National Hockey

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche agreed to a two-year, entry-level deal with Alexander Kerfoot after the forward became a college free agent earlier this month.

TORONTO — The Edmonton Oilers' first playoff berth in more than a decade ended in heartbreak, but Connor McDavid thinks the club will be better for it.

TORONTO — Could the next Canadian Olympic men's hockey team have some star power after all? Team general manager Sean Burke said Tuesday that he's inquired about the plans and potential availability of long-time NHLers and current free agents Shane D

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Francois Beauchemin keeps coming back to the Anaheim Ducks, and his third stint probably will be the final NHL season.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Zemgus Girgensons to a two-year contract. The team announced the deal Thursday that carries an average value of $1.6 million.

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils have lost top centre Travis Zajac for four to six months with a pectoral injury.

Matt Cullen could have easily called it a career at age 40 after winning consecutive Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Defenceman Will Butcher is attracting plenty of interest on his first day as an NHL free agent since college hockey's top player turned down an opportunity to sign with the Colorado Avalanche.

EDMONTON — The two biggest cornerstones of the emerging Edmonton Oilers franchise are now locked up for the long haul.

OTTAWA — Bryan Murray, an NHL coaching giant known for his rapier wit, acute hockey sense and, ultimately, courage in his fight against cancer, has died. He was 74. The Ottawa Senators confirmed Murray's death in a release on Saturday.