsson, 27, was entering the final year of a contract that was paying him $3.75 million annually. Now, he's set to make nearly double that, an average of $6.8 million over the next five seasons.

  The Swedish netminder is coming off his fifth NHL season which was the best of his career. He started a career-high 58 games, establishing himself as the Wild's prominent goaltender over Marc-Andre Fleury, who retired this offseason.

  With a 31-19-6 record, a .914 save percentage and 2.56 goals-against average, Gustavsson finished sixth in voting for the Vezina Trophy.

  This is the second significant extension the Wild have given out this week. They signed star winger Kirill Kaprizov to the largest contract in NHL history (eight years, $136 million) on Tuesday.

  --Field Level Media

The Dallas Stars might be headed for the suburbs when their lease at American Airlines Center ends in 2031.

• The NHL franchise is exploring sites for a new arena and has held talks with the cities of Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington and Fort Worth, team president and CEO Brad Alberts told The Dallas Morning News on Friday.

  Alberts denied a report from Front Office Sports that Plano emerged as the front-runner after the Stars' 21-person ownership advisory group met on Wednesday.

  "We do not have a deal with Plano," Alberts told the Morning News. "We don't have any of that. We are in discussions with them. We're also in discussions with other cities. Arlington would love us to come to Arlington. They've got two of the four already. We've got a really good relationship with those two franchises there and the city.

  "There's no favorites at this point. We're all just doing our work."

  A team spokesperson told The Athletic in a statement that the Stars are "continually evaluating all options for the home of our franchise in North Texas."

  The Stars' site study comes as their co-tenant at American Airlines Center, the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, are looking into building an arena and casino complex. The Mavericks also are tied to American Airlines Center through 2031.

  A minimum of 75 acres will be needed for the Stars to build their desired complex, according to Alberts.

  "Sports entertainment is becoming a real estate business," Alberts told the newspaper. "In our market, where you've got a real opportunity to take advantage of that, I think it's important. Creating 365-day revenue, I feel, is essential to the health of sports and entertainment businesses, especially NHL businesses that depend on local revenue far more than others.

  "I think the biggest problem that we have with staying in Dallas is that we don't have that. We don't control any of the real estate outside of the building. We're looking for that opportunity that can create 365 day-a-year revenue outside and also having an incredible in-venue, in-arena experience."

  Dallas city spokesperson Rick Ericson told the Morning News regarding the Stars' possible future departure, "We have not heard that information from the Stars and can't comment or speculate on the report. The Dallas Stars have been an important part of the city since they moved here in 1993 and we want them to remain in Dallas."

  The Stars currently have their offices and practice rink in Frisco, which is also the home of FC Dallas.

  The Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers play in Arlington.

  Arlington city spokesperson Susan Schrock issued a statement that read, in part, "The Dallas Stars would be a natural addition to Arlington's world-class Entertainment District and it makes sense that Arlington would be among cities they are considering for their new home.

  "As the premiere sports and entertainment destinations in Texas, we are proud of our reputation of creating a safe and welcoming experience for fans as a city that attracts more than 16 million visitors a year. We look forward to talking further with the team as they consider their next chapter."

  --Field Level Media

Forward Luke Evangelista ended his training camp holdout and signed a two-year, $6 million contract with the Nashville Predators on Friday, according to multiple reports.

• Evangelista, 23, was a restricted free agent and will become a restricted free agent again after the 2026-27 season.

  The Toronto native is considered one of the core young players that Nashville hopes will lead them back to prominence after the Predators recorded 68 points in the 2024-25, their fewest over a full season since their inaugural year in 1998-99.

  Evangelista scored 10 goals and provided 22 assists in 68 games last season, after recording 16 goals and 23 helpers in 80 games during his second year in Nashville.

  He did not report to training camp as the prolonged negotiations became contentious. Predators general manager Barry Trotz said recently he had no desire to trade Evangelista.

  Nashville opens the regular season on Thursday, Oct. 9, hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets.

  --Field Level Media

The Edmonton Oilers signed coach Kris Knoblauch to a three-year contract extension through 2028-29 on Friday.

