Quick Hits from around the league: Last week, we mentioned Wayne Gretzky talking to the Toronto Maple Leafs about joining the team. Gretzky is flattered and humbled anytime his name comes up in conversations for executive jobs around the NHL, but he hasn’t had substantive conversations with any franchise about future employment, and he isn’t [...]

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 [...]

Justin Schultz reportedly will decide on Saturday which team he’ll sign with. According to a tweet from TSN’s Bob McKenzie, “Free agent defenceman Justin Schultz will decide tomorrow where he’s signing.” He cannot actually put his name on a contract until Sunday, when free agency begins. TSN’s Darren Dreger reported Friday that the Edmonton Oilers, one of the teams [...]

TSN.ca reports that Commissioner Gary Bettman says the NHL is close to beginning labor talks with the NHL Players Association on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. “The goal obviously is to reach a Collective Bargaining Agreement that can take the game and the business to even higher levels that have been reached over the past [...]

ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun outlines how some intense lobbying from the New York Rangers may possibly change Gretzky’s mind: “The New York Rangers have lobbied Wayne Gretzky (The Great One) in the form of veteran GM Glen Sather, Gretzky’s old boss from their Edmonton Oilers days. Glen called and we talked for 45 minutes,” Gretzky told ESPN.com on Wednesday night. “I really respect [...]