Demers Signs Four-Year Pact

Jacques Demers, one of only two NHL general managers who also is a coach, signed a four-year contract Friday with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Financial terms of the deal, which includes the current season, were not disclosed. The move had been expected since Demers added general manager duties when Phil Esposito was fired Oct. 13.

“We’re going to do this right,” Demers said. “I know what direction we’re headed.”

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The Lightning will be without Kjell Samuelsson for four to six weeks after the veteran defenseman suffered a broken right foot in Friday night’s 2-2 tie with the Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa. . . . Center Saku Koivu of the Montreal Canadiens, sidelined since Oct. 24 because of a pulled abdominal muscle, underwent a bone scan and will begin off-ice training next week. It’s unclear when he will resume playing.