• Knoblauch, 47, guided the Oilers to the Stanley Cup Final in each of his first two seasons behind their bench, falling to the Florida Panthers in six games last season and in seven games in 2024.

  He has compiled a 94-47-10 record in the regular season since replacing Jay Woodcroft on Nov. 13, 2023.

  Knoblauch reached 80 wins in his 123rd game on Feb. 5, 2025, third-fastest in NHL history after Tom Johnson (111) and Mike Keenan (116).

  The Oilers open the 2025-26 regular season at home against the rival Calgary Flames on Wednesday.

  --Field Level Media

Luke Hughes is bullish on playing for the New Jersey Devils long-term with one of his older brothers, Jack. But might their other brother join them someday?

• The youngest of the three brothers spoke about that possibility when meeting with reporters Thursday, one day after signing a new seven-year, $63 million contract.

  "I love New Jersey; (Jack Hughes) loves New Jersey," Luke Hughes said. "It's a second home and obviously we love what the organization is doing and where we're going.

  "Hopefully, I play here the rest of my career. It's a great place to play. I love the fans and (I) have a great relationship with (general manager Tom Fitzgerald)."

  The 22-year-old defenseman was also asked about oldest brother Quinn Hughes, a two-time All-Star and captain of the Vancouver Canucks.

  Luke Hughes was cautious with his answer, since saying he'd like Quinn Hughes to join him and Jack on the Devils someday would qualify as tampering.

  "Of course ... I think the three of us would all love to play together someday, but whether it'll happen or not, who knows?" he said. "I know Quinn loves Vancouver and he's the captain there. We love being here.

  "You never know, so never say never."

  Quinn Hughes' deal with the Canucks runs through 2026-27, and he would become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027.

  Quinn Hughes, who turns 26 this month, had 16 goals and 60 assists while being limited to 68 games in 2024-25 for the Canucks. He won the Norris Trophy in 2023-24 for the top defenseman in the league.

  All three brothers were lottery picks, with Jack Hughes going first overall to New Jersey in the 2019 draft. Jack Hughes, 24, is the Devils' top-line center and is already locked in with the Devils until 2030.

  The Devils added Luke Hughes into the fold by drafting him fourth overall in 2021. In 155 games across two-plus NHL seasons, he has amassed 17 goals and 76 assists.

  Luke Hughes had shoulder surgery after an injury limited him to one playoff game last spring.

  "My body feels great, and my shoulders are strong," he said. "I've been skating five days a week, bag skating, and I just got to acclimate myself to the team and to playing real hockey. I don't think it should be long. It's just good to be back to work."

  --Field Level Media

Veteran Calgary Flames left wing Jonathan Huberdeau missed practice Thursday after suffering an undisclosed injury in Wednesday's preseason game against the Vancouver Canucks.

• Calgary general manager Craig Conroy told reporters Thursday that Huberdeau was still being evaluated to determine the extent of his injury, which occurred when he collided with Vancouver goaltender Kevin Lankinen in the third period of an 8-1 home loss.

  Huberdeau, 32, was driving to the net when Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek caused him to collide with Lankinen in the crease. Huberdeau, whose face appeared to make contact with Lankinen's mask, went down and eventually skated off the ice under his own power, while Hronek was called for holding.

  Coming off his best campaign with the Flames, Huberadeau scored 62 points (28 goals, 34 assists) in 81 games. The 2013 Calder Trophy winner and two-time All-Star is entering the fourth year of an eight-year, $84 million contract he signed in August 2022 after a trade from the Florida Panthers.

  In 13 NHL seasons with the Panthers (2012-22) and Flames, Huberdeau has 782 points (253 goals, 529 assists) over 912 games. Florida selected the Quebec native with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 draft. In 26 playoff appearances, Huberdeau has accumulated 21 points (five goals, 16 assists).

  As the season draws near, Devin Cooley looks to have secured the backup goaltender job behind Dustin Wolf. Goaltender Ivan Prosvetov, who signed a one-year, $950,000 deal on July 1, was among three players placed on waivers on Thursday. Forward Rory Kerins and defenseman Ilya Solovyov were also put on waivers for the purpose of assignment to the AHL.

