National Hockey

PITTSBURGH — Recently retired forward Matt Cullen is sticking with the Pittsburgh Penguins, joining the hockey operations department. The team announced Thursday that Cullen will have a player development role.

TORONTO — Succeeding the hard-to-miss Tim Leiweke in late 2015, Michael Friisdahl has been content to work behind the scenes and stay out of the spotlight as CEO and president of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

TORONTO — While the Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors gear up for next season, Scotiabank Arena is getting a multimillion-dollar facelift.

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche locked up defenceman Samuel Girard with a seven-year extension that runs through the 2026-27 season. The 21-year-old Girard played in all 82 games last season.

CALGARY — Quinton Byfield is a bow-tie man. The Sudbury Wolves forward collects them. "Probably own 20 and funky ones too," he said. Byfield might push the sartorial envelope at the 2020 NHL draft in Montreal.

NEWARK, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils have re-signed defenceman Will Butcher to a three-year, $11.2 million contract. General manager Ray Shero announced Wednesday the 24-year-old Butcher will earn $3.5 million this season, $3.

Calgary is going to build a new arena for its NHL team despite financial challenges facing the city.

CHICAGO — Chris Kunitz announced his retirement Tuesday after winning four Stanley Cup titles in 15 NHL seasons. He wasn't out of work for very long. Kunitz is joining the Chicago Blackhawks' front office as a player development adviser.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Less than 15 months after hiring Paul Fenton as general manager, Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold changed his mind.

CHICAGO — Four-time Stanley Cup-winning forward Chris Kunitz has retired after 15 seasons in the NHL. The 39-year-old Regina native, who played for Chicago last season, will stay with the Blackhawks as a player development adviser.