National Hockey

Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk believes less could mean more. Tired of seeing too many empty seats, the NHL club has made the decision to reduce capacity at Canadian Tire Centre by 1,500 to about 17,000.

TORONTO — The hardest part for Colton Orr was pretending.

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames signed forward Sam Bennett to a two-year contract on Wednesday with an annual average value of $1.95 million.

NEW YORK — Seventeen hockey organizations teamed up to unveil a "Declaration of Principles" that NHL players hope will boost the game at all levels, particularly among young children and the parents who decide what sports to have them play.

The hardest part for Colton Orr was pretending.

NEW YORK — Ottawa Senators captain Erik Karlsson has no timetable to get back on the ice following off-season foot surgery.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo happily looks to the future now that he's fully recovered from concussion-related symptoms which nearly derailed his career in March.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Sabres star centre Jack Eichel is focused on taking on a larger leadership role, and not concerning himself with contract talks — even it means waiting until next year to sign a new deal.

RALEIGH, N.C. — There's plenty new for the Carolina Hurricanes these days. They picked up a new starting goalie, gave big new contracts to some young defencemen and brought in a splashy free agent.

NEW YORK — The New York Rangers have hired former players Brian Leetch and Brad Richards as advisers. General manager Jeff Gorton announced the hires Tuesday.