Lightning, Walz share mutual interest

The Lightning apparently has asked Wes Walz if he is interested in becoming an assistant coach. The former Wild star on Tuesday did not return a phone call from the Times but told Minneapolis' Star Tribune the job would be enticing.

"I was asked if I'd be interested in a position if it's available, and my answer was, 'I would be,' " Walz, 38, said. "If it makes sense financially and the term is right, I'm very interested."

It was unclear to whom Walz spoke, but the Star Tribune said the retired center is friendly with Len Barrie, one of Tampa Bay's prospective new owners with whom he played from 1991-93 with AHL Hershey.

It is believed Tampa Bay also is interested in Coyotes assistant Rick Tocchet and Sharks scout Cap Raeder as assistants on a staff headed by presumed incoming coach Barry Melrose.

Hall of Fame: Former Red Wings center Igor Larionov and Glenn Anderson, a key part of the Oilers dynasty, were elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame with former linesman Ray Scapinello and junior hockey builder Ed Chynoweth. Larionov won two Olympic gold medals with the Soviet Union and three Stanley Cups with Detroit.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.