Wile E. Coyote

Team Canada: Move over Jarome Iginla, as Martin St. Louis, the guy who beat him in 2004, took his spot with Crosby and Nash as Babcock begins switching things up. John Tavares isn't feeling any pressure to make the Canadian Olympic squad and won't allow the fact that he would be the youngest ever, get him to buckle. Eric Duhatschek explains that injuries are just part of the game and that it will continue to be important all the way to the start of the games. There is going to be plenty of competition for a blue line spot this time around as only 3 players are returning from the 2006 team. One guy who should likely be a lock for one of the above positions would love to win Gold for Canada in his own backyard. The 40-plus Olympic hopefuls in Calgary this week are having all kinds of fun together and it's all being done in the name of chemistry. Intensity and ingenuity remain on display at Team Canada's Olympic orientation camp in Calgary. But it looks like the players were allowed to have some fun, including Crosby fishing and Iginla golfing. It's not just about the Men as Hayley Wickenheiser reminds us. Canada's three hockey teams out together for the first time. General NHL: The Boston Bruins reward long-time season ticket holders by not raising the cost of tickets, although for new fans, costs are increasing. The Monster wants to be the Leafs undisputed #1 goaltender when the season gets underway. The Vancouver Canucks and goaltender Roberto Luongo are under a Sept. 13 deadline to agree to new contract terms. The Detroit Red Wings want their fans to start thinking about hockey and buying season ticket packages, and they are hoping that this will begin, this weekend, at Hockeyfest 2009. One Red Wing who would like to be able to party but instead is still recovering from a concussion is Andreas Lilja. The Predators would like to use young prospects to fill holes in their defensive corps, but would look at veteran players, like Chris Chelios, if the need became apparent. Cory Clouston wants to look Dany Heatley in the eyes before deciding whether to rip the ‘A’ off the disgruntled winger’s chest. Looks like Simon Gagne should be ready for the Flyers training camp which starts on September 12th. Sticking with the Flyers, Ray Emery is apparently all smiles and very happy that he was chosen by Philadelphia for this upcoming season. Phoenix Situation: The NHL's reputation is taking a beating and they cannot expect the citizens of Arizona to line up in droves to support the team, simply because they purchased it. It appears that the league is prepared to spend $140 million to purchase the Coyotes and could still see them leaving Phoenix. The CBC aptly uses the Wile E. Coyote parallel when describing the ongoing battle between Balsillie and Bettman. Shane Doan says the Coyotes staff are on "pins and needles" as they await word of the fate of the team. According to a report by KPNX-TV in Phoenix, the city of Glendale has spent more than $800,000 US so far in legal and consultant costs in an effort to keep the Coyotes. If the franchise ends up moving to Toronto, playing out of the Maple Leafs' home would help keep non-hockey profits in MLSE's coffers and might be one way to convince the powers that be in Toronto that there is a way to make this situation work for them. It doesn't appear that the NHL throwing its "hat in the ring" is worrying the other non-Balsillie offer. All 3 offers that are currently "out there" are sized up by the Arizona Republic's and last night's Illegalcurve radio guest Carrie Watters. Ultimately though the man with all the answers is Judge Redfield T. Baum regarding the city's NHL franchise. Minor Hockey: Chris Byrne steps into the spotlight for the Ottawa 67's as he takes over for legendary coach Brian Kilrea. The Rochester Americans, who were one of the worst team's in the AHL, expect to have a much improved on ice product and want to show it off to the fans by televising all 40 home games next season.

NHL Morning Papers (Thursday Edition): Babcock switches up his lines, the Monster wants to be Leafs #1, Predators might be interested in Chelios and drama in Phoenix continues.