News Wrapup for 5/6

I should really do these things during the day but here is yesterday's news:

The big Sabres news was the signing of Nathan Gerbe. The 5'5 forward from Boston College became a phenom during his amazing Frozen Four. He has since tried out for Team USA in the Worlds and now has decided to opt out of his final season at BC to go pro. He will be paid the rookie maximum of $850,000 if he makes the Sabres. Here is the wrapup from the News.

The AHL was set to vote on the change in ownership of the Rochester Americans and subsequently Rochester Knighthawks. Curt Styres is set to become majority owner of both teams by holding a 60 percent share which he acquired from Walter Turek and Randall Latona. While this is a step in the right direction, Steve Donner is still the other part owner, though it is not known whether he is going to continue with day-to-day operations. Here is the article from the Democrat and Chronicle.

Pavol Demitra has most likely decided to leave the Minnesota Wild since he is a pending UFA this season. He visited Vancouver yesterday and scoped out the organization and the city. New Canucks GM Dave Nonis was Demitra'a agent before signing on with the Canucks. Article from the Star Tribune

The Florida Panthers resigned Wade Belak yesterday. This is a head scratcher to me because Belak I thought was nothing more than a pain in the ass for the Panthers after he was traded there from the Leafs. Apparently, the two parties have reconciled their differences. Article from the Palm Beach Post.

The Predators set an attendance goal of 15,000 for next season after reaching the 13,500 mark for this season. After the Predators went on a save our team campaign last season, the team is still showing signs of not being able to hold their fanbase. While the attendance increased in the latter half of the season, it needs to continue whether the team is going to excel or not. Only time will tell if the Predators and new ownership are going to make a lasting relationship in Nashville. Article from the Tennessean.

Good article from the Phil Sheridan and the Philadelphia Inquirer about Danny Briere's training habits with a World's Strongest Man. Article

Great post from the guys over at Bfloblog about the Bucky Gleason article from Sunday about the Flyers. You can reference their comments here and my comments here.

Article from the San Jose Mercury News on whether Ron Wilson should stay with the Sharks after another early exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. For what its worth, Wilson has won the most games since 2003 but the Sharks just cannot seem to get over that hump. Something needs to change there, whether its going to be the coach or the style the players play.

Top Swedish free agent Fabian Brunnstrom has narrowed down his search to four teams according to the Toronto Star. These teams include the Leafs, Canadiens, Red Wings, and Stars. Is it any shock that a top prospect would only want to sign with the best?