By The Associated Press

Published: Friday, January 18, 2013, 9:12 p.m.
Updated: Monday, February 4, 2013

SUNRISE, Fla. — The Panthers signed right wing Alex Kovalev to a one-year contract on Friday, and he is available for the reigning Southeast Division champions when they open the season against Carolina on Saturday night.

The 39-year-old Kovalev has played in 1,302 NHL games with the New York Rangers, the Penguins, Montreal and Ottawa, with 428 goals and 1,024 points. He was with the Panthers on a tryout contract for training camp and is expected to be on a line with highly touted rookie Jonathan Huberdeau to open the season.

Kovalev last played in the NHL during the 2010-11 season. He spent last season in Russia's KHL.

Blues sign D Redden after Rangers waive him

The Blues agreed to terms with defenseman Wade Redden on a one-year, $800,000 deal.

The 35-year-old Redden was placed on waivers this week by the New York Rangers, who bought out the final two years of his contract.

Islanders suspend D Visnovsky

The Islanders are suspending newly acquired defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky for failing to report to the team for the start of the NHL season.

Visnovsky has been playing in Russia's KHL but is required to return now that the lockout is over. The Islanders' season opens Saturday night.

Visnovsky, acquired in June from Anaheim, attempted to have the trade overruled, but an arbitrator ruled in December that the deal was valid.

Kings extend GM, head coach

The Stanley Cup champion Kings gave multiyear contract extensions to coach Darryl Sutter, general manager Dean Lombardi and president of business operations Luc Robitaille.

Sutter took over for the fired Terry Murray in December 2011 and immediately led the Kings to the franchise's first championship.

Injury-riddled Poti back with Caps

The Capitals recalled defenseman Tom Poti from Hershey of the AHL, bringing back someone who hasn't played in an NHL game in two years because of injuries.

Flames sign Begin to 1-year contract

The Flames signed veteran center Steve Begin to a one-year, two-way contract worth $525,000.

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