NHL

	Kovalchuk pact approved; NHL-NHLPA adopt rules for long-term deals Ilya Kovalchuk will finally join the New Jersey Devils after his re-submitted contract was officially and finally approved by the National Hockey League just before 3 a.m. (et) Saturday morning.
	NHL approves new Kovalchuk contract Ilya Kovalchuk will finally join the New Jersey Devils after his re-submitted contract was reportedly approved by the National Hockey League.
	Maple Leafs' stock slowly rising There is guarded optimism surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs heading into the 2010-11 NHL season, much of that due to the astute moves made this offseason by general manager Brian Burke.
	Penguins sign Mike Comrie The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Mike Comrie to a one-year contract worth $500,000.
	Avalanche sign Stewart for two years The Colorado Avalanche signed restricted free- agent forward Chris Stewart to a two-year deal on Thursday.
	Preds ownership completes Del Biaggio buyout Nashville Predators chairman Tom Cigarran announced on Thursday that the current ownership group has completed the purchase of remaining ownership shares from jailed former investor William "Boots" Del Biaggio and the former Forecheck Investments.
	Neely headlines Lester Patrick recipients Former Boston Bruin great Cam Neely was among four recipients of the 2010 Lester Patrick Trophy named Thursday.
	Montreal inks G Price for two years The Montreal Canadiens signed goaltender Carey Price to a two-year contract on Thursday. Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
	Penguins F Staal to miss start of training camp Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jordan Staal will miss the beginning of training camp with a foot injury.
	Sharks make it official with Niemi The San Jose Sharks officially added former Chicago netminder Antti Niemi on Thursday, signing him to a one-year deal.