National Hockey

TORONTO — A new generation of talent led by Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine has not only energized the NHL, it has forced video game developers to up their game.

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.