NHL Morning Papers (Wednesday Edition): Jonas Gustavsson is the talk of the town, Alexei Kovalev has big hopes for the Senators and Joe Sakic officially retires today

Free Agency

• Jonas Gustavsson has decided to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the fact that Brian Burke came overseas to talk to him a couple times clearly didn’t hurt.  His numbers from Sweden sure are impressive.  So, with this signing, are the Leafs thinking playoffs?
• Even though the Stars did not land Gustavsson, new GM Joe Nieuwendyk felt that effort was worthwhile.
• To make up for not signing Gustavsson, the Stars did sign Jeff Woywitka on Tuesday to a two-year deal.  (Writer’s note: Woywitka is obviously not going to turn into the defenseman many thought he would, but this signing is very low-risk for Dallas.  I think it is a worthwhile move.)
• Todd Marchant and the Anaheim Ducks have agreed on a two-year contract.
• The Flames have re-signed Jamie Lundmark and have also signed Jason Jaffray to a two-way, two-year deal.
• Atlanta has signed Joey Crabb and Nathan Oystrick to new deals.
• Like the Thrashers, the Red Wings also made some depth signings on Tuesday.
• Staying in the Southeast Division, the Lightning signed former Wild forward Stephane Veilleux to a one-year pact.
• Boston has signed goaltender Dany Sabourin to a one-year contract.

Joe Sakic Retirement

• Eric Duhatschek writes about the incredible career of Joe Sakic as only he can.
• As Adrian Dater of the Denver Post writes, you know you are good when top flight NHL players always wanted to be like you.
• Dater says what made Sakic so likeable was not just his tremendous talent but his humbleness that went with that.
• You hear the term clutch tossed around an awful lot, but that term was fitting for Burnaby Joe.
• For a guy that many people in Denver didn’t know before 1995/96, Joe Sakic made quite an impression on the City of Denver, opines Woody Paige.
• Sakic’s former Avalanche teammates obviously have only the best things to say about one of the all-time greats.
• If people didn’t know, Joe Sakic was always that good.
• Terry Frei provides readers with a timeline of Sakic’s illustrious career.

Development Camps

• Due to archaic NCAA rules, Jordan Schroeder had to borrow money from his dad to pay for his way to Vancouver for the team’s prospect development camp.
• Bruins prospect Zach Hamill is considered a veteran in some circles, writes Fluto Shinzawa.
• Remaining in Boston, big Bruins prospect Joe Colborne has already put on considerable bulk since he was drafted last summer.
• Sabres prospect Chris Butler eventually wants to be the team’s power play quarterback.
• In Chicago, prospect Kyle Beach is hoping to prove to the Hawks brass that he has begun his maturation process.
• Having Ray Ferraro as his dad has certainly not hurt Landon Ferraro’s development as a professional.
• Big-time surgery before you are a professional is not the easiest thing, just ask Oilers prospect Jordan Bendfeld.
• Wild prospect Petr Kalus did not suit up yesterday at camp because he was sick.
• Forget the distractions, the Coyotes prospects are looking forward to the team’s development camp this week.
• Habs first round pick Louis Leblanc was not alone on the ice with the other Habs prospects, as former teammate Danny Kristo was there to join him.
• Remember Garth Butcher? Now read about his son, a Canucks prospect.
• Ryan Ellis may be very short, but he does not lack talent, writes John Glennon.

Everything Else

• The Florida Panthers have reduced their season ticket prices in almost all categories.
• The Flyers wasted little time getting Chris Pronger’s name on a long-term contract, explains Sam Carchidi.
• Meantime, who needs to give Chris Pronger attention when you also acquired Ryan Dingle?
• Alexei Kovalev says that, while people may have a different perception, he is always trying his hardest.
• Senators fans will like Kovalev more after hearing what he thinks his new team is capable of.
• John Tavares is scheduled to be unveiled to the Islanders faithful today, explains Greg Logan.
• Even with Maxime Talbot’s injured shoulder, Ray Shero doesn’t anticipate adding any significant forwards before the season begins.  The good news was that Talbot’s surgery was successful.
• For those pining for the Predators’ pre-season schedule in early July, click here.
• The Nashville schedule looks simple compared to Tampa Bay’s.
• The Blue Jackets have named their new radio voice for next season.