The Latest Breaking News on NHL

The drought has a good chance to come to an end this season.

As Connor Bedard’s most likely linemate, Hall will receive lots of playing time and offensive chances in Chicago, in contrast to last season in Boston. That expanded opportunity excites him.

MINNEAPOLIS — Meredith Lang founded a program a few years ago that introduced the sport of hockey to girls of color in Minnesota. She later started a second program that provided more intensive hockey training to girls who are underrepresented in the game.

LOS ANGELES — Squeezed by salary cap limitations but in need of trustworthy goaltending, the Kings signed veteran Cam Talbot to a one-year, $1 million contract soon after the NHL's free agency period began Saturday. Talbot's contract includes games-played bonuses potentially worth $1 million.

The San Jose Sharks made one major move Saturday on the first day of NHL free agency but three-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson remained with the team — at least for the time being.

DETROIT — General manager Steve Yzerman was intent on filling holes in the Red Wings' lineup and few teams were as active Saturday on the first day of unrestricted free agency as the Wings were.

NHL free agency is open and these are the teams that made the strongest impressions on Day 1.

Being arguably the most anticipated NHL rookie of all time won’t be an easy situation to manage. But people close to Bedard are resoundingly, uniformly confident that he will overcome the challenge.

One or two small moves are possible — such as to address the right-side defensive depth — but Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson won’t be too busy.

LOS ANGELES — Mark Walter, chairman and controlling owner of the Dodgers, and his wife Kimbra will be the main financial backers of a women's professional hockey league that plans to begin operating in January.

Barry Trotz is already making his presence known in his return to the Predators.