Alyn McCauley joins Queen’s U staff

Alyn McCauley always thought he’d become an accountant when his days as an NHL player came to an end.

But now that a series of knee injuries have forced him into retirement at age 31, McCauley isn’t quite ready to say goodbye to the game entirely.

Foot surgery sidelines Whitney 3-5 mos.

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Ryan Whitney will be out three to five months following surgery to correct a chronic problem with his left foot.

The team didn’t describe the nature of the problem in a statement released Saturday. Whitney told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review his left foot is misaligned and that attempts to correct it with orthopedic inserts in his skates didn’t work.

Leafs set to trade McCabe to Panthers

Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos has learned that the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers have a deal in principle to trade defenceman Bryan McCabe.

Sources say that as part of the deal, the Leafs would get Panthers defenceman Mike Van Ryn.

Rpt: McCabe waives no-trade clause

Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos has learned that Toronto Maple Leafs defencman Bryan McCabe has reportedly waived his no-trade clause and may be headed to the Florida Panthers.

There are several teams reportedly interested in the much-maligned Leafs’ blue liner. However, sources in South Beach, Florida tell Sportsnet that the Panthers are interested in McCabe because reports indicate that defenceman Jay Bouwmeester is not interested in signing an extension with the Panthers.

Isles introduce rookie coach Gordon

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Scott Gordon faced a probing question in the time between accepting the job as head coach of the New York Islanders and his introductory news conference.

It didn’t come from a reporter and it wasn’t posed by general manager Garth Snow. No, the insightful inquiry was made by wife Jennifer — a ballet instructor.

AHL’s Gordon named Islanders coach

NEW YORK — The New York Islanders hired Scott Gordon, the AHL coach of the year, on Tuesday night to replace dismissed head coach Ted Nolan.

Gordon emerged as the choice of general manager Garth Snow after an extensive search following Nolan’s departure on July 14. He agreed to a multi-year deal with the team.

Hull headlines ’08 class for U.S. HHOF

EVELETH, Minn. — Brett Hull and longtime New York Rangers Brian Leetch and Mike Richter are members of the 2008 class of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

The four-member group announced Tuesday also includes Cammi Granato, the all-time scoring leader for the U.S. women’s hockey team with 343 points in 205 games.

Doughty inks entry-level deal with Kings

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on three-year entry-level contract with defenceman Drew Doughty, the club’s first-round pick in the 2008 entry draft.

Still no slip of the tongue from Sundin

Mats Sundin may have been showing flashes of brilliance on the golf course in his native Sweden, but the veteran centre showed no signs of making a decision on his playing future in the National Hockey League.

In an exclusive interview with Sportsnet while playing at a golf tournament hosted by Peter Forsberg in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, Sundin once again refused to confirm whether he will retire or return for an 18th NHL season.

“I haven’t decided yet,” Sundin said. “I think sometime in August I hope to come to a conclusion on what I’m going to do — if I’m going to play or not this year.”

Sabres sign defenceman Numminen

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Sabres are convinced Teppo Numminen has the heart and ability to play at least one more season after re-signing the veteran defenceman to a one-year, US$1.1-million contract Friday.