National Hockey

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche have signed restricted free agent defenceman Nikita Zadorov to a two-year deal. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Zadorov led the Avalanche with 153 hits last season before missing the final 25 games with an ankle injury.

After being outspoken about going to the 2018 Winter Olympics no matter the consequences, even Alex Ovechkin has given up and turned his attention to the Beijing Games in 2022.

TORONTO — In March 2015, Nazem Kadri had his most humiliating experience as a Toronto Maple Leaf. After showing up late to a team meeting on a Sunday morning, interim coach Peter Horachek suspended Kadri for three games.

TORONTO — A new generation of talent led by Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine has not only energized the NHL, it has forced video game developers to up their game.

VANCOUVER — Travis Green's initial up-close look at Bo Horvat came in his first few months as a head coach.

WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin released a statement Thursday night through the Washington Capitals acknowledging that the ability to represent Russia in the 2018 Olympics has been taken out of his hands.

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — The New York Islanders got off to a slow start last season and, despite a strong second half that followed a midyear coaching change, finished a point out of a playoff spot.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have agreed to terms with restricted free-agent left wing Marcus Foligno on a four-year, $11.5 million contract.

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames will spend training camp adjusting to new goaltenders for a second year in a row. Defenceman Mike Stone is familiar with one from their days as Arizona Coyotes teammates.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Sabres' new-look blue-line is already making a good impression on rookie coach Phil Housley even before Buffalo opens training camp.