National Hockey

As Dylan Strome listed the Erie Otters' accomplishments over the past few years and the talented players to come out of the junior program, the Arizona Coyotes' top prospect quickly gave credit to Kris Knoblauch, the coach who made it happen.

CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a one-year deal with Czech defenceman Jan Rutta. The 26-year-old Rutta set career highs with 24 assists and 32 points in 46 games with the Czech Extraliga's Pirati Chomutov.

VANCOUVER — A couple of familiar faces will be joining Vancouver Canucks head coach Travis Green for his first season behind an NHL bench.

PITTSBURGH — Evgeni Malkin expects Phil Kessel to score in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup final, and anticipates his own "best game" too.

Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews has some new ink. A tattoo artist in his hometown of Scottsdale, Ariz., says he is responsible for the large image of a Lion wearing a crown on Matthews' upper right arm.

NASHVILLE — The instant one of the Pittsburgh Penguins passes the puck to a teammate, one of the Nashville Predators closes in, taking away any time or space to operate.

Detroit Red Wings centre Luke Glendening has had surgery on his left ankle and is expected to be out three to four months. The team made the announcement Tuesday, a day after he had a procedure for his broken ankle and torn tendons.

PITTSBURGH — When they left Pittsburgh last week, the Nashville Predators were in "nasty" 2-0 hole and their chances in the Stanley Cup final were looking grim. That deficit is no more.

Ottawa Senators centre Derick Brassard has undergone surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens signed free agent defenceman Stefan Leblanc to a one-year, one-way American Hockey League contract on Tuesday.