Osgood Is Left Unprotected

Detroit goalie Chris Osgood, made expendable when the Red Wings traded for star goalie Dominik Hasek, was left unprotected Wednesday for the NHL’s waiver draft.

Teams are allowed to protect 18 skaters and two goalies for Friday’s draft. Teams will pick in the reverse order of their finish last season.

Detroit protected Hasek, the six-time Vezina Trophy winner acquired from Buffalo in June, and backup goalie Manny Legace.

The Red Wings didn’t protect Osgood because of his contract, which calls for him to make $7.75 million over the next two seasons. Hasek makes $8 million annually and Legace $500,000.

The New York Rangers did not protect Sylvain Lefebvre, the 33-year-old defenseman who will earn $3.8 million this season. Washington Capital forward Dmitri Khristich also is available, but is scheduled to make $3.25 million this season.

Veteran defenseman Dave Manson of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Steve Duchesne of Detroit also were left unprotected along with forwards Kirk Muller and Benoit Hogue of the Dallas Stars.

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Forward Marian Hossa agreed to a three-year, $8.5-million contract with the Ottawa Senators.

Hossa, 22, had 32 goals and 75 points last season.

“We’re looking forward now to starting the season with all our players signed,” General Manager Marshall Johnston said.

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Center Jeff Halpern re-signed with the Washington Capitals, ending the team’s only holdout of training camp.

Halpern signed a two-year contract, with a team option for a third.

Last season, Halpern had 21 goals and 21 assists.

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New York Ranger defenseman Dale Purinton was suspended for four exhibition games and fined $1,000 by the NHL for trying to injure New York Islander goalie Garth Snow.

Purinton ran into Snow during a brawl in the Islanders’ 4-2 victory Saturday night. Purinton drew 37 penalty minutes and was ejected.

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Forward Steve Kariya, the brother of Duck star Paul Kariya, was one of four players cut by the Vancouver Canucks .... Steve Gainey, the son of Dallas General Manager Bob Gainey, was assigned by the Stars to the Utah Grizzlies of the AHL.