The Vancouver Canucks have dipped into the NCAA free agent pool to bolster their forward ranks. The Canucks announced on its web site that the team has signed Lake Superior State University forward Kellan Lain. The 6’6”, 220-pound forward registered 16 points and 111 penalty minutes in 32 games in the CCHA this season. In three [...]

Quick Hits from around the league: Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch reports Jamie Benn won’t be disciplined for the hit on Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Fedor Tyutin late in Monday’s game. The NHL’s top prospects are showcased on TSN as Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie unveils his draft ranking in the 30-minute live special Bob McKenzie’s [...]

Stefan Matteau agreed to a three-year, entry-level deal with the New Jersey Devils, according to the Bergen Record. The team’s 2012 first-round pick can earn $842,000 per year at the NHL level, though it’s expected he’ll play in the QMJHL this year. The 18-year-old had 32 points and 166 penalty minutes in 46 games for the under-18 [...]

The Edmonton Oilers have won the Justin Schultz sweepstakes. Schultz, a top prospect who became an unrestricted free agent when he left school and didn’t sign with the Anaheim Ducks, agreed to terms on an entry-level contract Saturday with the Oliers, the team announced. The 21-year-old defenseman had 16 goals and 44 points for Wisconsin last season, and 40 goals [...]

Tomorrow is the first day of NHL Free Agency. Be sure to follow NHLTR on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on all the latest Free Agent and Trade news. Don’t be surprised if the Florida Panthers make a play for Martin Brodeur if he hits the free agent market. Brodeur has yet to re-sign with the [...]

According to Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer, re-signing Matt Carle is now at the top of the Philadelphia Flyers to-do list. Philadelphia has made it clear they want him back, and Carle hasn’t really hidden the fact that he’d like to return. The problem has been the fact that the Flyers can’t actually re-sign him [...]

Quick Hits from around the NHL: While others may consider Tom Ward the leading coaching candidate to land the Calgary Flames head coaching job, the man himself isn’t necessarily ready to go that far with any sort of predictions. ”I wouldn’t put any mortgages on that. Or any kind of money,” the Calgary Sun quotes the current Abbotsford Heat coach as [...]

Last week the NHL Board of Governors approved the sale of the St. Louis Blues to Tom Stillman, CEO of Summit Distributing. Here are the latest Blue’s news and rumors from around the NHL: The St. Louis Blues may make a huge addition this offseason, and it won’t be via free agency or via trade. Prospect Vladimir Tarasenko, thought [...]

Jack Johnson scored his second goal of the game 1:47 into overtime to give the United States a 5-4 victory over Canada on Saturday in the hockey world championships. Other quick hits from around the league: Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch wonders if Guy Boucher, Alain Vigneault, Joel Quenneville and Todd McLellan will return to their respective [...]

Reports out of Russia indicate Washington Capitals prospect Evgeny Kuznetsov will remain in the KHL for another two years. According to Dmitry Chesnokov, Kuznetsov said he will play for Traktor Chelyabinsk until 2014. The nearly 20-year-old winger reportedly told SovSport he doesn’t feel ready for the NHL yet. The internal pressure on Kuznetsov to stay in Russia is [...]