Over the decades, the players' emergency fund has evolved, much like the NHL itself. Now under shared management between the NHL and the NHLPA, the fund is getting a boost -- both financially and in stature -- from an increase in fines.

The Phoenix Coyotes have acquired center Antoine Vermette from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Brad Marchand scored twice and Tim Thomas stopped 30 shots to lead the Boston Bruins to a 4-2 win over St. Louis on Wednesday, ending the Blues' team-record point streak at 21 home games.

Erik Karlsson and Milan Michalek each had three points Wednesday and the Ottawa Senators defeated the Washington Capitals 5-2.

Avalanche 4, Kings 1

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews will miss his second straight game on Thursday with an upper body injury, and while coach Joel Quenneville wouldn't specify about the nature of the injury, he did say he was hopeful Toews could return by the weekend.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu has agreed to a four-year extension, taking him off the trade market.

Convicted sex abuser and former junior hockey coach Graham James has apologized to his victims, his former players and the entire Canadian hockey community.

Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk is expected to miss two weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to remove fragments from his right knee.

The Detroit Red Wings acquired defenseman Kyle Quincey on Tuesday in a three-team deal that sent forward Steve Downie from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Colorado Avalanche.

St. Louis Blues forward Jamie Langenbrunner will miss at least a month with a broken bone in his left foot sustained in a loss Sunday at Chicago.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier is out indefinitely because of broken right hand.

Goalie Cam Ward will miss Monday night's game against Washington with an unspecified lower body injury.

The Nashville Predators have extended the contract of David Poile, who has served as the franchise's only general manager since its inception 14 years ago.

The Minnesota Wild have re-signed center Kyle Brodziak to a three-year deal.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed star winger James Neal to a $30-million, six-year extension, the team announced Sunday.