The latest NHL rumors for May 3, 2008

According to Metro News, the Tampa Bay Lightning will fire coach John Tortorella and he will become the new head coach of the Ottawa Senators. It is also reporting that Doug Wilson, GM of the San Jose Sharks, is the new man atop the wish list of the Toronto Maple Leafs, along with coach Ron Wilson. Brochu's take: Tortorella's future is still in the air as the new ownership group in Tampa has not been officially accepted by the NHL. As for the Wilsons, at least one of them will be let go if the Sharks are eliminated by the Stars. Source

The Toronto Star star is reporting that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Darcy Tucker will be the first player to have his contract bought out by the team once the period for buyouts opens June 15. Brochu's take: A buyout would be another mistake for the Leafs organization. Tucker is a relatively affordable player that can chip in 25-30 goals, a sort of player that can cost $5 million in the free agent market. Source

The Calgary Flames have signed 2007 NHL entry draft first round pick Mikael Backlund to a three-year, entry-level contract.