Nonis to be new GM of Toronto?

The latest NHL and hockey rumors for May 8, 2008:

The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired coach Paul Maurice. The Leafs also let assistant coach Randy Ladouceur go. It's been rumoured that the Leafs have asked the Vancouver Canucks permission to speak with fired GM Dave Nonis. Brochu's take: Maurice's firing wasn't a surprise, except that it came two months later than expected. The rumors of Nonis and Brian Burke working together again in Toronto should keep the papers in Ontario busy.

There are rumors that the Edmonton Oilers are about to sign goaltender Bryan Pitton, are and are keeping an eye on forward Owen Chatwin of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Camrose Kodiaks. Source

The New York Islanders have signed forward Robin Figren to a three-year, entry level contract. Figren will spend the 2008-09 season with Djurgardens of the Swedish Elite League before returning to North American to complete the last two years of the contract. Source

The Buffalo Sabres have signed forward Felix Schutz to a three-year, entry-level contract. Buffalo’s fourth-round pick in the 2006 NHL draft, Schutz was the German Elite League’s rookie of the year this past season after scoring 25 points (12 goals and 13 assists) in 46 games for ERC Ingolstadt. Source

According to European television station "TSI", Minnesota Wild defenseman Petteri Nummelin has signed a three-year contract with HC Lugano. Source

Anaheim Ducks trade watch, Tampa/Dallas blockbuster?

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Dallas Stars have been looking for a superstar talent and they have targeted Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning are looking for quality goaltending, and there are rumors that Marty Turco could go the other way.

The Anaheim Ducks trade watch continues. Sportsnet's Hockeycentral panel is reporting that the Chicago Blackhawks have been kicking the tires on acquiring Mathieu Schneider. Also, the Ducks could free salary cap space by shipping Andy McDonald to another team, possibly to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In other Ducks news, could there be a deal between the Ducks and Atlanta Thrashers? GM and coach Don Waddell and Anaheim GM Brian Burke are friends, and the Thrashers need another defenseman. "Brian is one of the guys I talk to most in the league about many things," Waddell said. "They're just another team that we continue to talk to. At this point we're happy with our group." Waddell indicated that any trades would likely involve prospects or draft picks, which are a commodity in the salary-cap era. Source

The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting that the Minnesota Wild could trade one of their defenseman to solve their roster issues. Keith Carney, Kurtis Foster and Petteri Nummelin could become trade bait for teams looking for blueline depth. Source

Trade winds blowing in Minnesota

GM Doug Risebrough of the Minnesota Wild is not happy about his team, who have lost 9 of the last 13 games. Risebrough wants his team to play a grittier style, which explains his move yesterday. The Wild claimed Todd Fedoruk on re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars on Thursday, picking up half his salary in the process. In an interview with Star Tribune reporter Michael Russo, assistant GM Tom Lynn said, "The general manager is not happy where we are right now, so he’s made this move (Fedoruk). Some guys will have to step up or there will be other moves.” Source

In other Wild news, Swiss newspaper "Blick" is claiming that Petteri Nummelin has already signed a contract with HC Lugano for next season, and the only question is if he will join the team in the January transfer period. Source

The Washington Capitals have fired head coach Glen Hanlon. Bruce Boudreau, the head coach of Washington's AHL affilate Hershey Bears, has been named the team's interim head coach.

Several sources in Sweden have speculated that Teemu Selanne may be signing with Leksands IF in Sweden. Selänne has been apparently spotted in Leksand, where Ed Belfour is currently playing. Source

Poll Results:

Do you think Peter Forsberg will retire?

Yes	55 (60%)
No	18 (19%)
Don't Care	18 (19%)

Total Votes: 91