Illegal Curve Hockey

NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition): Jason Smith to call it a career, the Oilers lacked intensity last season and much reaction to NHLPA’s decision

Tim Thomas is not approaching this season any different than the rest of them, even though he finally has a firm hold on the number one goaltending spot.
Sabres forward Adam Mair will miss the next six weeks of action after undergoing hip surgery.
Excited for training camp? Here is the Blackhawks’ training camp roster.
Former Avalanche netminder Jocelyn Thibault has been hired on as Colorado’s new part-time goaltending consultant.
In Detroit, Tomas Holstrom says he feels good after a summer of rest and is hoping for an injury-free 2009/10.
Reading Ken Holland’s comments on how he intends to build the Red Wings demonstrates exactly why he is the best in the business.
Chris Chelios is skating and still wants to sign with an NHL team, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
The Oilers just didn’t have the necessary intensity last season, says veteran Steve Staios.
A number of Oilers players are fully in favor of a new downtown Edmonton arena.
Ales Hemsky was excited when he heard all the Dany Heatley rumors, but now that Heatley isn’t going to come to Edmonton, Hemsky has moved on.
Long-time Oilers and current Senators defenseman Jason Smith has decided to call it a career.
If Dany Heatley does come back to Ottawa, he will no longer be wearing an “A”, says Senators GM Bryan Murray.
Pascal Leclaire unveiled his new Senators goalie helmet on Tuesday, reports Allen Panzeri.
Mark Parrish, like Chelios, is looking for an NHL team to invite him to training camp, and has had some talks with the Lightning and Islanders, explains Michael Russo.
Who is going to play on the Predators’ second line alongside David Legwand and Martin Erat?
In other Predators news, the team has signed forward Cal O’Reilly to a two-year contract.
New Flyers netminder Ray Emery loves working with kids, writes Sam Carchidi.
The Coyotes’ rookie camp is scheduled to open on September 10th, which is also the day in which the team’s future ownership will be decided.
Speaking of the Coyotes’ future ownership issues, Carrie Watters of the Arizona Republic provides readers with the prospective of hardcore Phoenix hockey fans.
At one point in time, the Canucks owners actually looked at buying the Coyotes.
While the Lightning made it official yesterday by signing Alex Tanguay to a one-year deal, there was also some attention on the report that Len Barrie misappropriated funds in British Columbia–a charge he calls “B.S.”
Barrie is also denying that he has given up his attempts to try and buyout co-owner Oren Koules, reports Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune.
Meanwhile, David Shoalts says Oren Koules is close to buying out Barrie’s share.
Well, at least the Lightning is set to have at least 69 of the team’s games televised locally in 2009/10.
Today is the day of Bettman versus Balsillie, writes Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star.
Here are the quick details you need to know about today’s hearing.
Legendary NHL forward Phil Esposito does not like the idea of an NHL team in Hamilton.
Esposito’s opinion aside, Hamilton hockey fans will be watching today’s results very closely.
The NHLPA is vowing to stick together while it moves forward towards the next CBA and already has voiced its concerns about the escrow issue.
Even some of the NHL players don’t really understand the circumstances behind Paul Kelly’s firing.
Bruce Arthur of the National Post thinks that firing Paul Kelly hurts the game of hockey.
“Quite frankly, I’m still stunned and saddened at what has happened,” said Paul Kelly on Tuesday.
Vincent Damphousse says the next NHLPA leader cannot work in fear.
His Canucks teammates are very excited by the reports that Roberto Luongo is close to signing a long-term contract with the club.
Jeffrey Simpson of the Globe & Mail cannot get over how odd the NHL off-season has been.