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RealGM Hockey Wiretap

Coyotes Sign GM Maloney To Extension

The Coyotes announced today that Executive Vice President and GM Don Maloney has signed a long-term contract extension.

"We are very pleased that Don has agreed to sign a long-term contract extension with the Coyotes," said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. "Since joining the team in 2007, Don has done an outstanding job managing his team and building a competitive roster that has produced on the ice, even given less than ideal circumstances off the ice.  The NHL remains committed to securing the Coyotes' future in Glendale under new ownership, and we believe Don's long-term agreement evidences that he is equally committed."

In six seasons under Maloney’s leadership, the Coyotes have posted an impressive record of 230-172-56 including qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs three times.

Via Press Release


Penguins Beat Senators To Advance To East Finals

Swarming the Senators from the opening faceoff, Pittsburgh roared to a 6-2 win Friday night to take the best-of-seven series 4-1, according to an ESPN.com report.

James Neal picked up his first postseason hat trick as the Penguins capped a five-game onslaught against one of the league's best defensive teams.

Via ESPN.com


Jackets Sign McElhinney, Melart To One-Year Deals

The Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Curtis McElhinney and defenseman Ilari Melart to one-year contracts, according to an ESPN.com report on Friday.

Via ESPN.com



Kings Out Shoot Sharks, Take 3-2 Series Lead

Goaltender Jonathan Quick made 24 saves in his seventh career playoff shutout, and the Kings moved to the brink of their second straight trip to the Western Conference finals with a 3-0 win over the Sharks in Game 5 on Thursday night, according to an ESPN.com report.

Via ESPN.com


Avs Name Patrick Roy New Coach

The Avalanche announced today that the organization has reached an agreement in principle with Patrick Roy to become the franchise’s Head Coach/VP of Hockey Operations.  Due to the Memorial Day weekend, the Avalanche will hold a press conference next week in Denver to formally introduce Roy.

Roy, 47, becomes the sixth head coach in Avalanche history and the 14th in franchise history.  In addition to his head coaching duties, Roy will also work with Executive VP of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic in all player personnel decisions.

“This is a very exciting day for our fans and a significant moment in our organization’s history,” said Avalanche President Josh Kroenke.  “Patrick’s passion for the game of hockey both as a player and as a coach defines who he is as a person.  He is a winner and is coming back to Denver where he created numerous special moments on and off the ice while helping lead us to two Stanley Cup championships.”

Via Press Release


Wings Blank Blackhawks, Take 3-1 Series Lead

The Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.

When Jimmy Howard wasn't using his glove or pads to deny Jonathan Toews, Detroit's skaters were rattling him and his teammates with a physical presence.

"They are getting frustrated," Howard said. "Our guys are doing a great job in front of the net."

Via ESPN.com


Rangers Stay Alive With OT Win

Chris Kreider deftly steered in a pass from Rick Nash 7:03 into overtime, and the Rangers stayed alive in the Stanley Cup playoffs with a 4-3 win over the Bruins on Thursday night, according to an ESPN.com report.

Via ESPN.com


Canucks Fire Coach Vigneault

The Canucks fired coach Alain Vigneault on Wednesday, according to an ESPN.com report.

The team also fired assistants Rick Bowness and Newell Brown.

Vigneault, the Canucks' all-time leader in coaching wins, led the club to six Northwest Division titles, two Presidents' Trophy titles and an appearance in the 2011 Stanley Cup final.

Via ESPN.com


Predators Sign WHL Scoring Leader Brendan Leipsic

Predators President of Hockey Operations/GM David Poile announced today that the club has signed 2012 third-round draft pick Brendan Leipsic to a three-year entry-level contract.

Leipsic, 19, was co-recipient of the 2013 Bob Clarke Trophy as WHL scoring champion after posting 120 points (49g-71a) in 68 games as Portland won the Scotty Munro Trophy as regular-season champions. 

Nashville's fourth choice, 89th overall (third round), in the 2012 Entry Draft has amassed 211 points (93g-118a), 235 penalty minutes, and a +84 rating in 201 games with Portland since 2010.

Via Press Release


Andy Sutton Retires After 15-Year NHL Career

Veteran defenseman Andy Sutton has retired, ending a 15-year NHL career beset by injuries, according to an ESPN.com report on Wednesday.

Sutton played in 676 NHL games, most recently with Edmonton in 2011-12. 

Via ESPN.com