What happened: Former Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr. has died at the age of 87, the team announced Wednesday. Gillett purchased the franchise in 2001 and operated the club until selling it back to the Molson family in 2009.

Why it matters: The American businessman's extensive sports ownership portfolio also included stakes in Liverpool F.C., the Miami Dolphins and the Harlem Globetrotters. He was widely recognized for his immersion in the Montreal community during his tenure with the Canadiens.

What to watch: The club opened its training camp on Wednesday as the team prepares for the 2025-26 NHL season.