NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition): Alexei Kovalev introduced, Jeremy Roenick wasn’t happy Coyotes moved to Glendale and could Nikolai Zherdev be next target for Oilers?

• As reported yesterday, Boris Valabik has signed a new contract with the Atlanta Thrashers.
• Youngster Matt Hunwick projects to be a bottom-three defenseman for Boston, who will see some second-unit power play time, writes Fluto Shinzawa.
• Staying in Boston, GM Peter Chiarelli still thinks he can be creative enough to get Phil Kessel signed.
• Marian Hossa has a shoulder injury that may keep him out of the lineup for the beginning of the 2009/10 season.  (Writer’s note: And I didn’t like that contract before this news…)  Could Hossa be out until December?
• As David linked last night in Blog Hits, the Blue Jackets have signed defenseman John Moore to an entry-level deal.
• Out of minor league options, Jimmy Howard is expected to backup Chris Osgood next season in Detroit, writes George Sipple. 
• Meanwhile, the Wings are still talking to Jiri Hudler’s agent.
• Did a Senators fan purchase an Alexei Kovalev shirt five days before he signed his deal with Ottawa?  Speaking of Kovalev, the Senators were trying to make sure yesterday’s press conference was about him and not Dany Heatley.
• Even after his heart problems, Jiri Fischer has stuck around the game of hockey and plays an important role for the Red Wings franchise.
• Joanne Ireland tells us about Dennis Grebeshkov’s one-year deal, and then wonders if the Oilers will pursue Nikolai Zherdev?
• The Blues have re-signed Steve Wagner to a new deal.
• The Habs re-signed Tomas Plekanec to a raise even after a poor 2008/09 season.
• The Islanders surprisingly fired the team’s radio crew and will now simulcast the team’ television broadcasts.
• It looks like Philadelphia developers are looking to add some non-sports sites to the three-arena area on Broad Street.
• On Tuesday, the Coyotes re-acquired scoring winger Radim Vrbata from the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Apparently Vrbata has no ill-will towards the Lightning.
• Jeremy Roenick was very disappointed that the Coyotes decided to move to Glendale a few years ago.
• Whatever incentives the city of Glendale is offering a new prospective Coyotes owner have to be released, according to the Arizona Republic.
• In Pittsburgh, the Penguins have signed Brent Johnson to backup Marc-Andre Fleury.
• Penguins prospects just salivate at the opportunity to maybe one day play with Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby.
• The Leafs have re-signed tough-guy Andre Deveaux. 
• Hey Leafs fans, remember Justin Pogge?
• Mike Knuble could play on either the first or second line in Washington next season.

**If you’d like to support the Believe in the Goal Foundation, click here to make a donation or purchase a ticket to the event’s charity hockey game in Winnipeg on August 6th**