Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne is the 2021 recipient of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, the league announced Monday.

The award is given annually to the player who exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice, and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community.

Rinne edged out San Jose Sharks forward Kurtis Gabriel and New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban to earn the honor.

"After spending 15 years with the same organization and in the same city, and with the opportunities I've had through local charities in my community - this is very special to me," Rinne said. "At the same time, I was to congratulate P.K. and Kurtis on their nomination and for everything they do for their communities. I want to thank the Predators and the Predators Foundation for letting us players get involved and help in our community."

Rinne has raised over $3 million for cancer research at a children's hospital in Tennessee through his 365 Pediatric Fund. He also works with Best Buddies, a nonprofit advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and Make-A-Wish, among others.

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The New York Rangers are set to hire Gerard Gallant as head coach, reports Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

Gallant replaces David Quinn, who was fired earlier this offseason.

More to come.

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It appears the Carolina Hurricanes aren't entirely optimistic about their chances of re-signing stalwart defenseman Dougie Hamilton.

The Canes have granted the pending unrestricted free agent permission to speak to other teams, which opens the door for a potential sign-and-trade, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Hamilton could still potentially re-sign in Carolina if he gauges the market and realizes the Hurricanes are making him the best offer, Friedman added.

More to come.

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Warning: Instagram post contains coarse language

Stephen Johns is ending his NHL career.

The 29-year-old defenseman, who was a pending unrestricted free agent with the Dallas Stars, revealed his plans Sunday on Instagram.

Johns sat out the entire 2021 campaign after missing more than half of 2019-20 and all of 2018-19 due to headaches resulting from a concussion he sustained in March 2018.

He played in three round-robin postseason games for the Stars during the Stanley Cup Final run in 2020, but he played only Game 1 of Dallas' first-round series against the Calgary Flames before missing the rest of the playoffs.

Johns was a finalist for the Masterton Trophy - awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey - last season.

The Pennsylvania-born blue-liner netted 15 goals and 18 assists in 167 games over four campaigns, all of which he played with the Stars. The Chicago Blackhawks drafted him 60th overall in 2010 before trading him to Dallas along with forward Patrick Sharp for winger Ryan Garbutt and defenseman Trevor Daley in July 2015.

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Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin isn't buying the idea that the North Division was easy to play in.

"There was not an easy night in our division," Bergevin said Saturday, per Sportsnet. "Like I said, travel was hard. Even the last-place team, or close to the last-place team, the Ottawa Senators, they finished pretty strong, and if it wasn't for their start they'd probably be battling for a playoff spot."

He added, "Plus, hockey in Canada, you're in the spotlight every night. So it was a tough division and hockey was at its best. Every team almost had superstars, and it was not easy."

The NHL realigned its divisions for the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the Canada-U.S. border being closed, the league was forced to create a seven-team all-Canadian division.

The division was criticized throughout the year for not being as competitive as the other three. Some have pointed to the fact that the Canadiens made the postseason despite finishing in 18th in the league's overall standings.

Several of this season's top performers hailed from the division. Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid led the league with 105 points, while Toronto Maple Leafs sniper Auston Matthews won the "Rocket" Richard Trophy with 41 goals. Five of the top 10 scorers came from the North: McDavid, Matthews, Leon Draisaitl, Mitch Marner, and Mark Scheifele.

The Canadiens are the final team standing in the North after defeating the Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets in the first two rounds. The club will open its third-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night.

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