Hockey

BUFFALO SABRES COACH: Don Granato (83-88-21 over 2 1/2 seasons). SEASON OPENER: Oct. 12 vs. New York Rangers. DEPARTURES: G Craig Anderson, D Ilya Lyubushkin, C Vinnie Hinostroza, D Lawrence Pilut. ADDITIONS: D Erik Johnson, D Connor Clifton.

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS COACH: John Tortorella (704-579-37 over 22 seasons, 1 Stanley Cup title) SEASON OPENER: Oct. 13 at Columbus. DEPARTURES: D Ivan Provorov, C Kevin Hayes, F James van Riemsdyk, D Tony DeAngelo.

Connor McDavid couldn't believe what was in front of him. The No. 1 pick at the 2015 NHL draft was starting his rookie season with the Edmonton Oilers. Everything was new — new city, new team, new way of doing things.

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS COACH: Pascal Vincent (first-time NHL head coach), hired Sept. 17 after the forced resignation of Mike Babcock amid allegations of violating the privacy of players by asking to see their cell phone photos. SEASON OPENER: Oct.

BOSTON BRUINS COACH: Jim Montgomery (125-55-15 over three seasons, 65-12-5 in Boston). SEASON OPENER: Oct. 11 vs. Chicago. DEPARTURES: F Patrice Bergeron, F David Krejci, F Taylor Hall, F Tyler Bertuzzi, F Garnett Hathaway, D Dmitry Orlov.

SYDNEY, N.S. — The Ottawa Senators are looking like world-beaters in the NHL pre-season. The Senators defeated the Florida Panthers 4-2 on Sunday for their fourth win in five games.

EDMONTON — Brandon Sutter has retired from the National Hockey League. The 34-year-old forward made the announcement in a statement through the Edmonton Oilers, who he had signed a professional tryout agreement with on Aug. 28.

All Connor McDavid wants to do after establishing himself as the best hockey player in the world is win the Stanley Cup. He knows he can't do that in October, when the NHL playoffs feel like they are a lifetime away.

VANCOUVER — Defenceman Quinn Hughes has been a very good player for the Vancouver Canucks during the last four seasons. Now Hughes wants to be even better. The 23-year-old has already established himself as a solid defenceman and crafty playmaker.

MONTREAL — The Toronto Maple Leafs won their third consecutive NHL pre-season game, beating the Montreal Canadiens 3-1 on the road Saturday night.