Illegal Curve Hockey

NHL Morning Papers (Thursday Edition): Derek Morris indirectly calls out Gretzky, possible three-way day for Heatley and Comrie to be an Oiler by Friday?

Apparently Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski is a scratch golfer, writes Randy Youngman of the OC Register.
“In Phoenix, we were kind of changing every single day. We didn’t really have a system there,” said former Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris, in what maybe can be seen as an indictment of Wayne Gretzky’s coaching style.

Derek Morris seems to be going after Gretzky's coaching style with his comments this morning. (Picture courtesy of the Bleacher Report)

Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald doesn’t think the Leafs will put forth an offer sheet for Phil Kessel.
Meanwhile, the Bruins added depth to their defense by signing defenseman Andy Wozniewski on Wednesday.
New Flames coach Brent Sutter is emphasizing a structure to Calgary’s game on a night in, night out basis.
Here is some video from Sutter’s first practice with the team’s prospects.
Jamie Lundmark is actually there at prospects camp for the Flames, but he isn’t complaining, explains Randy Sportak.
Former Flames star Theoren Fleury is slated to meet with commissioner Gary Bettman to discuss his possible reinstatement to the NHL.
Avalanche youngster Peter Delmas will be mentored this season by former great Patrick Roy.
In Columbus, Ken Hitchcock has his sights set on passing Detroit and winning the Central Division.
Stars prospect Scott Glennie is learning what a fast pace the games are played at in NHL camps.
It looks like Chris Chelios is considering playing in the AHL for the Chicago Wolves next season.
Lots of the Red Wings players don’t have any interest in Twitter or Facebook. (You can add IllegalCurve.com on Twitter by click here).
Robin Brownlee predicts Mike Comrie will be an Oiler by noon on Friday.

How many Oilers fans ever expected to see this again? (Picture courtesy of cbc.ca)

The Oilers top two round picks are not in attendance at Edmonton camp, writes Jim Matheson.
The top two round picks may not be there, but Cameron Abney is and he is excited to get started.
The Panthers sale has been derailed for the time being, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
On the ice, Panther coach Pete DeBoer is happy with the conditioning of his rookie skaters.
Panthers winger David Booth loves to hunt.
The closing of the Habs sale will apparently be completed within the next few weeks, writes Sean Gordon.
The sale is a done deal, writes Kevin Mio of the Montreal Gazette.
Jonathan Blum has visions of making the Predators’ blue line this season, writes John Glennon.
After undergoing off-season surgery, Patrik Elias does not think he will be ready for the start of Devils training camp.
Sounds like Larry Robinson wouldn’t mind getting back behind the bench. (Writer’s note: He really is one of the great teachers of the game–especially of young defensemen.)
There is apparently talk of a massive three-way day that would see Dany Heatley end up in San Jose, Patrick Marleau end up in Los Angeles and Jarret Stoll and Alexander Frolov end up in Ottawa. (Writer’s note: Garrioch loves rumors, so let’s not get all worked up about this one. Although, I have to say this isn’t as far fetched as some others I have read about.)

Is Dany Heatley finally on his way out of Ottawa? (Picture courtesy of sportgate.de)

Until he is dealt, Heatley is expected to report to the team’s functions beginning today.
Here is a Q & A with Senators GM Bryan Murray.
Is Senators prospect Jim O’Brien’s skating holding him back?
Carrie Watters of the Arizona Republic says hockey fans will not have an answer from today’s auction until next week at the earliest.
“If he (Baum) sticks to his job, I don’t see how Balsillie can’t be the successful bidder,” says Dean of the U of T School of Business.
Stephen Brunt of the Globe & Mail says Bettman has met his match in this case.
If Balsillie wins, is he going to hire Doug MacLean to lead his organization?
The Penguins like young goaltending prospect Brad Thiessen’s demeanour, writes Dave Molinari.
Damian Cristodero has some more information on a possible new investor in the Lightning.
The Lightning was ecstatic to be able to draft Richard Panik in the second round this past June, as the team felt he fell too far.
The Leafs’ new defensive group is attempting to develop chemistry off the ice before the on-ice training begins.
If the Leafs are hoping to bring Phil Kessel into the mix, it won’t be easy, explains Lance Hornby.
Damien Cox wonders if Andrew Ference was the man behind the Paul Kelly firing?
Roberto Luongo changed up his routine a bit to hopefully have a better October than he did last season.
Tony Gallagher wants to know what the deal is with all these exhibition games?
Youngster Josh Godfrey knows it isn’t easy being a defenseman in the Washington system these days.