NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition)

Here are the morning papers for Wednesday the 3rd of September:

• With Joe Sakic returning, Avalanche GM Francois Giguere believes his team can be a contender.  Woody Paige of the Denver Post runs through Sakic’s impressive career accomplishments.
• Jay Bouwmeester has become used to the revolving door that is the Panthers organization, writes Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal.
• According to Bryan Murray, the agent for Andrej Meszaros told him that Jason Smith was not a good enough defense partner for his client. (Writer’s note: That is a serious lack of respect.)
• Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun does not understand why people are getting on Mats Sundin for taking time to make his decision on a return to hockey.
• Vancouver GM Mike Gillis still has hopes of signing Sundin, writes Elliot Pap.
• It appears that Jimmy Howard will begin next season in Grand Rapids of the AHL, explains Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.
• Steve Gorten of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel provides the particulars on new Panthers acquistion Bryan McCabe.
• Damien Cox of the Toronto Star says the McCabe/Van Ryn trade was a bad one for the Leafs.  Meanwhile, Kevin McGran of the Star reviews the Leafs’ defensive makeover this summer.

For Illegal Curve, I’m Richard Pollock.