NHL Morning Papers: The Non-Conference Finals Teams

Here are the Eastern Conference morning papers for the teams that are not currently participating in the playoffs:

Southeast Division:

• Former Thrasher Scott Mellanby has been hired by the Canucks, writes Craig Custance.

Atlantic Division:

• Katie Strang of Newsday previews the Islanders' draft strategy.

Northeast Division:

• Hal Gill is happy with his new team in Pittsburgh, writes Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star. It appears the Leafs are going to offer their assistant GM post to Dave Nonis. Apparently the Leafs are not the only team talking to Nonis about a front-office position.
• In Ottawa, Bryan Murray wants to have his new head coach in place by the entry draft.
• Chuck Kobasew is extremely happy in Boston, writes Fluto Shinwaza.

Here are the Western Conference morning papers for the teams that are not currently participating in the playoffs:

Northwest Division:

• The Oilers have signed prospect Bryan Pitton to an entry-level contract.
• Markus Naslund is an impending UFA, however, he is still keeping a watchful eye on the Canucks and their organizational decisions. In management news, Scott Mellanby is the newest member of Canucks management.
• New Wild owner Craig Leipold is not worried about Doug Risebrough leaving Minnesota.

Central Division:

• The Predators and Martin Erat have re-arranged their seven year contract to conform to NHL rules.
• The Blues have a great young core moving forward, writes Jeremy Rutherford. Meantime, Dave Nonis is being courted by Blues management.

Pacific Division:

• Here is an interview with Kings forward Matt Moulson.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

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