National Hockey

NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators started training camp explaining why they're keeping a player after the NHL suspended forward Austin Watson for the entire preseason and the first 27 games of the regular season for domestic abuse.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes picked forward Justin Williams as their captain and said centre Victor Rask had surgery on two fingers he injured while slicing food in his kitchen.

VANCOUVER — The head coach of the Vancouver Canucks has a simple message for his players. "Everyone should feel pressure," Travis Green said Thursday as players reported for medicals and physical testing. "Our team got 73 points last year.

DENVER — Heading into last season, the theme was a "something-to-prove" refrain from captain Gabriel Landeskog and the Colorado Avalanche. This season, it's more of a "need-to-be-respected" tune.

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs will be allowed to show up for work a little scruffier this season. Just don't expect Mitch Marner to be among those taking advantage of the team's new facial hair policy.

When Alex Ovechkin embraced Josh Norman in a meeting of two of Washington's biggest sports stars, the Redskins cornerback had a question for the Capitals' Stanley Cup-winning captain. "You still celebrating?" Norman asked.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A trial date has been set in a harassment case against former Ottawa Senators assistant general manager Randy Lee. Buffalo City Court Judge Amy Martoche on Thursday scheduled a non-jury trial for Nov.

ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Blues have activated forward Robby Fabbri off injured reserve before their first training camp practices. Fabbri missed all of last season after re-tearing the ACL in his left knee. He originally tore the ligament Feb.

EDMONTON — Head coach Todd McLellan, with his Edmonton Oilers coming off an embarrassing season, says the first order of training camp is demanding specific answers to one existential question.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Jack Eichel was in such an upbeat mood upon reporting for the start of training camp Thursday, the Buffalo Sabres star centre felt comfortable enough to engage in some humorous banter with reporters.