National Hockey

CHICAGO (AP) — After years of hype, highlights and piles of points — so many points at every level — Connor Bedard has arrived at his first NHL training camp with the Chicago Blackhawks.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin deflected questions Thursday concerning his sudden absence from a playoff series last season for what the team explained at the time was personal reasons.

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Evgeny Kuznetsov is still his typical jovial, smiling self off the ice. He is also very much still with the Washington Capitals.

CALGARY — Jonathan Huberdeau felt his swagger returning while Elias Lindholm was guarded about his long-term future with the Calgary Flames when they hit the ice Thursday at training camp.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets have signed first-round pick Colby Barlow on a three-year, entry-level contract. The deal carries an annual average value of US$1.2 million.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators have signed amateur tryout defenceman Djibril Toure to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 20-year-old from Dorval, Que.

MONTREAL — Tanner Pearson's initial reaction to being traded brought a combination of feelings.

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Watching his baby boy learn to crawl has given Stuart Skinner some perspective heading into a season where he and fellow Edmonton Oilers goalie Jack Campbell will be under the microscope.

OTTAWA — With a new owner incoming and stability throughout the roster, the Ottawa Senators have reasons for optimism heading into this NHL season.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog sees a much clearer path back to the ice even if he's not expected to play this season.