Sportsnet’s John Shannon points out, the decision by the NBA to reject the bid to relocate the Sacramento Kings also hurts the Seattle’s shot at getting an NHL franchise. No new SuperSonics means no rush to build a new arena. “Lost in the NBA decision not to leave Sacramento for Seattle, is the new arena won’t be built [...]

New York Islanders forward Matt Moulson, Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Martin St. Louis are the three finalists for the NHL’s Lady Byng Trophy, the league’s sportsmanship award. St. Louis has already won the award twice (2010 and ’11), and was a finalist two other times. The 37-year-old ranked second among NHL forwards in total time on ice, but [...]

City councilors and the Edmonton Oilers agreed Wednesday to split the cost of the final $30 million needed to green light the wavy-shaped steel-and-glass structure in the city’s downtown in time for the 2016-17 NHL season. “This has been a long and difficult process,” Mayor Stephen Mandel told councillors. “We need to make sure that we build [...]

Daily hockey news from around the league: The relationship between the Calgary Flames and forward Roman Cervenka has apparently come to an end. According to Igor Eronko of Sports.ru, Cervenka has signed a three-year deal with a Kontinental Hockey League squad. “Cervenka signed 3 year contract with #SKA of #KHL as per club official release ” Cervenka inked a one-year, $3.775-million [...]

Edmonton’s mayor says he’s optimistic about a special council meeting on the proposed downtown arena, according to TSN.ca. Stephen Mandel won’t give any details, saying councilors need to hear about and discuss the issues at the meeting Wednesday afternoon. Councillors don’t know what exactly the arena update will be, but Don Iveson thinks it must be something [...]

California investment banker Darin Pastor has joined a long list of would-be Phoenix Coyotes suitors whose interest in owning the team could not translate to an actual money-on-the-table purchase. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN.com on Monday that Pastor’s bid to buy the team was dismissed because it didn’t meet the league’s requirements. “We have rejected [...]

The NHL continues to work toward an agreement for participation in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, with a tentative two-week period slated for February. According to the International Ice Hockey Federation’s website, the NHL would take its break from February 9-24, 2014, assuming NHL players participate. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed those dates via email [...]

New York Islanders center John Tavares joins Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin as finalists for the Hart Trophy, awarded annually to the “player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team.” Crosby, who previously won the Hart in 2007, finished tied for third in the League with 56 points despite sitting out the final month of the regular season [...]

The NHL may be getting closer to a new transfer agreement for players International leagues.”We’ve reached a framework for a new transfer agreement,” Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told TSN during Canada’s 3-0 win over Sweden at the World Championship. Nashville Predators GM David Poile said Thursday that number one netminder Pekka Rinne underwent arthroscopic surgery on [...]

A spokesman for Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz refused to say Wednesday if the pharmacy magnate will put up more money to rescue a new arena project for his NHL team. John Karvellas also poured cold water on a suggestion for a higher ticket tax on games and other events to close a $55-million gap [...]