National Sports

TORONTO — Mitch Marner walked up a few steps onto a small stage before taking his seat at the microphone.

TORONTO — While Toronto FC is looking to improve its position on the pitch, general manager Jason Hernandez is trying to do the same off it. That has been easier said than done this season.

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Dallas Stars top scorer Jason Robertson will miss most of training camp but is expected to be ready for the start of the season after surgery to remove a cyst from his foot.

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — The standings made it look like the Pittsburgh Penguins were close to making the playoffs last spring. How things look is one thing. How things feel is another. The distinction is not lost on Sidney Crosby .

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Blue Jackets convened for training camp Wednesday weighed down by the grief of losing star forward Johnny Gaudreau three weeks ago.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Matthew Tkachuk estimated that he tells a story about Johnny Gaudreau's exploits, both the on-ice and off-ice variety, to somebody at least once a week. And he's not going to stop, either.

EDMONTON — For the Edmonton Oilers, the hope is that they can repeat what the Florida Panthers did last season — win it all the year after losing the Stanley Cup final.

TORONTO — Neil Lumsden has signed his organ donor card for decades, so the decision to do his part for concussion research was a no-brainer.

TORONTO — Rogers Communications Inc.'s landmark deal to acquire rival telecom BCE Inc.'s share of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment could lead to better — but pricier — fan experiences, says one sports business expert. The $4.

Mackenzie Hughes might just be what the International team needs as this year's Presidents Cup. Hughes, from Dundas, Ont., is one of three Canadians on the squad competing in the match-play event at Royal Montreal Golf Club next week.