National Hockey

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks were busy on the opening day of free agency Saturday, signing centre Sam Gagner to a US$9.45-million, three-year contract and defenceman Michael Del Zotto to a $6-million, two-year deal.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Mr. Game 7 is returning to the Carolina Hurricanes with the goal of leading them to another Game 1. The Hurricanes opened free agency Saturday by bringing back 35-year-old forward Justin Williams on a two-year deal worth $9 million.

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs signed goaltenders Curtis McElhinney and Garret Sparks to two-year contracts Saturday. McElhinney's deal is worth US$1.7 million while Sparks's contract is worth $1.35 million.

Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon was already talking about getting aggressive in the free agent market. Now he has some extra room to do that.

CALGARY — General manager Brad Treliving didn't wait until the start of unrestricted free agency to fill the Calgary Flames' needs.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — As pleased as Jason Pominville was upon hearing he was returning to the Buffalo Sabres, it was nothing compared to the excitement of his son, Jayden.

Philadelphia Flyers No. 2 overall pick Nolan Patrick had a second abdominal surgery prior to being drafted and is expected to return to full activity in four to six weeks.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Dmitry Orlov developed into one of the Washington Capitals' best defencemen last season, and he's being rewarded with a long-term, big-money contract. The Capitals re-signed Orlov on Friday to a $30.

TORONTO — Christine Sinclair and Mark Messier, who have led Canada to international glory on grass and ice, have been appointed to the Order of Canada.

When the puck drops for NHL free agency Saturday, some teams will pay whatever it takes to land the top free agents available. Some will hit. Some will miss. It happens every summer.