Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Canucks to make big off-season changes?

Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis pledged for changes during his press conference on Monday. Nonis called missing the playoffs unacceptable and promised significant changes this summer. He expects to address the scoring issue with either trades or free agent signings. Brochu's take: With nearly $15 million potentially to spend, this should be a busy off-season for the Canucks. If they can trade one of their defenseman like Kevin Bieksa or Alexander Edler for some scoring, they could return to the playoffs. The Carolina Hurricanes were one of the 7-8 teams interested in Edler, and rumours could escalate this summer. Source

The Dallas Stars have re-signed defenseman Nicklas Grossman to a two-year, $1.95 million contract extension.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Grant Clitsome to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Clarkson University product was the Jackets’ 12th pick, 271st overall, in the 2004 Entry Draft. Brochu's take: Clitsome will join Darren Puppa and Ron Tugnutt as the best dirty sounding names in NHL history.

The San Jose Sharks have signed forward Steve Zalewski to an entry-level contract.

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Karel Pilar will leave the organization and play for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in Russia. Pilar spent the majority of the 2007-2008 season with the AHL Chicago Wolves. Source

Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Stanislav Lascek has signed with HKm Zvolen of the Slovak Extraliga. Lascek had been playing with the ECHL Mississippi Sea Wolves. Source

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