Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull, a 12-time All-Star and two-time Hart Trophy winner, has died, the Chicago Blackhawks announced Monday. He was 84.

"We send our deepest sympathies to the Hull family," the team said in a statement. "The Hull family has requested privacy during this difficult time. They appreciate the sympathies that have been sent their way."

Bruce Boudreau has been fired as coach of the Vancouver Canucks, who are again on track to miss the playoffs with another underachieving season.

The team announced the change Sunday, less than a week after president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said "major surgery" was needed to fix the Canucks, who have made the playoffs only once in the past eight years. Rick Tocchet was hired as Boudreau's replacement for a Vancouver team that has lost 28 of 46 games this season.

Vancouver Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau admitted he'd "be a fool" not to acknowledge speculation that the club will be making an imminent change behind the bench.

The longtime NHL coach -- now in his second season with the Canucks -- became emotional in his media availability after Vancouver's morning skate Friday when asked how he'll approach the club's weekend back-to-back against Colorado and Edmonton -- what could potentially be the last two games he spends with the organization.

Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron said the team has discussed resting him for regular-season games even if he's healthy enough to play.

"It's something they've talked about. I told them that those are decisions they have to make, if that's what they want. If you leave it up to me ... obviously I want to play, as a competitor," said Bergeron.

Nashville forward Michael McCarron is available to the Predators after entering the player assistance program of the NHL and NHL Players' Association.

The NHL and NHL Players' Association announced Wednesday that McCarron returned after receiving care through the joint player assistance program. McCarron still will have access to any needed follow-up care as needed.

The NHL's Buffalo Sabres and Pegula Sports & Entertainment have hired John Roth as chief operating officer.

Co-owner Terry Pegula announced Roth's appointment Tuesday. Wife Kim Pegula remains president of the Sabres and the NFL's Buffalo Bills, while still recovering from what her family described as health issues that led to her being hospitalized in June.

Nicklas Backstrom and Tom Wilson are finally ready to return for the Washington Capitals.

The team said Saturday that Backstrom and Wilson are being activated off injured reserve to make their respective season debuts. The playmaking center and power winger are expected to play Sunday when the Capitals host the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Less than five years after the Sharks made him a first-round draft pick, defenseman Ryan Merkley has requested a trade from the organization, feeling a fresh start elsewhere will help him rejuvenate his professional career.

The 22-year-old Merkley, who has spent the entire season with the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, recently made the trade request and the Sharks are trying to accommodate him, according to Frank Seravalli of dailyfaceoff.com.

“We feel a change will be better for him opportunity-wise after five years,” Merkley’s agent, J.P. Barry, wrote in an email to this news organization.

The Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights, the NHL's two newest franchises, will host the 2024 Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park, the league announced on Monday.

It will be the first time hosting an outdoor game for the Kraken, who are in their second season as a franchise.