National Hockey

EDMONTON — Jake Virtanen's tryout stint with the Edmonton Oilers is over. The club released the 26-year-old former Vancouver Canuck from his professional tryout offer on Thursday.

PRAGUE (AP) — After the San Jose Sharks missed the NHL playoffs for a third straight season, Tomas Hertl is determined to turn things around. Starting the new season in front of his hometown fans only adds to his motivation.

Auston Matthews and Morgan Rielly appreciate the quiet moments. The ones off to the side, away from fans and media, where they get the opportunity to pick the brain of one of hockey's best-ever talents.

Whether they're looking for a new contract or trying to emerge from a sophomore slump, every season there are young players who shine across the NHL. Here's a look at seven athletes poised for breakout seasons.

The NHL is back to normal with the regular season stretching from October through the middle of April before the two-month thrill ride that is the chase for the Stanley Cup.

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — It wasn't perfect but head coach Bruce Boudreau saw his Vancouver Canucks take a step in the right direction on Wednesday. After starting the pre-season 0-3-2, the Canucks finally posted a win, downing the Edmonton Oilers 5-4.

Ottawa Senators vs. Buffalo Sabres Buffalo, New York; Thursday, 7 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The Buffalo Sabres open the season at home against the Ottawa Senators. Buffalo went 32-39-11 overall and 8-14-4 in division games last season.

San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators Prague; Friday, 2 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: Predators -194, Sharks +163; over/under is 5.5 BOTTOM LINE: The Nashville Predators open the season against the San Jose Sharks at O2 Arena in Prague.

Florida Panthers vs. New York Islanders Elmont, New York; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The New York Islanders open the season at home against the Florida Panthers. New York went 37-35-10 overall and 20-16-5 in home games last season.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Los Angeles Kings Los Angeles; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EDT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: Kings -119, Golden Knights -101; over/under is 6 BOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Kings host the Vegas Golden Knights for the season opener.