Philadelphia Flyers captain Claude Giroux is ahead of schedule on his road to recovery.

The 28-year-old pivot underwent surgery to repair right hip and bilateral lower abdominal muscle tears May 17, returning to the ice Wednesday, one week ahead of the initial 10-12 week recovery timeline.

Flyers equipment manager Derek Settlemyre posted a video of Giroux taking the ice for the first time since the operation.

Last season, Giroux scored 67 points in 78 games, leading the Flyers. He also earned the nod to represent Canada at the World Cup of Hockey in September.

- with h/t to NHL.com

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NBC announced its broadcast schedule for this upcoming season, and as is customary, the Chicago Blackhawks will play a starring role.

Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Co. will appear on national television a league-most 21 times as part of the network's 106-game schedule.

The Philadelphia Flyers are a close second with 20 appearances, while the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers are close behind with 16 games apiece.

Chicago will meet the St. Louis Blues - who dispatched them in the first round last season - four times on national broadcasts.

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have turned their attention to Josh Leivo, announcing Thursday they've signed him to a two-year contract extension.

Leivo is coming off a strong third professional campaign in the Maple Leafs organization, and appears prepared to make the jump to the big club on a full-time basis.

He scored 17 goals and 48 points in 51 games with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, adding five goals in 12 games with the Maple Leafs.

The former third-round selection of the Maple Leafs also led the Marlies in scoring during their Calder Cup Playoffs run.

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We spent more time talking about Auston Matthews' entry-level contract than the No. 1 overall selection and his representation did with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

A lot more, apparently.

Speaking on a conference call Thursday shortly after officially adding Matthews to the Maple Leafs' banner, general manager Lou Lamoriello said the contract was agreed upon within 10 minutes at the table with Matthews' agent Pat Brisson.

It had been speculated over the last several weeks that Lamoriello was hesitant to give Matthews the fully loaded, incentive-laden deal he did eventually sign Thursday. Lamoriello and Brisson, however, indicated that the two parties did not have any issues ironing out the deal.

Lamoriello attributed the delay to other ongoing housework, and said he's operating the "Toronto way," meaning precedent from his time with the New Jersey Devils does not apply to his dealings in Toronto.

He said the No. 1 overall pick deserves the maximum salary and financial incentives permitted under the collective bargaining agreement.

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We've seen Phil Kessel, and also his sister, Amanda, drink from the Stanley Cup. Now it's grandma's turn.

The Kessel family classed it up a bit in their time with the Stanley Cup, and even had "Granny Kessel" sipping champagne from the glorious chalice.

- With h/t to Alex Iniguez

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The Toronto Maple Leafs and No. 1 overall draft selection Auston Matthews finally agreed to terms Thursday on a three-year, entry-level contract.

And the kid apparently won out.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Matthews will indeed receive a full base salary and have maximum bonus potential throughout his entry-level term with the organization, sources told Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

The "full permissible package," as Matthews' agent Pat Brisson described it, and which is customary for No. 1 overall draft picks to receive, includes a $925,000 standard salary and $2.85 million in performance bonuses.

It's believed Maple Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello was hesitant to sign Matthews to an incentive-laden contract - an old-school preference that dates back to his time with the New Jersey Devils.

Brisson, however, said there were no issues in negotiations with Lamoriello, according to Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press.

Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets signed his entry-level deal at just short of the maximum potential value. Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, meanwhile, each negotiated the full freight in their deals last summer.

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The New York Islanders are reportedly in talks with Major League Baseball's New York Mets about building a new arena across from Citi Field, according to sources of Bloomberg's Scott Soshnick.

The discussions are focused on a new rink at Willets Point in Queens that would serve as the new home for the hockey club if Islanders owners can't get Barclays Center officials to agree on hockey-specific upgrades to the venue, reports Soshnick.

In the Islanders' indecisive debut season in Brooklyn last year, fans were dissatisfied with obstructed views at the 15,700-seat arena, while players were believed to be unhappy with the commute from Long Island as well as substandard ice quality in a venue designed for basketball.

The Islanders and officials from Barclays Center declined to comment when approached by Soshnick.

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Admiration poured in from NHL teams and players of past and present after two-time Stanley Cup winner Brad Richards announced his retirement Wednesday.

Here are some the well wishes:

Richards won his second career Stanley Cup in his second-to-last, and only, season with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane thanked him for his contribution to their dynasty.

Martin St. Louis, Richards' teammate with the Tampa Bay Lightning in their title-winning 2004 seasons, and for one season with the New York Rangers, wished him well. As did another Ranger in Mats Zuccarello.

The Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings' team accounts also thanked No. 91.

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