NHL and hockey rumors for May 29, 2008

According to TSN, Doug Armstrong is about to join the St. Louis Blues front office. Armstrong is believed to have cancelled an interview with the Toronto Maple Leafs to accept a position with the Blues. It's believed he will take over the GM duties once incumbent GM Larry Pleau finishes his contract. Brochu's take: The more the Leafs drag their feet about their GM job, the more quickly candidates are snapped up. Maybe Richard Peddie should spend more time looking for a GM than looking to buy a soccer team. Source

Mats Sundin has revealed that he "has a lot of options" this summer. It was believed that he would only play for the Leafs or retire, but has has opened the door with his comments. Brochu's take: And the Toronto media jumped on this like a hungry dog on a steak. Source

Marty York of Metro News is reporting a rumor that the Edmonton Oilers are shopping forward Raffi Torres for a defenseman. Source

The Edmonton Journal is reporting that forward Geoff Sanderson will not be returning to the Oilers next season. Source

The Florida Panthers have signed forward Michael Frolik to a three-year, entry-level contract. Frolik was the Panther's first round pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Source

The Panthers have also signed defenseman Michael Caruso to an entry-level contract.

The Dallas Stars have signed defenseman Trevor Daley to a three-year, $6.9 million contract extension. Source

Brochu's European rumor roundup:

St. Louis Blues goalie Hannu Toivonen has signed with Ilves of the SM-Liiga in Finland. Brochu's take: Maybe he can get his game back in Finland. He's still a young goalie with a lot of potential. Source

Washington Capitals goalie Frederic Cassivi has officially signed with Nurnberg/Sinupret Ice Tigers of the DEL in Germany. Source

St. Louis Blues forward Martin Kariya has joined SCL Tigers of the DEL for the 2008-2009 season.

European rumor update

Here's the latest version of Brochu's European rumor roundup:

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Andrei Zyuzin has signed with SKA St. Petersburg for the 2008-2009 season. Source

Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Ryno will play for AIK in Sweden for the 2008-2009 season. Source

The New Jersey Devils have agreed to a contract with Finnish free agent Anssi Salmela. Salmela played for Team Finland at the 2008 IIHF World Championship. Source

There are rumors that Washington Capitals goalie Frederic Cassivi could be signing a deal with Nurnberg/Sinupret Ice Tigers of the DEL in Germany.

Forward Marek Kvapil has left the Tampa Bay Lightning organization and will play for HC Vitkovice of the Czech Extraliga. Source

Defenseman Martin Lojek has left the Florida Panthers organization and will play for HC Trinec of the Czech Extraliga. Source

Poll Results:

Which team will get their new coach first?

Sharks	23 (26%)
Maple Leafs	7 (7%)
Avalanche	19 (21%)
Panthers	4 (4%)
Senators	23 (26%)
Thrashers	5 (5%)
Other	7 (7%)

Total Votes: 88

Thanks to everyone who voted!