National Hockey

Matt Niskanen wasn't totally shocked when the Washington Capitals traded him to Philadelphia last week. One look at their salary cap picture explained it. "I know what kind of situation Washington was in, so I knew there was a possibility," he said.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Trent Yawney has joined Todd McLellan's staff as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings announced the hiring Tuesday. Yawney was an assistant coach with the Edmonton Oilers last season.

Erik Karlsson had no wanderlust to test the free agent market before re-signing in San Jose. "I never thought outside that box," Karlsson said. "I'm happy that it didn't get to that.

Jacob Trouba's decision against signing a long-term deal with the Winnipeg Jets was well-documented. Less so was his primary reason why.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Flyers continued to shore up their defence by acquiring veteran Justin Braun from the San Jose Sharks for two draft picks.

NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators have hired Rob Scuderi, Sebastien Bordeleau and Dave Rook as development coaches to help polish their prospects for the NHL. General manager David Poile announced the hirings Tuesday.

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed defenceman Braydon Coburn to a $3.4 million, two-year deal. Coburn will count $1.7 million against the salary cap in each of the next two seasons.

The New York Rangers sped up their rebuilding effort Monday by acquiring offensive-minded defenceman Jacob Trouba from the Winnipeg Jets. New York sent young defenceman Neal Pionk and the 20th overall pick in the draft to Winnipeg for Trouba.

IRVINE, Calif. — Dallas Eakins spent the past four years developing the Anaheim Ducks' top prospects in San Diego and preparing himself for another NHL coaching opportunity.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks took a risk when they traded for elite defenceman Erik Karlsson knowing he had only one year left on his contract.