National Sports

EDMONTON — With the woebegone Edmonton Oilers set to open their NHL season Wednesday, new general manager Ken Holland bristled when it was suggested fans are being told to be patient for a playoff contender. "I don't think I've said that.

Winnipeg Jets centre Bryan Little has been diagnosed with a concussion. Little is in concussion protocol after taking a hit from Luke Kunin of the Minnesota Wild in a pre-season game on Sunday.

TORONTO — Auston Matthews, John Tavares, Mitch Marner, Morgan Rielly and Frederik Andersen remain entrenched at the top of the Toronto Maple Leafs' roster. After that, some fans might need a program following a summer of upheaval.

TORONTO — Canada coach John Herdman has almost all his weapons available for a key CONCACAF Nations League match against the U.S. on Oct. 15 in Toronto.

CALGARY — The key pieces are back, but can the Calgary Flames both repeat the performance and add a playoff push? Topping the NHL's Western Conference with 50 wins in 2018-19 whetted appetites in Calgary for a monster post-season that didn't happen.

OTTAWA — Scott Sabourin is living his childhood dream. After literally fighting his way through the minors, the feisty forward will play his first NHL game on Wednesday as a member of his hometown team — the Ottawa Senators.

NEW YORK — San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane has been suspended for the first three games of the season for abuse of an official.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets will soon find out if dealing with some early adversity has harmed or helped them.

Lee Stempniak has retired from the NHL after playing for 10 teams in 14 seasons. The 36-year-old winger announced his decision Tuesday through the players' union.

BROSSARD, Que. — Highly-regarded Montreal Canadiens prospects Nick Suzuki and Cale Fleury have made the club's opening-night roster, while young forward Ryan Poehling will start the season in the American Hockey League.