Hockey

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets signed forwards Cole Koepke and Tanner Pearson to one-year contracts worth US$1 million each to start NHL free agency, while defenceman Nikolaj Ehlers took his time testing the open market after a decade with the team.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Anaheim Ducks have hired former Edmonton head coach Jay Woodcroft as an assistant coach to Joel Quenneville for the upcoming season.

OTTAWA — Steve Staios says he got his guy in free agency. The Ottawa Senators general manager signed forward Lars Eller to a one-year, US$1.25-million contract after the market opened Tuesday.

TORONTO — Mitch Marner both dazzled and frustrated Maple Leafs fans across nine roller-coaster seasons. The local kid dreamt of pulling on the Original Six franchise's blue-and-white threads and starring under his hometown's intense spotlight.

BROSSARD — Zack Bolduc is joining the team he grew up cheering for with mixed emotions. The Montreal Canadiens acquired Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues for defenceman Logan Mailloux minutes before NHL free agency opened at noon ET on Tuesday.

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Stars have hired Glen Gulutzan as their head coach 12 years after he was fired from his first stint with them by the general manager who is still there.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Bill Zito looked exhausted Tuesday. The Florida Panthers' hockey operations president and general manager was trying to schedule a fishing trip. He was trying to figure out how the next few weeks will work.

TORONTO — They'll be waving Canadian flags and offer sheets today to mark both the country's 158th birthday and the opening of NHL free agency. Some big names are expected to be on the move when the action begins at noon ET.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have acquired a seventh-round draft pick in 2026 from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for goaltender Cayden Primeau’s negotiating rights.

The Maple Leafs and Oilers went to work ahead of NHL free agency's opening bell. Toronto is reportedly trading pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner to Vegas.