National Hockey

VANCOUVER — Defenceman Alex Edler says signing an extension with the Vancouver Canucks was always his top priority.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers have hired former Calgary Flames head coach Jim Playfair as an associate coach. Playfair will join a familiar head coach in Dave Tippett, who was hired by the Oilers this off-season.

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers expect to hear soon what veteran goaltender Roberto Luongo's plans are regarding next season and beyond.

LAS VEGAS — Nikita Kucherov gratefully accepted the Hart Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award on Wednesday night in recognition of his spectacular 128-point regular season in Tampa Bay.

LAS VEGAS — The Latest on the NHL Awards show (all times local): 7:20 p.m. Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning has won the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player.

Watching the NBA Finals and the Toronto Raptors' parade from his home in Arizona, Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews couldn't help but think about what it would be like if his team managed to win a championship.

Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews will be on the cover of the EA Sports video game "NHL 20." He was named as the feature athlete Wednesday night at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas.

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — The New York Islanders have hired Jim Hiller as an assistant coach. The Islanders announced the addition to Barry Trotz's staff Wednesday. Hiller spent the past four seasons as an assistant with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kevin Hayes watched with significant interest as the Philadelphia Flyers made moves to get better right away. Then he signed on the dotted line for the long term to add to those efforts.

LAS VEGAS — Alex Meruelo was approved as the new majority owner of the Arizona Coyotes during the NHL's Board of Governors meeting on Wednesday.