On the Los Angeles Kings …
John Hoven: The Los Angeles Kings were trying hard to sign college free agent defenseman Neal Pionk (signing with the Rangers).
John Hoven: Spencer Foo is the last of the four college free agents the Kings were looking at.
On the Florida Panthers …
Pierre LeBrun: The Panthers have received permission from the San Jose Sharks to speak with Bob Boughner about their vacant head coaching position.
Pierre LeBrun: Wouldn’t be a surprise if the Panthers are wanting to speak with some potential candidates who are with teams that are still in the playoffs.
Eric Engels: Can confirm that Michel Therrien was interviewed by the Panthers. Don’t know if would put Therrien at the top of GM Dale Tallon‘s list, but he’s on it.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula said on the weekend that they are getting close to naming a new GM.
“We’re close on the Sabres to having a final answer,” owner Terry Pegula said Sunday.
General Manager candidates include: Jason Botterill of Pittsburgh, Craig Conroy of Calgary, Paul Fenton of Nashville, Tom Fitzgerald of New Jersey, Mike Futa of Los Angeles, Bill Guerin of Pittsburgh and Bill Zito of Columbus.
Darren Dreger: There has been speculation around the Sabres GM search. The job has not been offered to anyone yet, and has been told that the process is still ongoing. It could end this week though.
Eric Francis: Have learned that Calgary Flames assistant GM Craig Conroy has interviewed with the Sabres for the GM position on Monday.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Darren Dreger: It may not be related to the Sabres, but have heard that the Lightning have given assistant GM Pat Verbeek permission to speak with other teams.