Hockey purists might be grumbling about the upcoming Stanley Cup Final because it will have nothing but Sun Belt teams involved. It suits Gary Bettman just fine.

Bettman was honored by the Sports Business Journal on Wednesday with a lifetime achievement award for the NHL's growth during his 30 years as commissioner, from a business that generated $437 million in revenue before he took over to nearly $6 billion now.

Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid, Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak and Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk are finalists for the NHL's Hart Trophy, the league announced on Friday.

The Hart is awarded each year "to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team." Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association vote on the winner.

Coach Jim Montgomery, whose Boston Bruins had the most successful regular season of any team in NHL history, was announced as a finalist for the Jack Adams Award on Friday night.

The other finalists helped orchestrate two of the greatest year-over-year turnarounds in NHL history: Dave Hakstol of the Seattle Kraken and Lindy Ruff of the New Jersey Devils.

The Jack Adams Award is presented annually by the NHL Broadcasters' Association to "the NHL coach adjudged to have contributed the most to his team's success."

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin had the top-selling NHL jersey during his record-breaking 2022-23 season, according to Fanatics.

As he continued his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's career NHL goals record of 894, Ovechkin set records for the most goals with one franchise, most career goals scored on the road and most 40-goal seasons. On Dec. 23, 2022, Ovechkin passed Gordie Howe for second on the goal-scoring list behind Gretzky, finishing the season with 822 career goals.

Veteran defenseman Mark Borowiecki has decided to retire from hockey after playing more than 450 games over parts of 12 NHL seasons.

Borowiecki, 33, announced his decision in an Instagram post Wednesday, more than six months since his last professional game, when he was stretchered off the ice after an awkward hit into the boards during a game against Philadelphia on Oct. 22. He was hospitalized, went on injured reserve and did not play again.

"I am very excited for a new chapter in the hockey world, and I'm looking forward to finding an opportunity to help grow the game and help other players develop," he wrote.