Erik Cristensen

Here are the morning papers for Tuesday the 16th of September: It didn't take long for Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald to notice what the Flames like about prospect John Negrin. Dustin Penner has been working hard this off-season and is slimmer than he was heading into camp last summer, writes Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal. So far, former UND defenseman Taylor Chorney has impressed the Oilers brass, writes Derek Van Diest. Meanwhile, Oilers prospect Ryan O'Marra is only looking forward and not back to his struggles from 2007/08. Off the ice, new GM Steve Tambellini is "feeling comfortable" in his new role with the Oilers. Rookie camp ended for the Senators yesterday and GM Bryan Murray admitted he was especially impressed with Ilya Zubov. The organization also has big expectations for Jesse Winchester. Here is a good preview of what to look for at Senators training camp from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle understands that it could be a long season for the Buds. Even though it could be a long season, newcomer Jonas Frogren believes everyone would love to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He better not get too comfortable, because apparently nobody's job is safe when it comes to the Leafs' defense, writes Steve Buffery. Even with that proclomation, if Luke Schenn wants to make the Leafs he is sure going to have to impress coach Ron Wilson. As Ben Kuzma tells us, Canucks leader Roberto Luongo is looking forward to getting training camp started with a new bunch of guys. Impressive youngster Max Pacioretty does not expect to make the Habs, but he wants to make sure he plays hard and takes everything in. It looks like the Thrashers plan to make Erik Cristensen the team's first line center, writes Mike Knobler of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In sad news, famed hockey writer Jack Falla passed away of a heart attack on Sunday. Patrice Bergeron is glad to be one of the guys again, writes Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald. With Bergeron returning and a surprisingly successful 2007/08 campaign, expectations are a lot higher in Beantown this season. Bergeron won't be the only welcome addition back to the line-up, as Andrew Alberts is also exicted to come into camp healthy. Kevin Dineen, who is coaching the Sabres' new AHL affiliate in Portland, is beginning to get comfortable as a member of the Buffalo Sabres organization. Matt Cullen feels good heading into training camp and is hoping his concussion and vision issues are behind him. Who is Jamie Benn? Well, if you are a Stars fan you should probably get to know him, writes Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News. A couple members of the Red Wings brass, Ken Holland or Steve Yzerman, could be taking over for Wayne Gretzky as Executive Director of the 2010 Canadian Olympic team. Meantime, in Ville Leino the Wings hope they have found another hidden gem. Jed Ortmeyer will miss Predators training camp and probably more time while he recovers from knee and blod clot issues. Scott Gordon respects Gerard Gallant's decision to step down as an assistant coach and become a consultant because he was doing what was better for his family. Brendan Shanahan is still waiting on the Rangers to make a decision on if they want him back or not. While Shanahan is waiting he admits he has been offered contracts with other teams. (Writer's note: I feel like this is an episode of 90210 right now.) With Jesse Niittymaki out for 4-6 weeks with a hip injury, the Flyers have offered Maxime Oullet a tryout. In other Flyers news, the team has yet to name a captain (Writer's note: I'd be shocked if it was anyone other than Mike Richards). Ilya Bryzgalov thinks the Coyotes have what it takes to make the playoffs this season, writes Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic. With the Penguins quickly jetting off to Sweden, this training camp will be different than most others, writes Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Lightning have a ton of newcomers to the team this season so training camp is as important or more important for them than other teams. Here are five questions facing the Lightning heading into training camp. The KHL may be signing a lot of NHL players, but the Capitals are not too worried about that. For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.

NHL Morning Papers (Tuesday Edition)