National Hockey

CHICAGO — Nolan Patrick, a potential No. 1 overall pick on Friday at the NHL draft in Chicago, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field before Wednesday's game between the Cubs and Padres.

Mike Babcock, John Tortorella and Todd McLellan had plenty in common. Not only did the three steer their playoff-starved franchises to the post-season , they are the NHL coach of the year Jack Adams Trophy candidates.

It's 116 degrees in the ice hockey capital of the world. For the next few days, Las Vegas is the place to be on skates.

NEWARK, N.J. — If anyone needs the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft, it is the New Jersey Devils. After making the playoffs for 20 of 22 seasons, the Devils have fallen on hard times.

DETROIT — A judge has denied a request to block some public funding for Little Caesars Arena and the Detroit Pistons' move from the suburbs. U.S.

George McPhee can't wait to fill the white board, the one in the Vegas Golden Knights' expansion draft room. On Wednesday night, the staff will start adding the names of players who will become part of the expansion team for its first NHL season.

Connor McDavid is likely to win his first Hart Trophy as NHL MVP later week, but will anyone notice? Expansion draft selections will be revealed during the NHL awards meaning the spotlight will likely drift from McDavid, Auston Matthews and other awa

ST. PAUL, Minn. — There were many years in Minnesota Wild history when assembling a list of their top 10 players would have been a breeze. That was the biggest challenge this off-season .

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shane Doan was showered with tributes and applause following the final game of the 2016-17 season, the big send-off coming just in case the Arizona Coyotes captain decided to retire.

NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators have signed defenceman Joonas Lyytinen (LEE'YOO-tih-nehn) to a two-year, entry-level contract. The Predators announced the deal Monday.