National Sports

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Blue Jackets convened for training camp Wednesday weighed down by the grief of losing star forward Johnny Gaudreau three weeks ago.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Matthew Tkachuk estimated that he tells a story about Johnny Gaudreau's exploits, both the on-ice and off-ice variety, to somebody at least once a week. And he's not going to stop, either.

EDMONTON — For the Edmonton Oilers, the hope is that they can repeat what the Florida Panthers did last season — win it all the year after losing the Stanley Cup final.

TORONTO — Neil Lumsden has signed his organ donor card for decades, so the decision to do his part for concussion research was a no-brainer.

TORONTO — Rogers Communications Inc.'s landmark deal to acquire rival telecom BCE Inc.'s share of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment could lead to better — but pricier — fan experiences, says one sports business expert. The $4.

Mackenzie Hughes might just be what the International team needs as this year's Presidents Cup. Hughes, from Dundas, Ont., is one of three Canadians on the squad competing in the match-play event at Royal Montreal Golf Club next week.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Lightning selected Victor Hedman as the team captain on Wednesday as training camp opened, making the big defenseman the successor to Steven Stamkos.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers announced Wednesday that they have signed forward Mike Hoffman to a professional tryout. The 34-year-old from Kitchener, Ont., had 10 goals and 13 assists in 66 games with the San Jose Sharks last season.

CHICAGO (AP) — Nick Foligno took on a leadership role for the Chicago Blackhawks before he played his first game for the team. That was only the beginning. Foligno became the 35th captain in franchise history on Wednesday.

TORONTO — Rogers has inched closer to having complete reign over the Toronto sports landscape, buying out Bell's 37.5 per cent share of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment for $4.7 billion.