NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition): Bob Gainey is not the most popular man in Quebec, Jay Bouwmeester does not mind the lack of attention and are the Leafs worth all the hype?

• Erik Christensen is hoping to return from his shoulder injury for the final three games of the pre-season.
• Ondrej Pavelec is expected to get the start tonight for Atlanta, writes Chris Vivlamore.
• Mark Popovic is hoping he can crack the Thrashers roster after a season in the KHL.
• Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference stands behind the NHLPA’s decision to fire union boss Paul Kelly.
• Could Blake Wheeler be the man to replace Phil Kessel on the number one line in Boston?
• Who is going to replace Aaron Ward as Zdeno Chara’s partner in 2009/10?
• It is amazing to think that Henrik Tallinder is the longest-serving Buffalo Sabre.
• If Theoren Fleury makes the Flames, merchandise sales will go through the roof, writes Doug McIntyre.
• Fleury has not yet been offered a contract by the Flames, explains Steve MacFarlane.
• “I want us to play like a team. It shouldn’t matter which guys go over the boards — you’re structured to play the same way,” said new Flames coach Brent Sutter.
• His Flames teammates are ecstatic to have Jay Bouwmeester on their side this season, as he has formed a comfortable partnership with Robyn Regehr on the back-end.

• The Blackhawks’ Adam Burish has a torn ACL and will be lost to the team for six months, writes Dan McGrath of the Chicago Tribune.
• Both Craig Anderson and Peter Budaj have excelled for the Avalanche so far this pre-season.
• The Blue Jackets were really impressed with the play of Nikita Filatov last night in the team’s exhibition win over the Bruins.
• Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch has been blown away with the play of 2009 first round pick John Moore at training camp so far.
• Meanwhile, Jackets GM Scott Howson is trying to figure out why there are so many injuries at Jackets camp.
• Which Stars netminder is going to be the starter for the team’s AHL affiliate?
• Even if Dan Cloutier does not make the Red Wings, which seems likely, his play may garner some interest from other NHL teams or teams in Europe.
• Here is a recap of last night’s Wings loss to Philadelphia.
• Both Todd Bertuzzi and Jason Williams returned to the Red Wings lineup last night, as the Wings are beginning to get healthier.
• Ryan Stone continues his attempt to crack the Oilers’ roster, writes Jim Matheson.
• Matheson also looks at the Oilers roster so far and tries to determine what Pat Quinn has learned about this group so far.

• Even if it may not be fair, contract dollars will play a factor in the Oilers’ decisions over the next week.
• “We have no excuses now. People were blaming the coaching staff last year, but that definitely wasn’t it. Getting new coaches is just like a new start,” said Oilers defenseman Tom Gilbert.
• The Panthers were excited to add Stephen Reinprecht to the fold this off-season and Reinprecht was excited to be joining the Panthers, writes Steve Gorten.
• The Wild sent Tyler Cuma back to the OHL on Tuesday, writes Michael Russo.
• Russo also has an interesting profile on Wild fan-favorite Cal Clutterbuck.
• Bob Gainey is certainly not the most popular man in Quebec.

• It looks like Max Pacioretty will make the Habs out of training camp.
• You need to take a look at the picture of this corn maze that pays tribute to the Habs.
• Nashville has brought in Francis Bouillon on a tryout agreement until he proves he is healthy enough to play, then the team will officially sign him to an NHL deal.
• With Colin Wilson fighting off a groin injury, it may inhibit his chances of proving himself enough to make the Nashville roster, writes John Glennon.
• Which Devils youngster is going to replace Brian Gionta on the wing this seasons, wonders Mark Everson of the NY Post.
• Martin Brodeur is slated to make his pre-season debut tomorrow night, writes Rich Chere.
• With Brandon Dubinsky’s new contract comes more pressure and expectations.
• If the Rangers are to improve this season, the team has to improve on its 29th ranked power play.
• It looks like both Peter Regin and Erik Karlsson are going to make the Senators roster out of training camp.
• Meantime, Senators GM Bryan Murray is happy with the progress of Pascal Leclaire so far at camp.
• “He’s just an energetic, positive guy – both on the ice and in the locker room,” said Flyers GM Paul Holmgren about Ole-Kristian Tollefsen.
• James van Riemsdyk scored two goals yesterday against Detroit to move himself closer to a roster spot with the Flyers.

• Many around the Coyotes are excited by the team’s hiring of veteran coach Dave King, explains Jim Gintonio.
• In roster news, the Coyotes demoted former Ranger Ryan Hollweg to the AHL.
• Meanwhile, Brett MacLean has apparently played well enough at Phoenix camp to earn a roster spot for 2009/10.
• The Penguins are happy with their three signings of Brent Johnson, Jay McKee and Michael Rupp this off-season, writes Shelly Anderson.
• Meantime, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma likes what he sees out of 23 year old Nick Johnson.
• Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News explains why the captain “C” is so important in hockey.
• Patrik Berglund and Keith Tkachuk have switched spots on the Blues forward lines, reports Jeremy Rutherford.
• Here is the latest on the Lightning’s ownership issues with Oren Koules and Len Barrie.
• Rick Tocchet likes Andrej Meszaros, but wants him to improve some of the defensive aspects of his game.
• Damien Cox admits there is great optimism in Leafs camp but he wonders if there are facts to back up such optimism?
• “I’m a little bit under the radar but I’m fine with it,” said Leafs center Rickard Wallin.
• The Leafs’ “Frat Pack” has been impressing Ron Wilson, writes Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun.
• Nazem Kadri got the Leafs fans going crazy twice last night, even though Ron Wilson says it was not one of his better games.
• Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province takes a good look at whether Cody Hodgson is ready to be up with the big club.
• Both Brendan Morrison and Mike Knuble are trying to become more comfortable with their new surroundings in Washington.

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