  --Field Level Media

Veteran Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust, a longtime linemate of star center Sidney Crosby, is expected to miss the season opener next week.

• Rust will be sidelined for a minimum of two weeks with a lower-body injury, the team announced Thursday. The Penguins open the regular season Tuesday on the road against the New York Rangers.

  Rust, 33, is coming off a career-best campaign, posting 31 goals and 34 assists over 71 games in his 11th season since the Penguins selected him in the third round of the 2010 draft. The solid campaign came after he missed the first two games of the season with an undisclosed injury.

  A two-time Stanley Cup champion with Pittsburgh, Rust has three seasons left on his contract with an annual cap hit of $5.125 million.

  Rust has totaled 437 points (203 goals, 234 assists) in 638 regular-season games. Over 79 postseason games, he has contributed 35 points (21 goals, 14 assists).

  --Field Level Media

Coming off a breakout campaign, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe was rewarded with a lucrative eight-year contract on Thursday.

• The team did not disclose the numbers, but Sportsnet reported that it is the largest deal in franchise history at $72 million, or $9 million per season.

  LaCombe, 24, who was entering the final year of his contract, posted 43 points (14 goals, 29 assists) in 75 games last season as the Ducks' No. 1 blueliner. He was third on the team in blocks (129) and topped all non-goaltenders in average ice time (22:18).

  "Today is an exciting day for my family and I am grateful to the organization for their belief in me," LaCombe said. "It was an easy decision for me to commit my future to the Ducks and Orange County. We are building something special here and I am excited to do everything I can to help this team win."

  Anaheim's second-round pick in the 2019 draft, LaCombe has accumulated 60 points (16 goals, 44 assists) in 148 career games.

  "We are excited to sign Jackson to a long-term contract and lock up a core player for our future," Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said. "Getting this deal done early was a priority for us. Jackson has all of the tools to be an anchor on our back end for many years to come."

  The Ducks open the regular season at Seattle on Oct. 9.

  --Field Level Media

Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska signed a two-year contract extension on Thursday.

• Financial terms were not disclosed by the Flames on Huska, who was entering the final year of his current deal.

  Calgary finished fifth in the Pacific Division in his first season with the team in 2023-24 before posting a 41-27-24 record in 2024-25. The Flames, however, lost a tiebreaker to the St. Louis Blues and missed the playoffs for the third straight season.

  "We're thrilled to extend Ryan for two more years," general manager Craig Conroy said in a statement. "He's done an excellent job creating a strong culture in our room and helping our team take steps in the right direction. His communication, work ethic, and commitment to developing our players have been outstanding.

  "We believe in his vision and are confident he's the right coach to lead us forward."

  Huska, 50, has been within the Flames' organization since 2014-15, including serving as a head coach in the American Hockey League before becoming an assistant coach in Calgary.

  "I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team and to build on the foundation we've started," Huska said Thursday. "I believe in this group, in their character, talent, and potential. I'm excited about the direction we are heading. I want to thank Craig, the ownership, and the entire organization for their trust and support. We are committed to pushing forward and bringing success back to Calgary."

  The Flames open the 2025-26 regular season at Edmonton next Wednesday.

  --Field Level Media

Florida Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola agreed to an eight-year contract extension on Thursday.

• Financial terms were not disclosed by the team, but TSN reported the deal was worth $40 million.

  Mikkola would have become a free agent at the end of the season. He will play the final season of his three-year, $7.5 million contract with Florida in 2025-26 before the extension begins in the 2026-27 campaign.

  The 6-foot-6 Mikkola joins fellow defensemen Gustav Forsling, Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones in being locked into extensions until at least 2030.

  "Niko has proven himself to be a dependable defenseman who uses his speed and physicality to impact both ends of the ice," said Bill Zito, Panthers president of hockey operations and general manager.

  "He was an indispensable piece of our past two championship campaigns, and we are thrilled that Niko will be continuing his career with the Florida Panthers."

