NHL-National Hockey League roundup

July 27 (The Sports Xchange) - The New York Rangers and restricted free agent center Derek Stepan avoided an arbitration hearing Monday when they agreed to terms on a multiyear contract. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the New York Daily News reported the deal is for six years and worth $39 million for an average annual value of $6.5 million. Stepan was seeking a $7.25 million, one-year contract prior to the settlement and the Rangers were offering $5.2 million for one year, Sportsnet reported Saturday. Stepan had an average annual value of $3.075 million in the two-year contract he signed in 2013. Stepan, 25, registered 55 points (16 goals, 39 assists), along with a plus-26 rating and 22 penalty minutes in 68 games with the Rangers last season. - - - The Nashville Predators signed restricted free agent Colin Wilson to a four-year, $15.75 million contract to avoid arbitration. Wilson will be paid $3.75 million in 2015-16, and $4 million in 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 for an average annual value of $3.9375 million. Wilson, 25, set career highs in goals (20) and points (42), while tying a personal best in assists (22) in 2014-15. - - - The Buffalo Sabres named Russ Brandon as president after former president Ted Black and the team "mutually agreed to part ways." Brandon, also named alternate governor for the Sabres, will continue as managing partner/president of the Buffalo Bills. Brandon will oversee all aspects of the business operations for both the Sabres and Bills organizations and report directly to owners Terry and Kim Pegula. - - - The Colorado Avalanche signed forward Joey Hishon to a one-year contract. Hishon, who was a restricted free agent, appeared in 13 games for the Avalanche last season, tallying one goal and one assist. (Editing by Andrew Both)