National Hockey

Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon was already talking about getting aggressive in the free agent market. Now he has some extra room to do that.

CALGARY — General manager Brad Treliving didn't wait until the start of unrestricted free agency to fill the Calgary Flames' needs.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — As pleased as Jason Pominville was upon hearing he was returning to the Buffalo Sabres, it was nothing compared to the excitement of his son, Jayden.

Philadelphia Flyers No. 2 overall pick Nolan Patrick had a second abdominal surgery prior to being drafted and is expected to return to full activity in four to six weeks.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Dmitry Orlov developed into one of the Washington Capitals' best defencemen last season, and he's being rewarded with a long-term, big-money contract. The Capitals re-signed Orlov on Friday to a $30.

TORONTO — Christine Sinclair and Mark Messier, who have led Canada to international glory on grass and ice, have been appointed to the Order of Canada.

When the puck drops for NHL free agency Saturday, some teams will pay whatever it takes to land the top free agents available. Some will hit. Some will miss. It happens every summer.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Flyers re-signed forward Jordan Weal to a two-year deal Thursday, keeping a young player with high expectations.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Jaromir Jagr wants to play at least one more season in the NHL. It's unclear if any team wants him.

CALGARY — Goalie Eddie Lack and defenceman Ryan Murphy were acquired by the Calgary Flames on Thursday night in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes. Calgary also gets a seventh round draft pick in the 2019 NHL draft.