  Mikkola, 29, recorded career-high totals in goals (six), assists (16), points (22) and rating (plus-12) in 76 games this past season. He also added 137 hits and 88 blocked shots.

  He totaled six points (three goals, three assists) in 22 playoff games this past spring, highlighted by scoring the winning goal in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final versus the Carolina Hurricanes.

  Mikkola was second among defensemen last season with 77 wins on puck battles while leading and also No. 2 with 61 wins on puck battles in the third period according to Inside Edge.

  A two-time Stanley Cup winner, Mikkola has 62 points (14 goals, 48 assists) in 328 career games with the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers and Panthers. He was selected by the Blues in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft.

  --Field Level Media

An NHL franchise now is valued at an average of $2.1 billion, with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth double that, according to research compiled by Sportico.

• The Leafs, for the fifth straight year, top the NHL team valuation list, now carrying a $4.25 billion valuation. They are followed by the New York Rangers ($3.65 billion), Montreal Canadiens ($3.3 billion), Boston Bruins ($3 billion) and Los Angeles Kings ($2.96 billion).

  The average NHL team value has increased by 17 percent, or $2.1 billion -- impressive, but still lagging other major sports in three-year growth rates, according to Sportico. The NBA value is up 78 percent, with the NFL rising by 72 percent and MLB franchises up 22 percent.

  Sportico reported the Maple Leafs lead the NHL in terms of gate receipts, sponsorships and media revenue, despite not having won the Stanley Cup since 1967.

  In the ranking, six teams were valued at less than $1.5 billion, with the Columbus Blue Jackets on the bottom rung at $1.3 billion.

  Next-lowest on the list were the Winnipeg Jets ($1.33 billion), Ottawa Senators ($1.34 billion), Buffalo Sabres ($1.36 billion), Utah Mammoth ($1.44 billion) and San Jose Sharks ($1.49 billion).

  --Field Level Media

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson announced his retirement on Wednesday after 17 NHL seasons.

• The No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft by St. Louis, Johnson won a Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022.

  Johnson, 37, recorded 348 points (95 goals, 253 assists) and 555 penalty minutes in 1,023 career games.

  He spent parts of 14 seasons with the Avs and also played for the Blues, Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers.

  "After 18 incredible years in the NHL, I am retiring with a heart full of gratitude," Johnson said. "To the St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers and most of all the Colorado Avalanche: thank you for the opportunities and memories, especially the 2022 Stanley Cup.

  "To my teammates, coaches, and staff: your support, camaraderie, and dedication shaped my career. To the fans: your passion made every moment unforgettable. To my family and friends: your unconditional love and support carried me through. Hockey has been my life, and I'm grateful for every second. I'm excited for what's next and will always cherish this journey."

  Only Adam Foote (967) appeared in more games among Colorado defensemen than Johnson (731). Johnson holds the franchise record for blocked shots (1,373) and ranks third in hits (1,288).

  The Minnesota native won a silver medal with Team USA at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He also won a bronze medal at the 2013 IIHF World Championship.

  --Field Level Media

The Edmonton Oilers acquired goaltender Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth on Wednesday in exchange for future considerations.

• Per the Oilers, the Mammoth will retain $800,000 of Ingram's $1.95 million cap hit. He is in the last season of a three-year, $5.85 million contract and can become an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming campaign.

  Ingram, 28, was assigned to Bakersfield of the American Hockey League on Wednesday.

  He recorded a 9-8-4 record with a 3.27 goals-against average and .882 save percentage in 22 games (all starts) last season with Utah before entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on March 9. He was cleared from the program on Aug. 20.

  Last month, the Mammoth announced Ingram would not participate in training camp and that they were attempting to trade him. He was placed on waivers Sept. 25 and went unclaimed.

  "We would like to thank Connor for everything he has done for the organization," Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong said. "He is a class act, great teammate, and we wish him nothing but the best."

  Ingram is 39-44-15 with seven shutouts, a 3.14 GAA and a .902 save percentage in 102 career games (99 starts) with the Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes and Utah.

