Looking to the future, the surging Chicago Blackhawks signed three of their top players - Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith - to lucrative contract extensions Thursday.
Kane and Toews, both 21, signed five-year deals reported to be worth $31.5 million each. Keith, a defenseman, got a 13-year contract worth a reported $72 million, making it the richest in team history and surpassing the 12-year, $62.8 million given to Marian Hossa in the offseason.
"We are a close group of guys, and there's no individual player who is bigger than the team," Keith said. "I would certainly rather have these two guys up here at the same time, as well, and take a little of the spotlight off. I don't mind that at all."
The 26-year-old Keith is in his fifth season with the Blackhawks and is known for his durability and speed. He leads the team in average ice time at 26:44 and has five goals and 18 assists to go with a plus-nine rating.
Kane, the first pick overall in the 2007 draft, leads the team with 26 points - nine goals and 17 assists. And Toews, the team captain and the Blackhawks' first-round choice (third overall) in 2006, has six goals and 10 assists. He missed six games this season with concussion-like symptoms after taking a hard hit from Vancouver's Willie Mitchell on Oct. 21.
Toronto's Gustavsson to have heart procedure: Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Jonas Gustavsson will undergo his second heart procedure in less than three months.
The team said Thursday that Gustavsson met with a cardiac specialist after being taken to hospital with an elevated heart rate. He experienced symptoms during Toronto's 3-0 victory over Montreal on Tuesday night.
The Swedish rookie will undergo the non-surgical procedure Friday to correct an abnormal heart rhythm. The 25-year-old Gustavsson also had the procedure during training camp.
NHL hires Shanahan: Brendan Shanahan has joined the NHL front office less than a month after ending a 21-year career as one of the league's most prolific scorers.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion will have the title of vice president of hockey and business development. Commissioner Gary Bettman said Thursday the league will benefit "tremendously" from his years playing the game.
Shanahan retired Nov. 17 as the NHL's 11th-leading goal scorer with 656. He played on the Red Wings' Stanley Cup championship teams in 1997, 1998 and 2002. He also played for the Devils, Blues, Whalers and Rangers.
Shanahan won a gold medal with Canada at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
Sabres send Lalime to minors: Sabres backup goaltender Patrick Lalime has been sent to the minors after agreeing to a two-game conditioning assignment with Portland of the American Hockey League. to prepare for Buffalo's busy schedule.
The move was announced Thursday.
Lalime will play today and Saturday against Providence and rejoin the Sabres on Sunday.
The Sabres recalled Jhonas Enroth from Portland to serve as backup against Montreal.
