National Hockey

DENVER — Matt Duchene didn't even skate around his situation. The Colorado Avalanche forward simply sidestepped the topic with as much speed as he flashes on the ice. "I'm here to honour my contract. I'm here out of respect for the fans.

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins are hoping to build off last season when they reached the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in three seasons.

NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators couldn't be happier to return to work after their painful loss in the Stanley Cup Final , a deep playoff run that made for the shortest off-season in franchise history.

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs opened camp Thursday looking to build on last season's promising platform and a sparkling array of young talent.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets agreed to terms on a six-year contract extension with forward Bryan Little on Thursday. The deal has an average annual value of US$5.29 million starting next season, the team said in a release.

Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi says the city remains at the negotiating table for a new NHL arena even though the Flames have declared they've pulled out of talks.

MONTREAL — Former NHL defenceman Noel Picard has died in Montreal at the age of 78. The St. Louis Blues say he died last week after a long battle against cancer. Picard, who played 16 games for the Montreal Canadiens in 1964-65, then played for St.

Even with two years left on his contract with the Colorado Avalanche, Matt Duchene's situation is anything but simple.

EDMONTON — The house that Gretzky built is closing its doors. Edmonton city councillors unanimously approved a plan Wednesday to shutter Northlands Coliseum on Jan. 1, 2018.

NASHVILLE — Forward Vernon Fiddler is retiring from the NHL after playing 877 games over 14 seasons in the league with four different teams. Fiddler announced his decision Wednesday in a story for The Players Tribune .