NHL rumor update for April 23, 2008

Various sources have confirmed that Mike Gillis will be announced on Wednesday as the new GM of the Vancouver Canucks. Gillis has been rumoured as the frontrunner for the job since Dave Nonis was fired. Brochu's take: Gillis has been living in Vancouver for some time and has allegedly given advice to owner Francesco Aquilini. It would seem Gillis was the person Aquilini had in mind all along. This becomes really interesting, as Gillis is the (now former) agent of captain and UFA Markus Naslund. Source

Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz and his staff received contract extensions after an unexpected fourth straight trip to the playoffs in what began as a shaky season. The extensions for Trotz, associate coach Brent Peterson, assistant coach Peter Horachek and goaltending coach Mitch Korn were announced Tuesday by David Poile, Nashville's president of hockey operations and GM. Source

Doug MacLean is interested in the Florida Panthers head coach job. MacLean lead the Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final in 1996. Source

Rumors continue to swirl about Brian Burke's future with the Anaheim Ducks. In a press conference on Tuesday, Burke confirmed that he has not been approached by any NHL team about a GM job. However, sources are saying that the Toronto Maple Leafs are prepared to offer a 5-year, $25 million contract.

The Los Angeles Kings have signed their 2007 NHL entry draft pick Oscar Moller to a three-year, entry-level contract. Brochu's take: Moller dominated the WHL and could make his Kings debut next season. Source

The New York Islanders have signed forward Tomas Marcinko to a three-year, entry-level contract.

Poll Results:

Who will win the Western Conference?

Detroit	36 (18%)
San Jose	72 (37%)
Minnesota	5 (2%)
Anaheim	9 (4%)
Dallas	27 (14%)
Colorado	19 (9%)
Calgary	18 (9%)
Nashville	5 (2%)

Total Votes: 191

Thanks to everyone who voted in the polls!