  A third-round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016, he never played for the franchise. Ingram won the NHL's Masterton Trophy in 2023-24. The trophy recognizes the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

  --Field Level Media

The New Jersey Devils signed defenseman Luke Hughes to a seven-year, $63 million contract on Wednesday.

• The 22-year-old restricted free agent will join the Devils for practice on Thursday, the team announced.

  Hughes recorded 44 points (seven goals, 37 assists) and 60 blocks in 71 games with New Jersey in 2024-25.

  He topped the team's blueliners in points, assists and power-play points (16) and was second in ice time (21:09).

  He has 93 points (17 goals, 76 assists) in 155 games since being drafted with the fourth overall pick in 2021.

  The Devils open the 2025-26 regular season on the road on Oct. 9 against the Carolina Hurricanes.

  --Field Level Media

Forward Max Pacioretty announced his retirement after 17 seasons in the NHL and joined the University of Michigan staff as a special assistant to head coach Brandon Naurato.

• Pacioretty, 36, recorded 13 points (five goals, eight assists), 16 penalty minutes and a minus-2 rating in 37 games last season, his first with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

  "After 17 seasons in the NHL, I'm excited to begin this next chapter with Michigan Hockey," said Pacioretty, who played one season for the Wolverines and was selected to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association All-Rookie Team in 2007-08. "I'm so thankful for the teammates, coaches and fans who have been a part of my journey. Hockey has given me so much, and now I have the opportunity to help develop the next generation of players."

  The Montreal Canadiens selected Pacioretty in the first round (22nd overall) in the 2007 NHL Draft.

  Pacioretty has 681 points (335 goals, 346 assists), 509 penalty minutes and a plus-53 rating in 935 career regular-season games for the Canadiens (2008-18), Vegas Golden Knights (2018-22), Carolina Hurricanes (2022-23), Washington Capitals (2023-24) and Maple Leafs.

  He also has 58 points (28 goals, 30 assists), 61 penalty minutes and a plus-3 rating in 89 playoff games.

  Pacioretty was selected to the All-Star Game in 2020 and won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey, in 2011-12.

  Injuries hampered Pacioretty, including foot and wrist injuries while with Vegas in the 2021-22 season; a torn right Achilles tendon while in Carolina training camp in 2022, and after five games tearing the Achilles again in January 2023.

  Naurato praised Pacioretty for his experience, knowledge and leadership. The coach said his players will learn from his example.

  "Michigan has a tradition of producing elite talent, and I can't wait to share what I've learned to help these guys grow on and off the ice," Pacioretty said. "Just as important, this next step allows me to be closer to my family and spend more time with my kids. I'm going to be coaching my four boys in youth hockey and that's something I'll really cherish as a dad."

  --Field Level Media

Minnesota Wild forward Mats Zuccarello is expected to miss a minimum of seven to eight weeks due to a lower-body injury, the team announced on Tuesday.

• Wild general manager Bill Guerin said on Sept. 18 that "something came up," and he did not know if Zuccarello, 38, would require surgery.

  Wild coach John Hynes said having an idea of when Zuccarello would be back is a welcome development.

  "It's basically similar to what (it was) coming into camp," Hynes said Tuesday. "We knew he wasn't going to be ready. Now we have an exact timeline of his return."

  Minnesota opens the regular season on Oct. 9 on the road against the St. Louis Blues.

  Zuccarello, 38, played in 69 games last season, his fifth with the Wild, and recorded 54 points (19 goals, 35 assists) with 22 penalty minutes and a zero plus-minus rating.

  The native of Norway has 690 points (217 goals, 473 assists) and a 53 plus-minus rating in 904 regular-season games for the New York Rangers (2010-19), Dallas Stars (2019) and Wild.

  He also has 58 points (19 goals, 39 assists) and a minus-1 rating in 102 playoff games.

  --Field Level Media

The Minnesota Wild signed star forward Kirill Kaprizov to an NHL-record eight-year, $136 million contract extension on Tuesday.

• The deal, which begins in the 2026-27 season, carries a $17 million annual cap hit for the Wild and comes on the heels of Kaprizov reportedly rejecting an eight-year, $128 million extension earlier this month.

