NHL

Stu Barnes, a 16-year veteran who spent the last four seasons with the Dallas Stars, announced his retirement on Thursday. He will remain with the club, however, signing a two-year contract as an assistant coach.

Joe Sakic has decided to play at least one more season and on Wednesday re-signed with the Colorado Avalanche.

The San Jose Sharks signed defenseman Marc- Edouard Vlasic to a four-year contract extension, the team announced on Wednesday. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Colorado Avalanche veteran center Joe Sakic might announce Thursday whether or not he will be back on the ice for a 20th season.

Defenseman Bryan Berard will attend the Flyers' training camp in September on a try-out basis, Philadelphia general manager Paul Holmgren announced on Monday.

The Chicago Blackhawks signed right wing Akim Aliu to a three-year contract on Monday.

The Detroit Red Wings re-signed forward Aaron Downey to a one-year, two-way undisclosed contract Wednesday.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ryan Whitney underwent surgery on his left foot Saturday and will miss at least the start of the 2008-09 season.

The Phoenix Coyotes re-signed center Joel Perreault to a two-year contract on Thursday.

The Philadelphia Flyers reached an agreement with head coach John Stevens on a two-year contract extension on Thursday.