National Sports

A crease carousel highlighted the opening of NHL free agency. And whenever next season begins, some fans will need a program — or a scan of their smartphones — to keep track of all the changes.

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames landed coveted goaltender Jacob Markstrom when NHL unrestricted free agency opened Friday with a six-year contract worth US$36 million.

NEW YORK — During an era when the Yankees won the World Series so routinely it was joked that rooting for them was like rooting for General Motors, their ace pitcher owned the most fitting nickname: “The Chairman of the Board.

Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning gave his goalie coach Ian Clark a gentle ribbing as the NHL's free agency period opened on Friday. “I joked with Ian this morning — ‘You’re doing too good of a job with our goalies.

OTTAWA — Newly acquired goaltender Matt Murray signed a four-year, US$25-million deal with the Ottawa Senators on Friday. The Senators traded forward prospect Jonathan Gruden and this year's 52nd pick in the NHL draft to get Murray on Wednesday.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have signed Victor Mete to a one-year, US $735,000 extension. The 22-year-old Mete had four goals and seven assists in 51 games with the Canadiens last season. The five-foot-nine, 183-pound native of Woodbridge, Ont.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets are bringing Paul Stastny back to help fill a gaping hole left by the long-term injury of a team stalwart.

Edmonton Oilers general manager Ken Holland checked a box on his to-do list when unrestricted free agency opened Friday by signing forward Kyle Turris.

Toronto FC defender Omar Gonzalez can make a tackle or a latte. The veteran centre back is whipping up specialty coffees for his teammates while they are spending time at their pandemic home away from home in East Hartford, Conn.

TORONTO — Mighty Heart, the Queen's Plate and Prince of Wales champion, tops the list of 12 horses that were nominated to the $400,000 Breeders’ Stakes. A victory in 1 1/2-mule turf race Oct.