  "We're extremely excited about this. Good things take time," general manager Bill Guerin said Tuesday. "You guys can stop asking the most obvious question in the world. We never wanted to even entertain Kirill not being here. Everyone in this organization has worked to get to where we are today. Kirill has been a big part of this thing growing. It going the other way would have been ... devastating. I know all of his teammates are very excited. Everybody knows what he means to the team."

  Kaprizov, 28, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 once his five-year, $45 million contract expired. He spoke on his desire to sign another contract with the Wild earlier this month, and said he's glad not to be thinking about the contract.

  "I'm so happy for nine more years here," Kaprizov said Tuesday. "It's my second home here. You always sometimes feel pressure. It's going to happen. I like this kind of pressure. I'll try to (do more) practicing and playing harder and help your team. But now I don't feel pressure.

  "Everyone talked about it. In the locker room you can feel sometimes players are thinking about it. Now it's all done. I'm excited for the season to start."

  Kaprizov's contract is the highest in NHL history in terms of total money and average annual value, besting the previous deal of Washington Capitals superstar captain Alex Ovechkin, who previously played under a $124 million contract that ran from 2008-20.

  Kaprizov's extension eclipses the contract of Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl, who held the distinction of having the league's current most expensive contract in terms of total value ($112 million over eight years) and average annual value ($14 million).

  "Most people look at the money and say it's an easy decision. It's not," Guerin said. "If the hockey is not good, you won't be happy. That's one thing I love about Kirill. He loves the hockey."

  It's also worth noting that Oilers superstar captain Connor McDavid is entering the final season of his eight-year, $100 million contract.

  Kaprizov recorded 56 points (25 goals, 31 assists) and a plus-19 rating in just 41 games during an injury-riddled season in 2024-25.

  "It's long-term. My last contract maybe. I think a lot about this," said Kaprizov, a native of Russia. "If I'm happy, my family, friends are happy."

  When asked how he'll celebrate, Karpizov deadpanned, "play in the game tonight."

  The Calder Trophy recipient as the NHL's top rookie in 2020-21, Kaprizov has totaled 386 points (185 goals, 201 assists) and a plus-71 rating in 319 career regular-season games with the Wild.

  --Field Level Media

The Vancouver Canucks expect to be without Nils Hoglander for eight to 10 weeks after the forward underwent surgery for a lower-body injury on Monday.

• Hoglander, 24, was hurt during the second period of a preseason game against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.

  He amassed 25 points (eight goals, 17 assists) in 72 games last season, his fifth in the NHL since the Canucks selected him in the second round of the 2019 draft.

  Across 293 career games, Hoglander has totaled 115 points (58 goals, 57 assists) and 127 penalty minutes. His best season came in 2023-24, when he tallied 24 goals -- all at even strength -- and 12 assists while playing 80 games.

  --Field Level Media

New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller exited practice on Monday with a non-contact injury and appeared to be in pain.

• The team did not provide an official update, but the New York Post reported that Miller was considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury and could practice again as soon as Tuesday.

  Miller lunged for a puck during a drill and remained on the ice on one knee, grabbing the back of his left leg. He skated off gingerly but without help.

  Rangers coach Mike Sullivan was not at the team's facility, where Miller was hurt, because he was with the group of players scheduled to face the New York Islanders in a preseason game in Elmont, N.Y. Sullivan could only tell reporters that Miller was being evaluated.

  The Rangers named Miller their next team captain earlier this month. He is early in his second stint with the franchise, having first played for them from 2012 to 2018.

  New York reacquired Miller from the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 31. He racked up 13 goals and 22 assists in 32 games for the Rangers before their season ended without qualifying for the playoffs.

  Miller, 32, has 709 points (260 goals, 449 assists) in 871 career games with the Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning (2018-19) and Canucks (2019-25).

  --Field Level Media

Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery told reporters on Monday that he expects superstar Alex Ovechkin to be ready to go for the opening game of his 21st NHL season on Oct. 8.

