National Sports

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Jets have signed defenceman Sami Niku to a two-year contract with an average annual value of US$725,000. The 24-year-old Finn played 17 games for the Jets last season and had five assists and 12 penalty minutes.

BELLINZONA, Switzerland — A former high-ranking FIFA official was convicted Friday in a corruption case in Switzerland, while the president of Paris Saint-Germain was acquitted.

David Hearn, like everyone, has been deeply effected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hearn, from Burlington, Ont., is on the PGA Tour's players committee and had to review the pro golf circuit's return-to-play plan in the spring.

CHICAGO — Tony La Russa didn't envision returning to the dugout when he stood at the podium in Cooperstown six years ago and took his place alongside baseball's greats. That started to change the past few seasons.

The number of young swimmers in Canada is dwindling because of barriers posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NHL on Thursday cleared Dale Tallon of any wrongdoing after an independent investigation found it could not substantiate claims he made inappropriate racial, religious and ethnic comments as general manager of the Florida Panthers.

Brad Gushue experienced mixed emotions as he prepared to throw practice stones for the first time this season.

CALGARY — The Canadian junior hockey team will play the waiting game with Alexis Lafreniere and the New York Rangers after learning Thursday that another NHLer will join the squad for selection camp.

VIENNA — Vancouver's Vasek Pospisil was eliminated from the Erste Bank Open indoor hardcourt tennis tournament on Thursday after a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 loss to fourth seed Daniil Medvedev.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Arizona Coyotes renounced their rights Thursday to their top 2020 draft pick after saying they learned more about his bullying of a Black classmate with developmental disabilities four years ago.