Here are the morning papers for Thursday the 2nd of October:
- Lots of people don’t realize how good former Flames forward Hakan Loob used to be, writes George Johnson. Meanwhile, current Flames forward David Moss is having a very strong training camp.
- Jim Balsillie is interested in Boots Del Biaggio’s share of the Predators. As for the Alexander Radulov ruling from the IIHL, John Glennon of the Tennssean explains that it doesn’t have any teeth.
- Marek Svatos is hoping the 2008/09 season will finally be injury-free. The Avalanche don’t lack for young talent, as the team is hoping big David Jones can improve on his solid play from last season.
- The Oilers made nine roster moves on Wednesday, writes Joanne Ireland. Still around at camp is newcomer Steve MacIntyre who was picked up this week and is a known AHL enforcer. Everyone knows it’s pre-season, but the Oilers sure haven’t looked very good, writes Robert Tychkowski.
- James Sheppard is entering his second season with the Wild and is starting to act like himself around his teammates. Josh Harding got a stick blade in the eye last night, but he may have avoided serious injury, explains John Shipley. (Correction: I initially wrote Harding was hit by a skate blade and two readers were kind enough to correct me. I apologize for the mistake.)
- Saku Koivu came back to the Habs’ line-up last night and immediately after the game, he says this is the best four line team he has been a part of.
- Daniel Alfredsson’s family can tell you just how determined he was to make the NHL from day one. Alfredsson may be happy these days, but Cristoph Schubert is not after being moved from defense back to forward.
- Pavol Demitra sure has some kind words to say about his new Vancouver linemates. In other Canucks news, Jannik Hansen is making a good case with his play this pre-season to be a winger on the team’s checking line.
- The Thrashers appear to be leaning in the direction of keeping Zach Bogosian with the NHL club, writes Mike Knobler.
- The Sabres claimed Matt Ellis off waivers on Wednesday.
- The Bruins lost to the Habs last night, but the good news was that Manny Fernandez looked sharp. Fernandez’s teammate Andrew Alberts is hoping for a smooth year in Boston.
- With Brian Burke’s trades to get the Ducks under the salary cap complete, the Ducks can now strictly focus on the regular season ahead, writes Dan Arritt. With the team’s pre-season deals, the Ducks have a new look on defense.
- Canes back-up netminder Michael Leighton has looked very solid during the pre-season, writes Chip Alexander. In injury news, Rod Brind’Amour (knee) was back on the ice on Wednesday.
- With the style of game Fedor Tyutin plays, the new Jackets defenseman wasn’t a star attraction in New York, writes Tom Reed. On the injury front, Derick Brassard has a stiff neck.
- Goaltender Matt Climie has made a nice impression in Stars camp, even though he is almost certainly headed to the AHL.
- The Wings have so much depth that two players Mike Babcock has been really impressed with probably won’t make the team. Bill Clement doesn’t think the Wings win the Cup this season.
- Tomas Vokoun doesn’t not have any desire to be named captain of the Panthers.
- The Devils cut Fedor Fedorov on Wednesday.
- Scott Gordon realizes that there are going to be some nights that serve as good experiences for the youthful Islanders.
- Nigel Dawes has really struggled during Rangers camp, writes Larry Brooks of the NY Post.
- The Coyotes waived a couple players on Wednesday.
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer tells readers that Steve Downie appears to have made the Flyers as the team’s fourth line center. Coach John Stevens is hoping he can be as versatile as R.J. Umberger was last season.
- Evgeni Malkin was almost injured yesterday at practice but he’s alright and the Pens are relieved. Even with all his squad’s injuries on defense, Michel Therrien isn’t going to dress seven defensemen to start the season.
- Mike Grier is only looking forward after a frustrating playoffs with the Sharks last spring.
- Andy Murray stressed the importance of consistent veteran leadership on Wednesday. Veterans aside. the Blues don’t lack for young offensive talent, writes Jeremy Rutherford.
- Vladimir Mihalik came out of nowhere and made the Lighnting’s defense.
- Capitals youngster Eric Fehr needs to start scoring if he wants to be in the line-up on a consistent basis.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.