Brenda Andress, who is stepping down as Canadian Women's Hockey League commissioner, hasn't always had the sunniest relationship with the National Women's Hockey League through the years. But NWHL commissioner Dani Rylan said that Andress was "a great friend and confidant," in a statement on her leaving the CWHL. "Brenda Andress is a champion of women's hockey — a pioneer who created an enormous legacy in the game we care so deeply about. On a personal level, Brenda has been a great friend and confidant. Over the last year, we have met regularly to discuss the best path for the future of professional women's hockey in North America. While I look forward to continuing positive discussions with her successor, everyone at the NWHL joins me in congratulating Brenda on her work in building the CWHL and starting the #SheIS initiative. We wish Brenda the best of everything in her next chapter," said Rylan.

Greg Wyshynski, ESPN1d ago

The Blackhawks cleared cap space in the Marian Hossa deal, but doesn't sound like they're going to spend it right away — after all, late July and August is a typical dead period in the NHL. "Now most of the major moves have been made," GM Stan Bowman said at Chicago's development camp. "Right now, nothing is really close to happening."

Emily Kaplan, ESPN2d ago

A group of former players suffered a setback in their concussion litigation against the NHL on Friday, when Minnesota based U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson denied them class-action status, which would have allowed them to sue as a group. But Charles Zimmerman, an attorney for the players, said they're undaunted. "The litigation continues. We will continue to litigate the players' claims on a case by case basis, for all who have incurred injuries and damages," he told ESPN. "Players with traumatic brain injuries need to file their claims and justice will prevail as we move forward." Around 150 players have already filed individual complaints against the NHL in U.S. District Court. The NHL had no comment on Friday's ruling.

Greg Wyshynski, ESPN6d ago