Turner Sports has reached a multiyear agreement with Wayne Gretzky to be a studio analyst when its coverage of the National Hockey League begins in October. He will appear during key moments in the regular season -- including opening week and the Winter Classic -- and then throughout the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Anaheim Ducks have hired longtime Los Angeles Kings executive Jeff Solomon to be their new vice president of hockey operations and assistant general manager.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray announced the move Monday. Solomon will oversee Anaheim's salary cap planning, contract negotiations, arbitration procedures and player evaluation.

John Davidson is expected to return to the Columbus Blue Jackets as president of hockey operations, according to a report.

The Columbus Dispatch reported the news Wednesday, saying an announcement could come as early as Thursday. Davidson and the team did not immediately respond to messages seeking confirmation.

Former U.S. women's national ice hockey team captain Meghan Duggan is joining the New Jersey Devils as a manager of player development.

"I'm looking forward to getting to work, and adding value in an area that I've committed my entire life to," Duggan told ESPN. "But I also hope people see this and realize there's a space for those who haven't traditionally been in these roles -- women, or BIPOC community members; there's a space for that. Times are definitely changing, and I'm excited to be part of it."

Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill has been given a contract extension despite a losing record and missing the playoffs in five straight seasons.

General manager Steve Yzerman made the announcement Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.

"It's hard to coach a rebuilding team," Yzerman said on a Zoom call with reporters.

The Toronto Maple Leafs promoted Hayley Wickenheiser -- who already held the highest hockey operations role ever for a woman in the NHL.

Wickenheiser, a Hockey Hall of Famer, is now Toronto's senior director of player development. The Leafs also hired another Hockey Hall of Famer, Danielle Goyette, as director of player development. That means the Maple Leafs' development staff is now being led by two women.

The Seattle Kraken have signed their first player.

Luke Henman, a 21-year-old center, inked a three-year, entry-level contract with the NHL's 32nd franchise on Wednesday.

Henman, the team captain and leading scorer for Blainville-Boisbriand Armada (QMJHL), was a fourth-round draft pick of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2018. He went unsigned by the Hurricanes in the offseason, making him a free agent.