National Hockey

The Vegas Golden Knights played the long game in constructing the base of their first very NHL roster.

LAS VEGAS — The Latest on the NHL Awards and Vegas expansion draft (all times local): 7:28 p.m. Edmonton captain Connor McDavid has won his first Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player.

The expansion Vegas Golden Knights will make their regular-season debut on the road in Dallas on Oct. 6 and host the Arizona Coyotes on Oct. 10 in the first home game in franchise history.

CHICAGO — Nolan Patrick, a potential No. 1 overall pick on Friday at the NHL draft in Chicago, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field before Wednesday's game between the Cubs and Padres.

Mike Babcock, John Tortorella and Todd McLellan had plenty in common. Not only did the three steer their playoff-starved franchises to the post-season , they are the NHL coach of the year Jack Adams Trophy candidates.

It's 116 degrees in the ice hockey capital of the world. For the next few days, Las Vegas is the place to be on skates.

NEWARK, N.J. — If anyone needs the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft, it is the New Jersey Devils. After making the playoffs for 20 of 22 seasons, the Devils have fallen on hard times.

DETROIT — A judge has denied a request to block some public funding for Little Caesars Arena and the Detroit Pistons' move from the suburbs. U.S.

George McPhee can't wait to fill the white board, the one in the Vegas Golden Knights' expansion draft room. On Wednesday night, the staff will start adding the names of players who will become part of the expansion team for its first NHL season.

Connor McDavid is likely to win his first Hart Trophy as NHL MVP later week, but will anyone notice? Expansion draft selections will be revealed during the NHL awards meaning the spotlight will likely drift from McDavid, Auston Matthews and other awa