NHL News and Notes: Avalanche, Lightning, Kadri, Gusev, Thornton, Kane and Reaves
Ryan Reaves and Evander Kane drop the mitts.
Avalanche sign Makar

Ryan S. Clark: The Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Cale Makar to an entry-level deal that will start this season.

Cap Friendly: With Makar being 20-years old, and the first year of his deal won’t slide.

If he plays in one game this year, he will become expansion draft eligible.

Adrian Dater: Makar will join the team immediately. Coach Jared Bednar wouldn’t say if Makar will play in Game 3.

President Trophy winners in big trouble

Ian Mendes: The Tampa Bay Lightning could become the 7th team that won the President’s Trophy and to be knocked out of the first round. If they are swept, it would be the first time for that to happen too.

2012 – Vancouver lost to Los Angeles
2010 – Washington lost to Montreal
2009 – San Jose Sharks lost to Anaheim
2006 – Detroit lost to Edmonton
2000 – St. Louis lost to San Jose
1991 – Chicago lost to Minnesota

Kadri’s in-person hearing is today

NHL Player Safety: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri will have his hearing this afternoon in New York.

Golden Knights sign Gusev

Danny Webster:  The Vegas Golden Knights have signed forward Nikita Gusev to a one-year entry-level deal. He will practice with the team today.

Jesse Granger: Golden Knights GM George McPhee: “We’re delighted to have (Gusev) join us. I have to give his agent JP Berry and the player credit for making this happen. It’s not easy to get released over there.”

Suspension coming for Joe Thornton?

Evander Kane drops the gloves with Ryan Reaves