National Hockey

Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman completed his off-season to-do list by signing "model player" Ondrej Palat to a $26.5 million, five-year deal. The Lightning and Palat avoided arbitration and settled on the contract Friday.

NEWARK, N.J. — At the end of the second of three practice sessions Friday at the New Jersey Devils' development camp, top overall pick Nico Hischier, was on his hands and knees, scooping up pucks, just like everyone else. The novelty of being the No.

CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a one-year deal with defenceman Erik Gustafsson. The 25-year-old Gustafsson made his NHL debut in 2015 and collected 14 assists in 41 games with the Blackhawks.

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to terms with first-round draft pick Martin Necas.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Sharks have re-signed forward Chris Tierney to a one-year contract. The 23-year-old had 11 goals and 12 assists in 80 games for San Jose last season.

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames and forward Micheal Ferland have agreed to a two-year contract. The club announced the signing on Thursday. The deal has an annual average value of $US1.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Rick Tocchet played three of his 18 NHL seasons with the Arizona Coyotes. Steve Patterson worked three years at Arizona State University, the final two as athletic director.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks re-signed centre Michael Chaput to a one-year, one-way contract on Thursday. The deal is worth US$687,500. Chaput, 25, recorded nine points (four goals, five assists) in 68 games in his first year with the Canucks.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Carolina Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos Jr. is considering selling the NHL team.

NEW YORK — The New York Rangers have agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract with forward Lias Andersson, the No. 7 overall pick last month. Terms of the deal announced Thursday were not disclosed.