National Hockey

CALGARY — Versatile forwards were hot commodities for the Calgary Flames when unrestricted free agency opened Sunday. The team tapped into the Carolina Hurricanes pipeline again to get one.

NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators have signed forwards Connor Brickley and Rocco Grimaldi, and defenceman Jarred Tinordi to one-year, two-way contracts. Tinordi's contract is worth $650,000 in the NHL and $325,000 in the American Hockey League.

MONTREAL — Tomas Plekanec got his wish to return to Montreal and is confident the Canadiens can get back into the NHL playoffs.

Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning believes his team will be tougher to play against next season after signing a trio of free-agent forwards on Sunday.

TORONTO — John Tavares wasn't the only player signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs on the first day of free agency.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Coyotes have undergone massive changes in recent years, parting ways with key players while overhauling their roster.

The Dallas Stars will move forward with their new coach and a familiar young face after missing out on the NHL's top free agent.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets signed free-agent goaltender Laurent Brossoit to a one-year contract on Sunday. The deal will pay Brossoit US$650,000. Brossoit played 14 games for the Edmonton Oilers last season, posting a 3-7-1 record.

CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks agreed to contracts with free agents Chris Kunitz, Cam Ward and Brandon Manning on Sunday, addressing their depth in every position group after missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

John Tavares signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, ending the saga of one of the most highly sought after free agents in NHL history.