If one thing was for certain when the NHL announced it would mobilize an international tournament on its own ice, it's that the league would at some point clash with the Russian Hockey Federation.

Well, here we are.

In response to an ESPN report Friday morning that suggested the NHL would work to block former Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov from participating in the showcase event, Russian coach Oleg Znarok has fired back.

Znarok stated, as translated by Russian reporter Igor Eronko and retrieved by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman:

"Only we, I mean our coaching staff and Hockey Russia, can determine who's going to play and who's not. World Cup is an international tournament, it's not just (the NHL's). So I don't think there should be any questions regarding Voynov."

Voynov received an indefinite suspension from the NHL in October 2014 after he was arrested on domestic violence charges. He returned to Russia after serving a 90-day jail sentence, and played 23 games for SKA St. Petersburg this past season.

He was one of seven Russian players added to the World Cup final roster.

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After a roller coaster of a season, it appears Jonathan Drouin is part of the Tampa Bay Lightning's long-term plans after all.

Speaking with the media Friday following his team's Game 7 loss, general manager Steve Yzerman said there was "no reason to believe" the 21-year-old forward would not be back with the Lightning next season, according to WFLA's Paul Ryan.

After a difficult regular season that saw him demoted to the AHL and subsequently suspended for failing to report to his new team in January, the young winger redeemed himself when injuries saw him return to Tampa in time for the playoffs, where he recorded 14 points in 17 games.

"He's obviously skilled. He played hard, he competed hard (in the playoffs). He makes us a better team," Yzerman said.

The third overall pick in 2013, Drouin has 42 points in 91 career regular-season games, but after his impressive playoffs, there's optimism for a full season's worth of production.

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Let the free-agent frenzy begin.

Following the elimination of the Tampa Bay Lightning from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, attention has quickly turned to Steven Stamkos, who's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

On the cover of an upcoming issue of The Hockey News, the superstar forward - who'll be the hottest commodity on the open market if he doesn't re-sign with the Lightning - is depicted wearing the jersey of several potential suitors.

The field of teams will include the six clubs, but isn't limited to them.

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The Detroit Red Wings and center Tomas Nosek have agreed to a two-year contract extension.

The deal is reportedly worth $1.225 million over the two years.

The undrafted 23-year-old has made six career appearances with the Red Wings and is still searching for his first NHL point.

In 125 games at the AHL level, Nosek has recorded 26 goals and 38 assists.

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After a disappointing first-round playoff exit, the Los Angeles Kings may be looking to shake up their leadership group.

Dustin Brown has reportedly been told he will no longer wear the "C," according to TSN's Frank Seravalli, with the team wanting to go in a "different direction" with their captaincy.

The 31-year-old forward was named captain of the Kings in 2008 and helped lead his team to the franchise's first two Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014. His leadership was commended after his second Cup win, as he received the Mark Messier Leadership Award for that season.

Brown's play has been in decline recently, failing to hit the 30-point mark for the fourth straight season after a five-year run of recording no less than 53 points.

Though he is no longer captain, Brown is still under contract with the Kings until 2022, and is still owed over $35 million ($5.875 million per year) over that time.

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The New Jersey Devils signed defenseman Yohann Auvitu to a one-year entry-level contract, general manager Ray Shero announced Friday.

TSN's Darren Dreger reported earlier this month that at least five NHL teams were interested in the 26-year-old's services. Last season, Auvitu was named the best defenseman in Finland's SM-Liiga, after recording 21 points and a plus-22 rating in 48 games.

The blue-liner recently represented France at the IIHF World Championship, where he had three assists in seven games.

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