News

Movements in the world of hockey Wednesday:National Hockey LeagueATLANTA THRASHERS-Agreed to terms with G Kari Lehtonen.BUFFALO SABRES-Agreed to terms with F Daniel Paille on a multiyear contract.

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Thrashers have their No. 1 goalie back under contract.The Thrashers signed Kari Lehtonen to a US$3-million, one-year contract on Wednesday.

EDMONTON – The Edmonton Oilers secured their top offensive threat Wednesday, signing forward Shawn Horcoff to a six-year contract extension.Horcoff had 21 goals and 29 assists in 53 games last season before undergoing season-ending surgery on his left shoulder.

TORONTO – It’s hard to imagine this scene playing out anywhere else:Hundreds of people that support a hockey team in the midst of a four-year playoff drought attended a fan rally in the middle of summer Wednesday and repeatedly chanted the name of the 41-year-old backup goalie.

SYOSSET, N.Y. – Josh Bailey flashed a wide, kid-like grin – quite apropos for an 18-year-old hockey player just starting to live the NHL life.

Despite the fact the NHL and the Kontinental League reached an agreement last week not to poach each other’s players under contract, the KHL has ruled it will uphold the three-year, $13 million contract Alexander Radulov of the Nashville Predators signed with Ufa Salavat.

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings will raise their 11th Stanley Cup championship banner at Joe Louis Arena on Oct. 9 when the team opens its home schedule against Toronto.

TORONTO – The Toronto Maple Leafs might play their loudest home game of the season before the exhibition schedule even comes to an end.The Maple Leafs have added an extra pre-season game to their schedule and will be giving away all of the tickets for free.

LOS ANGELES – Terry Murray, who coached the Philadelphia Flyers to the Stanley Cup finals 11 years ago, has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed Marc Crawford as coach of the Los Angeles Kings.

LOS ANGELES – Terry Murray has been hired as the new coach of the Los Angeles Kings.A team spokesman said Wednesday that Murray will be introduced Thursday at a news conference at the Kings’ training facility in suburban El Segundo.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Sabres and restricted free agent Daniel Paille agreed to a multi-year contract on Wednesday.Paille, Buffalo’s first-round pick (20th overall) in 2002, emerged as a solid two-way forward in 2007-08, his first full season with the Sabres.

CHICAGO – The NHL’s next outdoor game will be played at one of baseball’s oldest ballparks.Wrigley Field will host the 2009 Winter Classic. The game will feature an Original Six rivalry with the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Detroit Red Wings on New Year’s Day.

CHICAGO – Frosty baseball games have long been a fixture at Wrigley Field, where a stiff wind off Lake Michigan can chill fans, players and managers alike.

The New York Islanders signed forward Jeff Tambellini to a US$1.175-million, two-year contract Wednesday.Tambellini, 24, led the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport with 38 goals and 38 assists in 57 games.

The Oilers may have had their troubles attracting free agents to Edmonton this off-season, but forward Shawn Horcoff is happy to be in the Alberta capital.

The Islanders have signed Jeff Tambellini to a two-year, $1.175 million contract. The deal will pay him $550,000 in 2008-09 and $625,000 in 2009-10.

EDMONTON – The Edmonton Oilers re-signed forward Zack Stortini to a three-year contract on Tuesday.Stortini recorded 12 points (3-9-12) and 201 penalty minutes in 66 games played last season with Edmonton.

Movements in the world of hockey Tuesday:National Hockey LeagueANAHEIM DUCKS-Signed C Logan MacMillan to a three-year contract.CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS-Signed D Aaron Johnson, D Doug Janik and C Colin Fraser.

DENVER – The Colorado Avalanche signed forwards Cody McCormick and Brian Willsie each to a one-year contract Tuesday.McCormick, 25, played in 40 games for the Avalanche last season.

MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens will host the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, general manager Bob Gainey and the NHL announced Tuesday.The Draft will be held over two days (June 26 -27) at the Bell Centre and will coincide with the club’s Centennial celebration.