Illegal Curve Hockey

Categories: NHL Morning Papers

NHL Morning Papers (Thursday Edition): Phil Kessel deal close to happening, Manny Malhotra to San Jose and Hockey Night in Canada makes some new hires

Bobby Ryan has arrived at the NHL level, explains Helene Elliot.
The Thrashers cut down their exhibition roster yesterday, by sending a bunch of players back to their respective junior teams and the AHL.
The backup goaltending job in Boston appears to be Tuukka Rask’s to lose, writes Fluto Shinzawa.
Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald reports that the Bruins are close to trading Phil Kessel in what would be a blockbuster trade.

Apparently Phil Kessel is close to being traded to one of four teams. (Picture courtesy of sportsnet.ca)

In pre-season action, Boston defeated Toronto by a score of 3-2 last night.
Buffalo has signed first round pick Tyler Ennis to an entry-level deal.
Rene Bourque is slowly feeling more confident about his recovery from his off-season ankle surgery, writes Randy Sportak.
Theoren Fleury is going to be in the lineup for the Flames’ exhibition game tonight.
After stepping down from his post at the NHLPA, Glenn Healy has landed a job at Hockey Night in Canada.
You may not know that the Carolina Hurricanes had the most power play chances out of any team in the NHL last season.
The Hurricanes are completely confident that they can compete with Washington for the Southeast Division title.
Tomas Kopecky’s performance in training camp and the exhibition season will define his role for the regular sesaon, says coach Joel Quenneville.
In Colorado, can Darren Haydar finally crack an NHL roster on a regular basis?
Aaron Portzline has the interesting story of Jared Aulin’s attempted comeback to the NHL.
New Stars coach Marc Crawford is emphasizing the importance of his team’s improvement in the face-off circle for next season.
Justin Abdelkader impressed many onlookers, including Wings coach Mike Babcock, with his play in last night’s exhibition win over Philadelphia.
“Eaves can really shoot the puck and can skate, ” said Babcock.
One of the reasons for Johan Franzen’s continued success is his desire to improve on a daily basis.
Pat Quinn is slowly putting his mark on the Oilers, game-by-game, writes Jim Matheson.
Former Oilers bench boss Craig MacTavish continues to speak highly of the franchise and maintains that his departure from Edmonton was good for both sides.

There are no sour graps for Craig MacTavish. (Picture courtesy of globesports.com)

The scoring chances were there against the Islanders on Wednesday, unfortunately the hands were not, explains Robert Tychkowski.
There is quite the battle going on for the Panthers’ seventh defenseman spot.
Michael Frolik is going to do whatever he can to avoid the sophomore jinx, writes Steve Gorten.
Petr Sykora is happy to be in Minnesota and brings with him a great resume to go along with his positive attitude.
Jacques Martin is making sure that the Habs have a strong practice work ethic.
So far it looks like Mike Cammalleri and Scott Gomez have developed some good chemistry.
In other news, former Habs bench boss Guy Carbonneau has been hired by HNIC.
The Nashville Predators have offered both prospects and draft picks in a trade for Phil Kessel.
Is Colin Wilson ready to be an NHLer this season?
Jamie Langenbrunner need not worry, he will be getting his captain “C” back, even after Brendan Shanahan wore it for the Devils last night.

Jamie Langenbrunner will not be losing the "C" in New Jersey. (Picture courtesy of art.com)

The Rangers are making cuts today but Evgeny Grachev is not going anywhere.
Defenseman Erik Karlsson impressed with his play during the Senators’ pre-season game last night.
The Senators players are mighty excited by the team’s depth in terms of scoring up front.
Newcomer Milan Michalek knows that playing in Ottawa comes with a lot of pressure.
Flyers coach John Stevens was impressed by the play of Chris Pronger in Detroit on Wednesday.
Speaking of impressive, JVR was also quite good in his pre-season debut versus Detroit.
Jim Vandermeer likes the potential of the Coyotes’ legal defense this season.
Off the ice, Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star says Jim Balsillie’s hopes of buying the Coyotes continue to fade.
Paul Bissonnette would love to crack the Penguins roster, but knows his chances are not great, writes Dave Molinari.
Some compare Pens prospect Eric Tangradi to a young Kevin Stevens.
The San Jose Sharks are about to sign Manny Malhotra, reports David Pollak.
Just because the Blues signed Ty Conklin, does not mean that the team doesn’t see good things for prospect Ben Bishop.
Carlo Colaiacovo loves the fact that the media does not harp on the past in St. Louis like it did in Toronto.
Of no real surprise to anyone, Victor Hedman played an impressive pre-season opener.
The Lightning seemed to really settle down after the first ten minutes of play, according to coach Rick Tocchet.
Brian Burke’s history suggests he will slowly develop his team’s young core and not rush anyone to the NHL, explains Damien Cox.
One thing is for certain, the Leafs won’t be getting pushed around this season.
In positive news, the whole charter flights controversy has been put to bed.
In Vancouver, Steve Bernier lost about 15 pounds over the summer in an attempt to gain speed.
Both Mikael Samuelsson and Alex Burrows will see time on the Sedin’s wing this season.
Here is a nice story about good guy Ryan Johnson paying tribute to his late father.
If Karl Alzner is to make the Washington Capitals this season, he will have to blow the competition away.