National Hockey

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche locked up defenceman Samuel Girard with a seven-year extension that runs through the 2026-27 season. The 21-year-old Girard played in all 82 games last season.

CALGARY — Quinton Byfield is a bow-tie man. The Sudbury Wolves forward collects them. "Probably own 20 and funky ones too," he said. Byfield might push the sartorial envelope at the 2020 NHL draft in Montreal.

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils have re-signed defenceman Will Butcher to a three-year, $11.2 million contract. General manager Ray Shero announced Wednesday the 24-year-old Butcher will earn $3.5 million this season, $3.

Calgary is going to build a new arena for its NHL team despite financial challenges facing the city.

CHICAGO — Chris Kunitz announced his retirement Tuesday after winning four Stanley Cup titles in 15 NHL seasons. He wasn't out of work for very long. Kunitz is joining the Chicago Blackhawks' front office as a player development adviser.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Less than 15 months after hiring Paul Fenton as general manager, Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold changed his mind.

CHICAGO — Four-time Stanley Cup-winning forward Chris Kunitz has retired after 15 seasons in the NHL. The 39-year-old Regina native, who played for Chicago last season, will stay with the Blackhawks as a player development adviser.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators traded goalie Mike Condon to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday for the contract of veteran forward Ryan Callahan.

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils acquired left wing Nikita Gusev from the Vegas Golden Knights and signed him to a two-year contract with an average annual salary of $4.5 million.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Hockey Hall of Famer Denis Potvin has announced his retirement as a television broadcaster for the Florida Panthers.