The St. Louis Blues announced today that Davis Payne has been named head coach of the AHL’s Peoria Rivermen, becoming the third bench boss in franchise history. Payne, 37, spent last season as an assistant coach for the Rivermen. Prior to joining Peoria, he spent four seasons as head coach of the ECHL's Alaska Aces, leading them to the 2006 Kelly Cup championship.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, parent club of the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, announced today the signings of defenseman T.J. Kemp and left wing Adam Henrich. Kemp, a 2007 AHL All-Star, posted 46 points (8-38-46) in 73 games for the Springfield Falcons last season, while Henrich collected 31 points (14-17-31) in 43 games for the Norfolk Admirals.

The New York Islanders, parent club of the AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers, have announced the signing of defenseman Joe Callahan to a one-year, two-way contract. Callahan spent 2007-08 with the AHL’s Portland Pirates, totaling 24 points (1-23-24) in 65 regular-season games. He led all Pirates defensemen with 12 playoff points (1-11-12) en route to the conference finals.

The Anaheim Ducks, parent club of the AHL’s franchise in Des Moines, Iowa, have announced the signing of goaltender David LeNeveu to a one-year contract. LeNeveu, 25, appeared in 34 games in 2007-08 with San Antonio and Hartford of the American Hockey League, posting a 17-10-5 record with a 2.33 goals-against average (GAA) and .916 save percentage.