Vernon Stays Free Agent

Detroit goalie Mike Vernon will remain an unrestricted free agent after an arbitrator ruled that the Red Wings’ final contract offer to Vernon was not accepted.

Vernon, who helped the Red Wings to the NHL’s best record and to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in 29 years last season, said he agreed to a two-year, $5.45-million contract with the Wings on June 30.

The Wings said they pulled that offer off the table before Vernon accepted it.

The Red Wings selected attorney William Evo, a former player agent and one-time World Hockey Association player, as club president.

Edmonton defenseman Ryan McGill retired after he was declared legally blind in his left eye five months after he was hit by a puck.