National Hockey

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Kyle Okposo and the Eastern Conference's last-place Buffalo Sabres head into the uncertainty of the NHL's trade deadline sure of one thing.

NEW YORK — The New York Rangers honoured Hall of Fame centre Jean Ratelle by retiring his No. 19.

The Boston Bruins bolstered their chances of contending for the Stanley Cup with a bold move, acquiring Rick Nash from the New York Rangers a day before the NHL trade deadline.

NASHVILLE — Pekka Rinne showed no signs of a letdown following his milestone 300th victory. Rinne made 27 saves for his sixth shutout of the season and the Nashville Predators earned a 4-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.

NEWARK, N.J. — For the first time since spending $340 million to buy the New Jersey Devils in the summer of 2013, Josh Harris and David Blitzer are getting a chance to see the team play some meaningful games in the final months of the NHL season.

TORONTO — Tomas Plekanec was sad to leave the Montreal Canadiens but the veteran centre is excited about joining the Toronto Maple Leafs and getting another shot at playoff hockey.

A person with direct knowledge of the move says the Minnesota Wild have placed forward Chris Stewart on waivers. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the transaction had not been announced.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers acquired forward Pontus Aberg from the Nashville Predators for forward Mark Letestu on Sunday. Aberg, 24, appeared in 37 games with Nashville this season, registering two goals and eight assists.

NEW YORK — The New York Rangers have traded forward Rick Nash to the Boston Bruins for a 2018 first-round draft pick, defenceman Ryan Lindgren, forwards Ryan Spooner and Matt Beleskey, and a seventh-round pick in the 2019 draft. More coming.

LOS ANGELES — Edmonton coach Todd McLellan figured he was due to win a challenge. He was right, and that allowed the Oilers to hold on for a win they nearly gave away.