National Hockey

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators are "hopeful" that Erik Karlsson will be ready for the start of the 2017-18 season following surgery to his left foot on Wednesday.

NEW YORK — The Rangers will buy out the final three years of Dan Girardi's contract, ending the defenceman's tenure in New York after 11 seasons. The move will clear just under $2.9 million in salary-cap space next season and just under $1.

NASHVILLE — General manager David Poile believes the Nashville Predators wiped away two lingering notions with their run to the franchise's first Stanley Cup Final.

As Matt Murray stopped pucks with cool confidence in the Stanley Cup final, his former coach in Thunder Bay didn't bat an eye. "He's always been a goaltender that was very calm, cool, collected.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed goalie Linus Ullmark to a two-year, $1.5 million contract extension. Ullmark completed the final year of his rookie contract and was eligible to become a restricted free agent next month.

NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators have signed defenceman Yannick Weber to a one-year contract worth $650,000. Webber played a career-high 73 games this season and had one goal and eight points.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres' coaching search has resumed, with general manager Jason Botterill telling The Associated Press he hopes to make a decision by early next week.

DETROIT — Olympia Entertainment President Tom Wilson travelled throughout North America, visiting NHL arenas to take the best ideas from them for the Motor City.

TORONTO — An average of 2.67 million Canadian viewers tuned in to see the Stanley Cup final between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators, Rogers Sportsnet said in a release Monday.

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers went into this off-season with a very specific plan regarding what they thought they wanted for the team's next head coach. Then they met with Bob Boughner. And their plan changed on the spot.