National Hockey

ARLINGTON, Va. — As the Washington Capitals closed in on a big-money, long-term deal with Evgeny Kuznetsov, they explored ways to make sure they could afford it under the salary cap. On Sunday, the Capitals signed Kuznetsov to a $62.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Joe Thornton is staying in San Jose for at least one more season, while longtime running mate Patrick Marleau is leaving for Toronto.

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs showed they were serious about Stanley Cup contention right now in poaching Patrick Marleau from the San Jose Sharks.

Several big winners in the first hours of the NHL's free-agent signing period didn't even have to move.

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs beefed up their rising roster Sunday night, signing 37-year-old Patrick Marleau to a three-year deal. Marleau has spent his entire NHL career with the San Jose Sharks, drafted second overall by the club 20 years ago.

MONTREAL — Carey Price never wants to wear another hockey jersey other than Montreal's red, white and blue. The Montreal Canadiens signed Price to an eight-year contact extension that reportedly carries an annual cap hit of US$10.5 million.

CALGARY — Forward Luke Gazdic signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Calgary Flames on Sunday. Gazdic split last season between the New Jersey Devils and their American Hockey League affiliate in Albany.

NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators took care of an area of concern and added to an area of depth Saturday, signing centre Nick Bonino away from the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins with a $16.

LAS VEGAS — While the rest of the NHL chased veteran players in free agency, the Vegas Golden Knights finished up the franchise's first player development camp Saturday with optimism for their young future.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers used the first day of free agency to add some organizational depth, while general manager Peter Chiarelli kept his focus on re-signing two of his own stars.