Illegal Curve Hockey

Categories: NHL Morning Papers

NHL Morning Papers (Tuesday Edition): Brian Burke gives Vesa Toskala vote of confidence, Marc Savard has matured since his Calgary days and lots of players hit waivers

Is it ever too early to talk about Team Canada 2010? Not in my opinion. Here is Eric Duhatschek’s analysis of some Team Canada roster decisions that will need to be made.
The Thrashers released both Manny Legace and Dan Fristche on Monday.
Marc Savard has changed from his Calgary days when he was known for floating and checking the scoresheet to see how many points he produced, writes Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe.
With the Bruins cuts yesterday, it appears center David Krejci will be ready for the team’s season opener.
Bruins owner Jeremy Jacons says he would be disappointed in anything less than a Stanley Cup in 2009/10.
Theoren Fleury seemed to be at peace yesterday with his announcement that he is retiring from the game of hockey.
Fleury deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, writes Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun.
Meanwhile, Flames tough guy Brian McGrattan wants to lead the league in fights this year.

Flames tough guy Brian McGrattan wants to lead the league in majors this season. (Picture courtesy of canoe.ca)

The Flames traded Anton Stralman on Monday for a third round draft pick, even though he probably outplayed a couple of the team’s starting blueliners, writes Randy Sportak.
Brent Sutter is doing his best to change the culture of the Flames’ dressing room, as well as the team on the ice.
In good news, Cory Sarich was back on the ice for practice on Monday after injuring his foot last week.
The Hurricanes are excited to be entering the regular season full healthy as a group, explains Chip Alexander.
The Blackhawks dominated HC Davos in the team’s first pre-season game over in Europe.
Paul Stastny is mature for his age, and that is one of the reasons he will be wearing an “A” this season for Colorado.
Peter Forsberg will be in Colorado this week, but not sign with the Avalanche.
Terry Frei of the Denver Post provides readers with his top ten games of the season, top ten storylines and his conference predictions.
“He’s got puckmoving ability and power-play potential. He’s a right-(hand) shot, too, which is a nice bonus,” said Columbus GM Scott Howson about the team’s acquisition of Anton Stralman.
John Moore has been sent back to the CHL, but it would be an understatement to say the Blue Jackets were happy with his pre-season showing, writes Aaron Portzline.
Fabian Brunnstrom’s status as an NHL player may take a hit, as it is possible the Swedish winger could see some time in the minors.
Red Wings coach Mike Babcock called a practice for his team right after they arrived in Sweden and the players were thankful for it.
Here is a postcard from Sweden from the Detroit Free Press’s Helene St. James.
Marc Pouliot may be on the shelf for a while with an odd injury that his boss can actually relate to.
On Monday, the Kings demoted Tomas Hickey and Jonathan Bernier to the AHL and Brayden Schenn to the WHL.
“I was very happy with Hickey’s camp,” said Kings GM Dean Lombardi.
The Wild demoted Colton Gillies to the AHL yesterday and it comes as no surprise that the young forward was very disappointed.
Staying in Minnesota, practicing what you preach is a difficult task when you talk about patience, especially as a fan of the Wild, writes Rachel Blount.
Paul Mara absolutely, positively loves playing in Montreal for Les Canadiens, writes Pat Hickey.
“He took a step back last year in terms of his overall play. I know he can step forward again,” said Predators coach Barry Trotz about Jordin Tootoo.

Can Jordin Tootoo have a rebound season in Nashville? (Picture courtesy of art.com)

Jacques Lemaire sounds legitimately excited to have added Rob Niedermayer to the fold in New Jersey.
Artem Anisimov should be on one of the Rangers’ top three lines, writes Larry Brooks of the NY Post.
Christoph Schubert was simply outplayed for a roster spot, which is why he finds himself on waivers.
The last thing the Philadelphia Flyers lack is scoring depth up front, writes Sam Carchidi.
On defense, Danny Syvret appears to have made the team as its sixth defenseman.
Dave Tippett is gearing his players towards the season opener in Phoenix.
Here is what the Penguins should look like come opening night.
He won the Stanley Cup last season, but Marc-Andre Fleury is still young and improving, writes Shelly Andreson.

It is scary to think that Marc-Andre Fleury is still improving. (Picture courtesy of yahoo.com)

If you cannot get a ticket inside the Mellon Arena, the team’s banner raising will be shown on a big screen outside.
The Blues are hoping David Backes does not have another slow start this season.
The Blues actually have depth when it comes to right-handed defensemen, writes Jeremy Rutherford.
There is increased unity on the Lightning this season, writes Damian Cristodero.
Two players, Adam Hall and Ryan Craig, may not be able to partake in said unity, as both were waived on Monday.
After a fairly successful pre-season, the Leafs are heading off for some bonding.
Brian Burke has given Vesa Toskala the dreaded vote of confidence.
Are more moves in store for the Maple Leafs?
Luke Schenn is becoming a poster boy for the new and improved Maple Leafs.
Sergei Shirokov has impressed enough at Canucks camp that he looks to have earned a roster spot, writes Ben Kuzma.
Unfortunately, Michael Grabner and Cory Schneider did not make the Canucks and are heading to Manitoba.
In Vancouver, Assistant GM Lawrence Gilman has a lot of responsibility when it comes to perfecting the salary cap.
Here are some NHL season predictions from Corey Masisak of the Washington Times.
It looks like Ray Bourque’s kid has finally cracked the Capitals roster.