• Ovechkin missed a week of training camp with a lower-body injury, but the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer was back at full-contact practice on Monday for the first time since camp opened Sept. 18 -- the day after he turned 40. He left that practice soon after it began.

  "I think so," Carbery said about whether the Russian legend will lace up the skates on opening night. "He's missed a significant amount of camp, but I know he's been training and skating and trying to do everything he possibly can at 40 years old to make sure that he's ready for opening night next Wednesday. So, I would expect (he'll be ready), but he's missed a lot, so hopefully, this last little nine days he can get as close to top form as possible."

  At Monday's hour-long practice, Ovechkin worked with the first power-play unit and skated at left wing on a line with Dylan Strome and Anthony Beauvillier and was in good spirits afterward.

  "It feels good," Ovechkin said. "Obviously, I need more touches, more ice time with the boys because, obviously, that week that I missed kind of hit me a little bit. But overall, I'll take it."

  As for whether Ovechkin will take part in any preseason games, Carbery said he didn't expect him to play Tuesday at the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, the future Hall of Famer may suit up for home games on Thursday against the Boston Bruins and Saturday against the Blue Jackets.

  "Looked good," Carbery said. "Did a lot of power-play stuff today but also some line rushes and that, so he was moving around well. No setbacks, so that's a positive step in the right direction. We'll see where it goes from a playing games (perspective)."

  Ovechkin has scored 1,623 points (897 goals, 726 assists) in 1,491 games with the Capitals since making his debut in 2005.

  --Field Level Media

The Maple Leafs have extended standout goaltender Anthony Stolarz on 4-year contract with an annual value of $3.75 million, the club announced Sunday.

• Stolarz, 31, started a career-high 33 games last season, with an NHL-leading .926 save percentage to go along with a goals-against average of 2.14, good for third in the league.

  He primarily split time with Joseph Woll for the Atlantic Division winners (52-26-4) this past season, and both players are back this fall.

  Stolarz has started 116 of 142 games throughout an 8-year career with the Philadelphia Flyers (2016-18), Edmonton Oilers (2019), Anaheim Ducks (2019-23), Florida Panthers (2023-24) and Maple Leafs (2024-present).

  Stolarz won the Stanley Cup with Florida in 2024.

  --Field Level Media

St. Louis Blues defenseman Cam Fowler signed a three-year, $18.3 million contract extension.

• The deal was announced on Saturday for Fowler, who is entering the final season of an eight-year, $52 million contract he signed with the Anaheim Ducks on July 1, 2017. He could have become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

  "I'm thrilled," Fowler said. "I can't say enough about the guys in the locker room and management, everybody here and how they've welcomed me and my family, the fans and all the support that we've had. I appreciate the support from management to get this done and as a player here, I'm really excited for the next few years and being a part of this team, so very grateful."

  Acquired in a trade with Anaheim on Dec. 14, 2024, Fowler recorded 36 points (nine goals, 27 assists) in 51 games with St. Louis.

  "We talked over the summer and said training camp would be a good time to initiate conversations there and we'll get through the summer," St. Louis general manager Doug Armstrong said. "(Fowler's agent) Pat Brisson and I maybe talked 10 days ago and sort of told him what the framework that was acceptable for both sides term-wise and then we got into the finances. It started with we really wanted Cam here, we've loved everything he's done and he loves it here. It felt natural when we started to talk that both sides wanted to get something done."

  Fowler, 33, has 493 points (105 goals, 388 assists) in 1,042 career games with the Ducks and Blues. He was selected by Anaheim with the 12th overall pick of the 2010 NHL Draft.

  --Field Level Media

Marc-Andre Fleury's career came full circle on Saturday night when the retired goaltender played in preseason game with the Pittsburgh Penguins and didn't miss a beat -- or a puck -- in a 4-1 win over the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets.

• Fleury, 40, made eight saves in playing the entire third period as the Blue Jackets went scoreless. Beyond the statistics, the game was an opportunity for the Penguins' franchise and its fans to honor Fleury in Pittsburgh, where he played the first 13 seasons of his 21-year NHL career and won three Stanley Cup championships (2009, 2016, 2017).

