The Avalanche announced today that the team has extended the contract of head coach Joe Sacco for two years through the 2013-14 season. "Joe has earned the opportunity to lead this young team," said Avalanche GM/Executive Vice President Greg Sherman. "Our club made significant strides this season and we look forward to continuing that next season." "Our team competed hard and battled all year long," said Sacco of the 2011-12 Avalanche. "This group had a lot of energy and they are eager to keep working hard and improving." The Avalanche has compiled a 114-109-23 record in three seasons under Sacco's guidance. He led what was the NHL's youngest team to a 41-35-6 record (88 points) this past year, 20 more points than they had the previous season.

Rangers President and GM Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with forward Chris Kreider. Kreider, 20, was selected by the Rangers in the first round, 19th overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. On Saturday, he captured his second NCAA Championship in three seasons with Boston College, registering three goals and an assist in four tournament contests. He notched both BC goals in a 2-0 victory against Air Force in their first round matchup on March 24, and tallied a goal and an assist in a win over Minnesota in their National Semifinal game on Thursday. Kreider led all skaters with six shots in the National Championship game, a win against Ferris State.

Blackhawks goaltender Ray Emery has agreed to a one-year contract extension, the team announced Saturday. The extension is worth $1.15M, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.

Flyers defenseman Nicklas Grossmann has agreed to a multiyear contract extension, the team announced Saturday. The deal is for four years, averaging $3.5M annually, a source told ESPN.com. Grossmann, 27, had been scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.