National Sports

CALGARY — The absence of Matthew Tkachuk and the presence of former Edmonton Oilers is creating buzz at Calgary Flames training camp. Tkachuk is among a number of restricted free agents yet to sign with their respective NHL teams.

TORONTO — Kyle Dubas stepped to the podium and welcomed reporters to the start of training camp. The general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs then drew a proverbial line in the sand.

WINNIPEG — Josh Morrissey is exactly where he wants to be. The Winnipeg Jets announced Thursday the defenceman has signed an eight-year, US$50-million contract extension, one day before the start of training camp.

Some two weeks before Canada's opening match at the Rugby World Cup, coach Kingsley Jones is already having to shuffle the deck.

OTTAWA — Defencemen Mark Borowiecki and Ron Hainsey and forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau will serve as alternate captains for the Ottawa Senators this season.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers opened training camp Thursday with all eyes on, well, Connor McDavid's left knee. The Oilers' star centre has been skating strong and, based on recent pre-camp practices, injury-free.

TORONTO — Robin Fraser has done nothing but win since leaving Toronto FC to coach Colorado. The former TFC assistant coach returns Sunday, looking for his fourth straight victory in charge of the Rapids.

PHILADELPHIA — The Halifax Thunderbirds will open their inaugural National Lacrosse League season with a game against a fellow NLL newcomer. The Thunderbirds' 2019-20 season opener will be Dec.

CANTON, Ohio — First-time eligible candidates Troy Polamalu and Patrick Willis are among 122 modern-era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2020. The newly eligible players have a heavy defensive emphasis.

TORONTO — Neville Gallimore, a defensive lineman with the Oklahoma Sooners, topped the CFL Scouting Bureau's first top-20 prospects list for the 2020 draft. The list was released Thursday by the league.