  "Some of the best times of my life, it's in big part because of you guys," Fleury said to the crowd before leaving the ice, where he wore a mask with "Thank you Pittsburgh" on it and was serenaded with "Thank you Fleury" in chanting from the stands packed with 18,333 in attendance at PPG Paints Arena.

  "A little surreal, a little crazy," Fleury told reporters after the game. "But still also comfortable, it felt like. Every time I played here with other teams, I always felt a little bit weird coming in and playing here. This time, it felt normal, like it used to. A lot of nerves, too. I didn't want to mess up for the guys. I wanted to keep them in in the game. So, it was fun."

  He joked that he was "a little worried about giving up six goals that one period. I didn't want to, like, ruin the game or anything like that, right?"

  Fleury, who protected a 2-1 Penguins lead after two periods, had signed a professional tryout contract earlier this month so he could practice with the team on Friday and play in the exhibition game the next night.

  Pittsburgh wanted to honor him for his accolades as well as what he has meant to the organization, city and fans, Kyle Dubas, the club's president of hockey operations and general manager, said earlier this month in announcing the special arrangement.

  The four-time All-Star is 575-339-97 in 1,051 career regular-season games with a 2.60 GAA, .912 save percentage and 76 shutouts from 2003-25. Fleury ranks second in league history in wins, games, starts (1,017) and minutes played (60,669:03).

  The Vezina Trophy winner in 2021 with the Vegas Golden Knights during a stint from 20017-21, he also played for the Chicago Blackhawks (2021-22) and Minnesota Wild (2021-25). He announced in April 2024 that he would retire after that season, and he went 14-9-1 with a 2.93 GAA, .899 save percentage and one shutout in 26 games with the Wild as Filip Gustavsson's backup.

  It all started in Pittsburgh, which made the then-18-year-old the first overall pick of the 2003 NHL Draft. He went on to break nearly every major franchise record for goaltending.

  "It was like old times. It was nice," Fleury said. "You keep trying to make me emotional the last couple of days. The staff, the media, you guys, it was good. It was like we did so many times, right? I'm thankful I got this. This opportunity to come back for one more. Sorry if I keep doing this to you guys and the fans. It was a lot of fun ... I appreciate the support, the love I've gotten over the years in Pittsburgh. It was a special night, for sure."

  --Field Level Media

After months of fruitless negotiations that led him to holding out of training camp, center Mason McTavish signed a six-year deal to return to the Anaheim Ducks, the team announced Saturday.

• The deal for the restricted free agent is reportedly worth $42 million.

  "Today is an exciting day for me and my family to commit my long-term future to the Anaheim Ducks," McTavish said in a news release. "I believe in the direction of this organization and the group we have in the locker room. We're building something special and I want to help this team take the next step toward becoming a consistent playoff contender and, ultimately, a championship team."

  McTavish had been skating with his teammates in California early last week before going home to Canada before the Ducks' first full practices under new coach Joel Quenneville.

  Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek expressed frustration last week with McTavish's absence from camp, saying, "It's disappointing that he's not here, obviously. We have virtually a whole new coaching staff, and the group is really excited like I've never seen before. There's a new system that's getting implemented. There's a lot of things to learn, and it takes a lot of reps to get it under each player's belt. So when Mason gets here, he's got a lot of catching up to do."

  Verbeek was feeling a lot better after the deal was reached.

  "Mason is a key part of our team, and we're excited to reach a long-term agreement that reflects his importance to our future," Verbeek said. "He's a highly skilled, physical, and competitive player who plays the game the right way. Mason has already made a significant impact at a young age, and we're confident he'll continue to grow into a top player as we build toward sustained success."

  McTavish was the team's second-leading scorer last season with 22 goals and 30 assists, both personal bests. He added 180 shots on net and 70 hits in 76 regular-season appearances.

  It was the third straight season reaching the 40-point threshold for the 22-year-old, who was taken by the Ducks with the third overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.

  He has 140 points (60 goals, 80 assists) in 229 career games, all with Anaheim.

  --Field Level Media