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.

Email any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions to illegalcurve@gmail.com

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Chris Simon is (justifiably) upset with the suspension that Chris Pronger received.
2. Marty Brodeur sets a record by recording his 7th 40 win season.
3. Scott Burnside with his thoughts on how to fix the NHL's Justice Dept.
4. The CHL Hot or Not List.
5. Pierre Lebrun notes that there are many deserving candidates for the Jack Adams award.
6. Check out this old clip of Brendan Shanahan.
7. A St. Patrick's Day themed post from Japer's Rink.
8. Scott Mellanby has a simple solution to increase scoring. In my day all it took was some Jag shots and lots of Molson Ice.
9. Would the Pens trade Crosby?
10. Brian Costello discusses the trend of fast tracking young stars to the NHL.
11. Wayne Gretzky thinks AO can score 90.
12. Gary Peterson writes that the playoffs could determine Patrick Marleau's future with the Sharks.
13. Larry Brooks notes that the Rangers are still in danger of missing the playoffs.
14. Jim Matheson's Hockey World article.
15. Interesting post on the Lincoln Star's David Reekie.
16. Is this Jarome Iginla's last shot at the Hart Trophy?
17. Expect to see Sami Lepisto up with the Capitals sooner rather than later.
18. An open letter from Ken Campbell to Chris Pronger.
19. Spector tell us that re-signing Lecavalier is Tampa's top priority.
20. Ken Hitchcock is happy with what Jared Boll brings to the table.
21. Puck that Hit compiles team shooting percentages.
22. Its the 53 year anniversary of the Rocket Richard Riot.
23. Colin Campbell responds to Chris Simon.
24. North Dakota drops out of the #1 position in this week's college hockey rankings.
25. Andre Roy has resumed skating with the Lightning.