NHL Morning Papers (Tuesday Edition): Jonas Gustavsson picks the Leafs, Nikolai Zherdev’s days numbered in New York and Andrew Cogliano is on edge

Free Agent Signings

• The Leafs have finally signed Jonas Gustavsson.
• Francois Beauchemin admits he was disappointed he never received an offer from the Anaheim Ducks to remain with the team.
• With the signing of Beauchemin, the Leafs have really put together a rock-solid blue line.
• “We should have a decent D here,” said Beauchemin himself.
• On Monday, the Thrashers signed four unrestricted free agents, including Jason Krog.
• The Blackhawks have signed a number of their restricted free agents, including Ben Eager and Cam Barker.  However, Kris Versteeg has yet to sign.  (Writer’s note: This will lessen the pressure on the Hawks of the grievance filed by the PA.)
• The Avalanche also signed some of their restricted free agents, including David Jones.
• Mike Heika provides us with a short description about the Stars’ signing of Warren Peters.
• The Wings have signed Ville Leino to a two-year contract worth $1.6 million.
• The Panthers have signed Jeff Taffe to a two-year deal.
• Recent acquisitioin Chris Higgins has re-upped with the Rangers for 1 year, $2.25 million.
• In San Jose, Ryane Clowe has finally signed a four-year contract extension.
• Shane O’Brien signed a one-year deal with the Canucks and avoided arbitration.  Sticking with Vancouver, the Canucks signed Andrew Raycroft.

Development Camps

• Some of the Bruins’ younger regulars admit that the team’s development camp in the summer played a huge part in their quick leap to the NHL, writes Stephen Harris.
• Speaking of development camps, Tyler Myers is already making a great impression on the Sabres brass.
• George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press asks Jim Nill about the Red Wings’ development camp.
• While it used to be more of an optional camp, team development camps are now essentially mandatory for young players, explains Jeremy Rutherford.
• The Leafs brass really like Nazem Kadri’s mean-streak.  Staying with Kadri, the Leafs have signed him to his first contract.
• Developing players is going to be the name of the game for the next couple seasons, says Leafs coach Ron Wilson.
• The Oilers are expecting big things in the future from prospect Jordan Eberle.
• Even though the Senators signed Alexei Kovalev on Tuesday, they still need to develop their own players.

Chris Pronger in Philadelphia

• On Monday, Chris Pronger was unveiled to the Philadelphia press and Flyers ticket holders.
• If Ed Snider is out for a Flyer-related trade or signing, that means it is significant.
• Bob Ford thinks this move is Paul Holmgren’s big gamble.
• Even though Chris Pronger takes a lot of penalties and is coming to a team that does the same, the Flyers aren’t worried about that.
• In positive news for Flyers fans, Chris Pronger wants to remain a Flyer until he retires.

Alexei Kovalev in Ottawa

• The Montreal Canadiens bid goodbye to Alexei Kovalev on Monday.
• Eric Duhatschek says Alexei Kovalev has reason to be motivated after being cut loose by the Habs.
• Bryan Murray was happy with the money and the term on this deal.
• This signing should at least take some attention away from the Dany Heatley situation, writes Ken Warrent.
• Wayne Scanlan warns Senators fans to be ready to be very up and very down watching Kovalev play on a nightly basis.

Everything Else

• The Rangers could be done with Nikolai Zherdev, and if they let him go, they will almost certainly use that money elsewhere.
• With all the Dany Heatley to the Oilers talk, Andrew Cogliano is on the other end of it, and it has him a bit on edge.
• Habs coach Jacques Martin isn’t worried that his team doesn’t yet have a “leader” in the dressing room.
• If Jerry Reinsdorf’s offer goes through, who is going to get paid in Phoenix?
• Mike Fisher talks Senators issues.
• Penguins winger Maxime Talbot is set to have off-season shoulder surgery, explains Shelly Anderson.
• Teddy Vogelhuber may become the first Columbus native to ever suit up for the Blue Jackets.
• The Oilers have hired a new goalie coach.
• The Islanders’ fourth round pick from late June’s Entry Draft has been sentenced to one-year probation.