Empty Netter Assists - 07-09-12
Penguins
-Happy 85th birthday to former Penguins coach and general manager Leonard "Red" Kelly (right). A member of the Hockey Hall of Fame for his playing days with the Red Wings and Maple Leafs, Kelly was hired as the Penguins' coach in the 1969 offseason. His first campaign (1969-70) with the Penguins saw the team go 26-38-12 and reach the postseason for the first time in franchise history. In 1970-71, the Penguins went 21-37-20 and missed the playoffs but were able to rebound in 1971-72 with a 26-28-14 record and a second playoff appearance. After going 17-19-6 in 1972-73, he was replaced midway through the season by former player Ken Schinkel. During his tenure as head coach, he also assumed the position of general manager from the 1970 offseason until midway through 1971-72. As general manager, he pulled off one of the best trades in franchise history when he acquired future all-star Syl Apps, Jr. - one of the best players in franchise history - and serviceable Sheldon Kannegiesser from the Rangers in exchange for third-liner Glen Sather. In 274 games as the Penguins' coach, Kelly had a record of 90-132-52. His 90 wins are sixth-most in franchise history. As a player, Kelly holds the distinction of having won the most Stanley Cup titles (eight) in NHL history without having played for the Canadiens.
Northeast Division
-The Maple Leafs are considering trying to move new forward James van Riemsdyk from wing to center.
Central Division
-The Red Wings hired recently retired captain Nicklas Lidstrom (right) as a scout.
-What is Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash worth in terms of a trade?
Pacific Division
-The Devils hired Hall-of-Fame Canadiens/Kings defenseman and ex-Devils head coach Larry Robinson as an associate coach. Robinson spent the past five seasons as a coach at various levels with the Devils.
-The Stars signed forward Radek Faksa, their first-round pick at last month's draft, to a three-year entry-level contract.
-Coyotes captain Shane Doan, an unrestricted free agent, is expected to start considering offers tomorrow after a potential referendum in the city of Glendale, Ariz. could impact the team's ownership situation.
(Photos: Kelly-Dennis Brodeur/Getty Images; Lidstrom-Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)