National Hockey

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.

Mike Babcock is back in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets , confident he has evolved as a coach in his nearly four years out of a pro job.

CHICAGO (AP) — Connor Bedard heard from a lot of people after he was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL draft. There was one in particular that stood out.

The Stanley Cup champions ponied up to keep the goaltender who backstopped them to their first title, and a handful of NHL teams shed salary to prepare for free agency.

Brad Treliving remembers a time when NHL general managers were basically done with free agency shortly after the window opened. Big names quickly scooped up, roles filled, rosters largely set.