NHL:

The Maple Leafs are the front-runner to host the 2017 Winter Classic for their centennial season at BMO Field in Toronto, ESPN.com reported. The Rangers reportedly are the front-runner to play the Leafs in the Winter Classic. If the Leafs aren’t awarded the game, they likely will host a Stadium Series game later in the season, and a Flyers-Penguins matchup at either Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia or Heinz Field in Pittsburgh likely will be the Winter Classic game. ... Oilers rookie C McDavid practiced with the team Friday for the first time since suffering a fractured clavicle Nov. 3. There’s no timetable for the No. 1 overall draft pick’s return to game action. ... The Islanders placed D Johnny Boychuk on their injured reserve list with an upper-body injury. Boychuk left the Islanders’ victory over the Sabres on Thursday when Sabres rookie C Jack Eichel dodged his late hit, sending him to the boards. He skated off favoring his left arm. The team said a time frame for Boychuk’s return would be determined when he meets with the team’s doctors next week. ... The Panthers gave executive vice president and general manager Dale Tallon, 65, a multiyear extension. Terms of the deal weren’t available, but the Associated Press reported the deal was for three years. The Panthers also named Tom Rowe, the coach of their AHL affiliate in Portland, Me., associate general manager. Scott Allen will take over for Rowe as coach of the AHL team.