With time ticking away until the start of the season, signings in the AHL are becoming slim. A few head coaches were hired this past week and the AHL released its schedule. Here’s an update from around the AHL.

Penguins Name Bylsma Head Coach

The Pittsburgh Penguins, in conjunction with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, announced Monday that Dan Bylsma has been named the fifth coach in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton history. Bylsma replaces Todd Richards, who accepted an assistant coaching position with the San Jose Sharks.

Bylsma spent the past two seasons serving as an assistant under Richards. Before joining the Penguins in 2006, Bylsma served as an assistant with the AHL’s Cincinnati Might Ducks (2004-05) and the NHL’s New York Islanders (2005-06).

He enjoyed a 12-year playing career with the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks. Bylsma appeared in 429 career NHL games and 95 career AHL games with Cincinnati, Lowell, Springfield, Albany, Moncton and Rochester. He retired from playing following the 2003-04 season.

Dineen Staying in Portland

The Portland Pirates announced Tuesday that Kevin Dineen will return to the bench for a fourth consecutive season. Dineen was hired by the Buffalo Sabres, the new affiliate of the Pirates; Portland was previously affiliated with Anaheim.

Dineen led the Pirates to two Eastern Conference finals appearances and a record of 135-89-16. Before entering the coaching ranks, Dineen spent 18 years as a player in the NHL. He scored 355 goals and 405 assists in 1,188 games with Columbus, Ottawa, Carolina/Hartford and Philadelphia. He retired as a player on November 5, 2002.

Canadiens Sign Anderson

The Montreal Canadiens, parent club of the Hamilton Bulldogs, announced Wednesday the signing of defensemen Chad Anderson to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2008-09 season.

Anderson, 26, spent the 2007-08 season with the Philadelphia Phantoms. In 55 games, Anderson registered two goals and 11 assists. He added a pair of assists in 12 Calder Cup playoff games for the Phantoms.

Phantoms Hire Paddock

The Philadelphia Flyers, parent club of the Philadelphia Phantoms, announced Thursday the addition of John Paddock as head coach of the Phantoms. Craig Berube, who served as Phantoms head coach last season, will be re-joining the Flyers as an assistant coach.

Paddock joins the Phantoms after coaching the Ottawa Senators for 64 games in 2007-08; he was fired on February 27. Paddock has coached in the AHL before with the Maine Mariners, Hershey Bears, Binghamton Rangers, Hartford Wolf Pack and Binghamton Senators.

AHL Releases Schedule

The American Hockey League released its schedule for its 73rd season. The season will open on October 8 when the Hershey Bears visit the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and conclude on April 12.

To view the AHL schedule, Click Here.

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