Here are the morning papers for Friday the 22nd of August:
- With the departures of Darcy Tucker, and most likely Bryan McCabe and Mats Sundin, more responsibilities will fall on the shoulders of Alexander Steen and Matt Stajan, writes Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun. While Steen and Stajan prepare to welcome their new teammates, off-season signing Jeff Finger is in awe of the fan attention that the Leafs receive on a daily basis.
- As Curtis Zupke tells us, the Ducks have reached their 14,000 season ticket plateau for 2008/09.
- The Bruins have hired Rob Murray to coach the team’s AHL affiliate in Providence.
- Apparently Stefan Legein’s agent believes the youngster will play hockey again.
- With the Red Wings currently offering Darren McCarty a two-way contract, it appears McCarty’s agent is looking around the league for a one-way contract offers, writes Dave Dye of the Detroit News. Meanwhile, Mikael Samuelsson had his time with the Cup back in Sweden.
- The Predators, clearly fed up with the Alexander Radulov situation, have set a deadline of September 1st for the youngster to make up his mind on where he is playing next season.
- The Rangers will be raising three jerseys to the rafters next season, writes Steve Zipay of Newsday.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.