Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brad Stuart, right, and center Marc-Andre Cliche, center, celebrate with goalie Semyon Varlamov after the Avalanche defeated the Los Angeles Kings in a shootout during an NHL preseason hockey game Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, in Las Vegas. (Associated Press file)
Five key offseason moves
1. St. Louis signs Paul Stastny
The former Avalanche player goes to the place he was born — and a very good team.
2. Dallas acquires Ales Hemsky and Jason Spezza
Avs division mates got two good forwards from Ottawa.
3. N.Y. Islanders get Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy
Isles defense should be a lot better.
4. Brad Richards signs with Blackhawks
A former Conn Smythe winner, he becomes the Blackhawks’ No. 2 center behind Jonathan Toews.
5. Ducks acquire Ryan Kesler
The former Vancouver center is one of the best two-way players when healthy.
Five rookies to watch
1. Jonathan Drouin, Tampa Bay
Forward went third in 2013 draft.
2. Aaron Ekblad, Florida
No. 1 pick this year should help immediately on defense.
3. John Gibson, Anaheim
Goaltender could be the starter in Anaheim.
4. Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary
Former Boston College star looks like a keeper at forward.
5. Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton
Talented player earns No. 2 center role.
10 dates of interest
Wednesday: Kings raise Stanley Cup banner before hosting the San Jose Sharks on opening night.
Monday: Former Bruins forward Jarome Iginla faces Boston for the first time since signing with the Avalanche.
Nov. 1: Paul Stastny faces the Avalanche for the first time since signing with the Blues.
Nov. 17: Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Rob Blake, Peter Forsberg, Dominik Hasek and Mike Modano.
Dec. 16: The Flyers honor Forsberg in a ceremony.
Jan. 1: NHL Winter Classic featuring Blackhawks vs. Capitals at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
Jan. 11: The Ducks retire Teemu Selanne’s No. 8 jersey.
Jan. 17: The Kings retire Blake’s No. 4 jersey.
Jan. 25: 60th NHL All-Star Game.
Feb. 21: NHL Stadium Series showcasing the Kings vs. Sharks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Source: NHL
