On the Beat: Phil Kessel still unsigned and Alexei Kovalev wants Dany Heatley to stay

What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:

• Boris Valabik has re-signed with Atlanta for multiple years.  No word yet on the term, or dollars but the massive defenseman could become an effecive player with more seasoning.
• Phil Kessel is the only remaining RFA the Bruins need to sign.  A trade still seems most likely, however, it doesn’t appear Chiarelli has received an offer he deems sufficient.
• Alexei Kovalev wants Dany Heatley to stay in Ottawa.  Of course he does, because they are not going to get an equal return on value for Heatley.  Regardless, Kovalev is right here.  Unless the Sens receive a good offer for Heatley, they should stand their ground and keep him.
• The Devils’ full pre-season schedule can be seen here.  Exciting!
• Seth Rorabaugh tells Penguins fans why they’ll be watching each Penguins game in November.  Aside from those reasons called Crosby and Malkin, of course.