Eric Staal and Cam Ward are ahead of schedule in returning from knee injuries.

Staal is the captain of the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to an eight-year extension with Dustin Brown.

The deal will run through the 2011-22 season.

Brown was the 13th overall pick in the 2003 NHL Draft.

Blue Jackets forward Nathan Horton underwent surgery today to repair a shoulder injury suffered during the 2013 Stanley Cup Final, club GM Jarmo Kekalainen announced Wednesday. 

“Nathan’s surgery went very well and he is expected to make a full recovery after completing his rehabilitation program,” said Kekalainen.  “Since Nathan joined the Blue Jackets, our medical team from OhioHealth and team training staff have worked closely with Dr. Warner and will be actively engaged with Nathan throughout the rehabilitation process.”

  

Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa, who was injured during the Stanley Cup finals, will not require back surgery, GM Stan Bowman said Friday, according to an ESPN.com report.