National Sports

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Brendan Gallagher to a six-year contract extension with an average annual value of US$6.5 million. The 28-year-old Gallagher had 43 points in 59 games with the Canadiens in 2019-20.

Marc Bergevin and his counterparts believed they had a pretty good grasp on how NHL free agency was going to pan out. With the league's salary cap staying at US$81.

TORONTO — Field Hockey Canada has appointed Andrew Wilson as head coach of the women’s national team.

CALGARY — The Western Hockey League has announced that its regular season will open on Jan. 8, 2021.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators avoided arbitration with Nick Paul, signing the forward to a two-year contract with an average annual value of US$1.35 million on Wednesday. It marks the first one-way contract of the 25-year-old Paul's career.

Montreal Impact midfielder and designated player Saphir Taider has been transferred to Saudi Arabia's Al Ain FC. The 28-year-old Algerian international had four goals and six assists in 11 games for Montreal this season.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenceman Nelson Nogier on a two-year, two-way contract. The deal carries an average annual value of US$725,000 in the NHL.

GUELPH, Ont. — Canadian wrestler Korey Jarvis, who won a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, announced his retirement Wednesday. Jarvis, from Elliot Lake, Ont.

The cancellation of Skate Canada International didn't come as a surprise to Kirsten Moore-Towers. It was still a huge disappointment.

VANCOUVER — Michael Baldisimo is the kind of midfielder who shows no fear as he strips opponents of the ball.