On the Beat: Summer Daze

What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:

• Can the Bruins offense withstand the loss of Phil Kessel if he’s traded?  A team with Savard, Bergeron, Krejci and wingers like Wheeler, Lucic, Sturm, etc., doesn’t seem to be in too much trouble should a Kessel traded go through.
• The Hurricanes have signed Brett Carson and Ryan Rodney to one-year contracts.  Both are scoring defensemen;  unfortunately for both, the Hurricanes have Joni Pitkanen and Joe Corvo.
• Are the Habs worse or better off with less Europeans on their roster?   I think this matters not.
• An interview with Coyotes defensman Keith Yandle.  I still think he needs work on his defensive game, but he’s a very fluid skater and can move the puck, so those skills will keep him playing regardless.
• Tampa Bay goaltender Mike Smith is feeling better these days.  Great news for Bolts fans, as he was arguably the team’s best player last season.