National Hockey

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Coyotes signed former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jason Zucker to a one-year deal and brought back three popular former players to kick off the free agency period.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Wild signed forward Vinni Lettieri to a two-year, two-way contract on Saturday, bringing the grandson of hockey great Lou Nanne back to his home state.

The New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes aren’t limiting their Metropolitan Division rivalry to just the ice. On Saturday, the teams were locked in a contract signing frenzy to see who could land the most players in free agency.

New Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operation Kyle Dubas made it a point to travel to Edmonton recently to meet with two-time All-Star goaltender Tristan Jarry. Dubas walked into the sit-down with an open mind.

Even with not a lot of money to go around and after Vegas won the Stanley Cup with a surprise starting goaltender , NHL contenders showed on the first day of free agency that they're willing to spend to keep or find reliable help in net.

CALGARY — Milan Lucic was among veterans players departing Calgary on an otherwise quiet opening day of NHL free agency for the Flames on Saturday. Lucic, forward Trevor Lewis and defenceman Troy Stecher signed one-year contracts elsewhere.

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes expected a quiet day at the start of free agency on Saturday.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets are welcoming back goaltender Laurent Brossoit — and saying goodbye to ex-captain Blake Wheeler. Winnipeg signed the 30-year-old Brossoit to a one year, US$1.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks are beefing up their blue line as part of NHL free agency on Saturday.

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — A couple of trades happened around the NHL in the early hours of free agency, featuring veteran defensemen changing places.