Markus Naslund to Scout For Leafs? Hansen Offered a Contract; Cullen to 'Hawks

Maple Leafs Hot Stove is reporting that a source is telling them that the Toronto Maple Leafs are set to hire Canuck great Markus Naslund to be their European scout.

While it's not completely shocking that Markus Naslund has chosen to continue his involvement in hockey by becoming a scout, but choosing to work for another organization other than the Canucks is a surprise, considering that Mike Gillis hinted that Naslund's No. 19 could be raised to the rafters this upcoming season. Furthermore, as everybody knows Gillis is Naslund's friend and former agent.

But at the same time, maybe we should not be overly shocked since Naslund's former general managers Brian Burke and Dave Nonis are in Toronto.

Naslund, 35, retired after the 2008-09 season after he collected only 46 points in his one-year stint with the New York Rangers. He spent parts of twelve seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, serving captain from the 2000-01 season to the 2007-08 season, and is the franchise leader in goals, points, powerplay goals, and shots.

JANNIK HANSEN OFFERED A CONTRACT

A Danish website is reporting negotiations for a new contract between the Canucks and restricted free agent forward Jannik Hansen are on-going and the Canucks have offered a two-way contract to him. But Hansen and his camp are seeking a one-way contract.

Hansen, 23, was the Canucks' 9th round pick, 287th overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in the midst of the Canucks playoff run in 2007 and would spend the 2007-08 season primarily in the minors before earning him a NHL job this past season.

Hansen started on an effective third line with Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows before playing himself off the line on to the fourth line then a healthy scratch.

He did not have arbitration rights.

MARK CULLEN SIGNS WITH CHICAGO

The Manitoba Moose lost another player off their Calder Cup appearing team as centre Mark Cullen has signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. This is Cullen's second tour of duty with the Chicago organization, having spent the 2005-06 there