National Hockey

CHICAGO — Dominik Kubalik is leaning on David Kampf while he transitions to life in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks. He peppers his Czech countryman with all sorts of questions.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild signed defenceman Jared Spurgeon to a $53.025 million, seven-year extension Saturday that will begin next season and go through the 2026-27 season. The deal carries an annual value of $7.575 million.

CHICAGO — A posthumous study of Stan Mikita's brain shows the hockey Hall of Famer suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy at the time of his death a year ago. Dr.

FRISCO, Texas — Joe Pavelski joined the Dallas Stars as an expensive free agent coming off one of his best goal-scoring years, while Corey Perry quietly signed a low-cost deal for one year after playing the fewest games of his career because of a kne

Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended without pay for three regular-season games by the NHL for "inappropriate conduct," less than a month after he was banned from playing for Russia for four years because of a positive test

The New York Rangers have two clear goals this season: to keep improving and return to the playoffs after a two-year absence.

TORONTO — Restricted free-agent forward Mitch Marner appears ready to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs on opening night. Marner and the Maple Leafs have agreed on a new contract after a long off-season of negotiations.

WINNIPEG — Dustin Byfuglien's name was a surprise addition to the list of key Winnipeg Jets players absent from the first day of training camp Friday.

FRISCO, Texas — Dallas Stars forward Corey Perry has a broken foot that could sideline him for the opener with his new team.

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The Pittsburgh Penguins are excited for a fresh start. Sidney Crosby and the Penguins became the first team in a generation to win consecutive championships a little more than two years ago.