National Hockey

NASHVILLE — General manager David Poile has made it clear he's been looking for a top centre since first hired to build the Nashville Predators 20 years ago.

MONTREAL — After 16 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, defenceman Andrei Markov is heading back to Russia.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Coyotes hired John MacLean and Scott Allen on Wednesday as assistant coaches on Rick Tocchet's staff.

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins and centre Ryan Spooner avoided arbitration on the day of their hearing, agreeing to a one-year, $2,825,000 deal Wednesday.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks have hired Dave Barr as an assistant coach on Peter DeBoer's staff. Barr will serve as the team's "eye in the sky" this season.

TORONTO — Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid said he's disappointed that the NHL won't be sending players to the Winter Olympic in South Korea next year.

NEWARK, N.J. — The Devils have re-signed Stefan Noesen and four other forwards who spent most of last season with New Jersey's top minor-league franchise in Albany, New York.

Mika Zibanejad knew from the moment the New York Rangers traded Derek Stepan that his role would be more substantial. Now he has the contract to match. The Rangers avoided arbitration Tuesday and signed Zibanejad to a $26.

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils have re-signed restricted free agent defenceman Mirco Mueller, forward Joseph Blandisi and goaltender Scott Wedgewood.

MONTREAL — Defenceman Mark Streit is returning to the Montreal Canadiens to a one-year contract. The Canadiens did not release the value of the deal, but multiple reports claim it's worth US$700,000.