Chicago Blackhawks star Jonathan Toews finally revealed why he missed the 2020-21 NHL season, saying he had "chronic immune response syndrome."

In a video announcing his return to the team on Wednesday, the team captain said: "Honestly, I haven't taken this much time off the ice probably ever, since I was a kid at least, so it's definitely nice to be back in Chicago, see some of the guys again, and slowly and surely settle into the life and routine again.

Toews said he looks forward to playing in front of fans at United Center next season.

Scott O'Neil, the CEO of the parent company that owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, has resigned after an eight-year run in which he shepherded The Process and the Prudential Center.

O'Neil announced Wednesday he was leaving Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment after he helped lead scores of projects under the HBSE banner such as the Grammy Museum at the Prudential Center and the creation of a state-of-the-art Sixers complex, both in New Jersey.

Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid won the Hart Trophy as NHL's MVP, becoming only the second player in the 97-year history of the award to win it unanimously.

McDavid placed first on all 100 ballots from the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Previously, only Wayne Gretzky won the Hart unanimously back in 1981-82, also with the Oilers.

Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has signed an eight-year, $41 million contract before he would have reached unrestricted free agency this offseason, the team announced Tuesday.

His $5.125 million cap hit is lower than that of his previous contract, which was $6 million annually on a seven-year deal. His new contract also carries a no-movement clause.

Veteran forward Wayne Simmonds signed a two-year contract extension with the Maple Leafs on Tuesday.

The team said his contract has an average annual value of $900,000.

Don Granato has been named as the new head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, the team announced Tuesday.

Granato's deal with the Sabres is for three years, a source told ESPN.

Granato, 53, served as interim coach of the Sabres for the final 30 games of last season after Ralph Krueger was fired in March.

Montreal Canadiens forward Joel Armia is traveling to Tampa on a private jet and will be a game-time decision for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, interim coach Luke Richardson said Monday.

Armia did not travel with the team originally as he was in the COVID-19 protocol. By announcing he could be available Monday night, Richardson implied that Armia had tested negative to clear the protocol.

"He got clearance, so we're excited to have him join us," Richardson said. "But we'll have to make all those decisions around game time because we don't know when everybody's getting here and who will be ready."

Montreal Canadiens winger Joel Armia will not travel with the team to Florida as it prepares for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning after entering the NHL's COVID-19 protocol, general manager Marc Bergevin announced Sunday.

It's unclear how long Armia will be in the protocol or whether he tested positive. He has not yet been ruled out for Game 1 of the series, which begins Monday night at 8.

Center Blake Lizotte has re-signed with the Los Angeles Kings on a one-year, $800,000 contract extension.

The Kings announced the signing Thursday of Lizotte, a restricted free agent.

The Dallas Stars signed forward Rhett Gardner to a $1.5 million, two-year contract after the 25-year-old recorded the first two points of his career with Dallas this season.

Gardner had a goal and an assist in 28 games and finished with 52 hits.