Western conference. (NHL).

CONFERENCE CONVERSATIONS: Since the Avalanche moved to Denver in 1995, it hasn't signed a big-name unrestricted free agent in the offseason (other than its own). The Avs have acquired plenty of big names in recent years, but always through trades, which has thinned their huge pile of prospects. That approach could change this summer. The Avs are likely to make a pitch for free-agent RW Bill Guerin, who was rumored at the trading deadline to be heading to Denver in a deal that would have sent C Chris Drury to Boston. The Avalanche, mindful of the impact hired guns Luc Robitaille and Brett Hull had with the Red Wings, could use a big forward capable of scoring goals from in front of the net. If Guerin's price is too steep, the Avs would turn their attention to Devils C Bobby Holik.... The Canucks almost are certain to lose veteran C Andrew Cassels in the free-agent market. Coming off a contract worth $3.2 million, Cassels carries too high a price for the Canucks to keep him.... If Stars G Marty Turco improves next season, Andy Moog will deserve credit. The Stars hired their former goalie--he played in Dallas for four seasons near the end of his career--to serve as goaltender coach for the next three years.... Another former Stars player, Guy Carbonneau, is back as special assistant to G.M. Doug Armstrong. It was a good move by the Stars. Carbonneau is a calming presence among the veteran players and has a sharp business ...