The offseason is hardly "off" this time of year for the NHL. As the draft and costless agent frenzy draws near, the NHL is arguably as active as it was at any point during the season. Here's a recap of todays news from around the league.
Carolina Hurricanes Hire Bill Peters As The New Head Coach:
It was reported early Thursday evening that the Carolina Hurricanes had finally ended their search for a new head coach. Bill Peters, 48, will take over the reigns and will become the 13th coach in franchise history of the 'Canes. Peters was formally the assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings and before then, coached the Rockford Icehogs in the AHL.
Schedule To Be Announced:
Sabres reporter Paul Hamilton tweeted out that the NHL will announce the home opener for every team this Saturday for the 2014-15 regular season. The whole schedule will be available on Sunday at 4PM.
Bolts Resign Killorn:
The Tampa Bay Lightning resigned forward Alex Killorn to a two year contract worth a little over $5 million. Killorn had 41 points this season with the lightning, his first full NHL season. He was set to be a restricted costless agent on July 1st.
Sens Resign Hoffman:
The Ottawa Senators signed Mike Hoffman to a one year, two way contract. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Hoffman had three goals and six points in 25 games with Ottawa but had 30 goals and 67 points in 51 games for their AHL affiliate in Binghamton.
Two Offers For Spezza:
Senators GM Bryan Murray says he's recieved two serious offers for captain Jason Spezza. According to the Ottawa Sun, these offers may have come from the St. Louis Blue and Anaheim Ducks but this has not been confirmed. Spezza requested a trade from the Senators, the only team he's played for and gave them a list of teams he wouldn't be traded to. Sens GM Murray says the offers will have to appropriate for a player of Spezz'a caliber.
Draft Order:
The NHL released the order of draft picks today. The first group of picks was released a few days ago but the other six rounds were released today. The 2014 NHL Draft will be in Philadelphia from June 27-28.The Stars, Blues, Kings, Islanders and Capitals have the most picks with 9 for each team.
Detroit To Part Ways With Tootoo:
The Detroit Red Wings will use their second compliance buyout on forward Jordin Tootoo.He had one year remaining on his contract. Tootoo spent the majority of the season with Detroit's AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, scoring six goals and finishing with 18 points in 51 games. In his 11 games with Detroit, he registered one assist.
Penguins Meet With MacLean:
The Pittsburgh Penguins interviewed Doug MacLean for their vacant head coach position. He coached the Florida Panthers to the 1996 Stanley Cup Final and the Blue Jackets for two seasons. He became Columbus' GM from 1998-2007.
Ward To Coach German Team:
Boston Bruins assistant coach Geoff Ward resigned to be the coach of the manheim Eagles in Germany's DEL. Ward has been with Boston since the 2007-08 season and has coached in germany twice before.
Pens Close To Hiring New Coach:
The Pittsburgh penguins expect to pick their new head coach soon according to Pens GM Jim Rutherford. Reports indicate their are eight candidates and Rutherford has supposedly made his top choice.
Ducks Not Offering Contracts To Hiller, Koivu And Winnik:
The Anaheim Ducks will not offer contracts to unrestricted costless agents Jonas Hiller, Saku Koivu and Daniel Winnik. Hiller, 32, has been with the Ducks since 2007 and went 29-13-7 this season. Hiller was one of three goaltenders the Ducks used in the playoffs and didn't see as much time as rookies Frederik Anderson and John Gibson did. Koivu has been with the Ducks for five seasons and had 11 goals and 29 points this season. He turns 40 in November. Winnik, 29, six goals and 30 points this season and only one point in the playoffs.
Kings To Take SI Cover:
The newest issue of Sports Illustrated will feature Alex Martinez's double overtime game winner against the Rangers in Game 5, the goal that won the Kings their second Stanley Cup in three years.