Blog Hits: Will the KHL respect the Treaty of Tartu?

Some news and notes from the Blogs today:

• On the Forecheck:  Hockey blogs in the right place as newspaper sports coverage declines.  Interesting to see how the blogs have filled the void that the newspapers are leaving.  As our recently updated blogroll can attest, there are many quality blogs that will eagerly fill this void.
• From the Rink:  KHL still eyes European expansion.  I could see it moving into Eastern Europe but doubt it would be able to successfully invade (bad term when referencing Russia & Finland) the Finnish and Swedish elite leagues.
• The Hockey News:  Adam Proteau takes a look at the cliche’s that pass for insight both inside and outside the hockey world and breaks that junk down to its nonsensical essence.  While it might not count as a cliché my personal favourite is counting how many times players use “you know” during an interview.
• On Frozen Blog:  It was a special, camp-concluding Saturday out at Kettler Capitals, and little of that had to do with the play on the ice, which was fast-paced and good fun.  Caps bloggers seem to have the best access of all NHL bloggers.  Ted Leonsis acceptance of this new media obviously is the driving force behind this.
• Puck Daddy:  USA Hockey & Joe Thornton take on the NHLPA over Olympic camp policy.  Well if you’ve read IC’s Neil Rockman’s assessment of the Cdn forwards, Joe is going to need that extra skating time to be something more than the 13th forward for Canada.
• Lowetide:  Discusses the positives and negatives associated with Riley Nash.  Biggest problem for guys coming out of the ECAC is that they play the least number of games of all prospects which doesn’t bode well for development.
• Oilersnation:  Who would make the best third line center for the Oilers of the available UFA’s?  I’d go with Manny Malhotra of the four options.  I agree that his price tag might be too high though.
• Die by the Blade:  MacArthur Avoids Arbitration; Sekera Signs Multi-Year Deal.  Darcy Regier has to get a lot done without a lot of money.
• Canes Country:  Nothing New Regarding Ruutu Negotiations.  Both sides are probably eager to get this done before Thursday’s arbitration hearing.  Bet he knows about the Treaty of Tartu.
• Michigan College Hockey:  Twenty home games – including contests against Big Ten rivals Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota – dot the 2009-10 Michigan State hockey schedule.  After last season’s 10 W, 23 L, 5 T season State can only go up!
• Snapshots: Red Wings prospect Justin Abdelakder’s spending summer in school, preparing for his best chance to ‘graduate’ to the NHL.  I really like this kid.  I watched him play live a number of times last season and I thought he has the chance to be a decent impact player for the Wings.