Sidney Crosby is used to change. More than 15 years in the NHL has taught the Pittsburgh Penguins longtime captain that it's simply part of the business

It was weird for Crosby and the rest of the Penguins to learn after practice Wednesday that general manager Jim Rutherford decided to step down. Rutherford cited personal reasons and declined to get into specifics with anyone, including Crosby.

"I think everyone was surprised," Crosby said Thursday.

Former Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard announced his retirement after 14 seasons on Thursday.

Howard, 36, a free agent, didn't sign anywhere this offseason. He finishes with a 246-196-70 career record with a 2.62 goals-against average and 24 shutouts in 543 games.

The Ottawa Senators acquired forward Jack Kopacka and a 2022 seventh-round draft pick from the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday for defenseman Christian Jaros.

In a stunning move, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford resigned Wednesday, citing personal reasons.

"There always has been so much support from everyone involved with the Penguins, both on the hockey and business staffs, and, of course, from a special group of players led by Sidney Crosby," Rutherford said in a statement. "The fans here have been tremendous to me and my family. I know it's a little unusual to have this happen during a season, but just felt this was the right time to step away."

Carolina Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal is back at practice after testing positive for COVID-19.

Staal said Tuesday he feels good now after having some chills and coughing. He was the first of six Hurricanes players that ultimately appeared on the league's daily COVID-19 unavailability list, which ultimately led to the postponement of three games.

Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon will be behind the bench for Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Blues while the Vegas coaching staff is self-isolating "out of an abundance of caution," the team announced.

According to sources, there was at least one positive COVID-19 test on the coaching staff, and because of close contact, isolation is necessary.

CALGARY, Alberta -- Toronto Maple Leafs backup goaltender Jack Campbell will be out "weeks" with a leg injury, according to head coach Sheldon Keefe.

Campbell was hurt late in Toronto's 3-2 win at Calgary on Sunday when Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk landed on him in a goalmouth scrum.

The NHL has suspended former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka through Dec. 31, 2021, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Commissioner Gary Bettman made the ruling Monday and circulated a memo to all teams that stated Chayka engaged in "conduct detrimental to the league and game." Bettman's ruling also said Chayka "breached his obligation to the club."

The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed center Brandon Dubinsky on Long-Term Injured Reserve, club General Manager and Alternate Governor Jarmo Kekalainen announced today.

Dubinsky, 34, has not appeared in a game since the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, missing all of the 2019-20 campaign due to a chronic wrist injury.  

The Blue Jackets and Jets have completed a blockbuster trade to swap disgruntled stars as winger Patrik Laine is headed to Columbus while center Pierre-Luc Dubois has landed in Winnipeg.

Forward Jack Roslovic, a Columbus native, is also headed to the Blue Jackets as part of the deal. Columbus is sending Winnipeg its 2022 third-round pick.