On the Beat: Zach Parise almost goes yard at Metrodome, Habs #1 draft choice going back to school, Learn more about Marleau and his No Trade Clause.

Word from the Beat Writers:

• It appears that New Jersey Devils Zach Parise could easily make a good transition to baseball as he almost went deep during Twins batting practice.
• Dispatch columnist Michael Arace weighs in on current Blue Jackets winger Nikita Filatov and former Blue Jackets center Mike Sillinger.
• Looks like the Habs #1 draft choice is heading back to school. 
• David Staples over at The Cult of Hockey explains that the NHL and USA Hockey are blocking Hudler moving to Moscow Dynamo.
• Learn more from David Pollak of Working the Corners who explains more about Marleau and his No Trade Clause as well as more about Nabakov.
• Chip Alexander of The News & Observer with Aaron Ward’s impression of his new/old team.  It appears that Anton Babchuk also got a new agent so perhaps that will help in the negotiations with the Hurricanes.
• Good news for Capitals fans as David Steckel is back to 100% and is ready to go says Tarik El-Bashir.
• Damien Cox over at The Spin details the position of the NHL over the Coyotes situation.
• Tampa Bay Lightning sets rosters for charity game in honor of slain police officer.

Team Canada:

• Pierre Lebrun of ESPN details the different paths that Mike Green and Stephane Robidas have taken to get to the Olympics but illustrates how both have the same goal.
• Has Christmas come early for Mike Babcock?  Michael Farber of Sports Illustrated says it has.