National Hockey

VANCOUVER — Travis Green's initial up-close look at Bo Horvat came in his first few months as a head coach.

WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin released a statement Thursday night through the Washington Capitals acknowledging that the ability to represent Russia in the 2018 Olympics has been taken out of his hands.

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — The New York Islanders got off to a slow start last season and, despite a strong second half that followed a midyear coaching change, finished a point out of a playoff spot.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have agreed to terms with restricted free-agent left wing Marcus Foligno on a four-year, $11.5 million contract.

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames will spend training camp adjusting to new goaltenders for a second year in a row. Defenceman Mike Stone is familiar with one from their days as Arizona Coyotes teammates.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Sabres' new-look blue-line is already making a good impression on rookie coach Phil Housley even before Buffalo opens training camp.

OTTAWA — Clarke MacArthur's future with the Ottawa Senators — and perhaps even as a pro hockey player — is once again in doubt after the veteran forward failed his medical on the first day of training camp.

CALGARY — Canada's minister of sport has fond memories of when the Calgary Flames relocated to the city from Atlanta in 1980.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers opened training camp Thursday with franchise forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl locked up to long-term contracts — but with questions on who will play alongside them.

DENVER — Matt Duchene didn't even skate around his situation. The Colorado Avalanche forward simply sidestepped the topic with as much speed as he flashes on the ice. "I'm here to honour my contract. I'm here out of respect for the fans.