News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Bob McKenzie feels Chris Pronger should have been suspended.
2. The Raleigh News and Observer thinks Canadian teams get off easy in terms of suspensions, and they use math to prove it.
3. The QMJHL makes major changes.
4. The CHL Top Ten.
5. News from around the American Hockey League.
6. Terry Frei wants to see the home teams don the white sweaters again.
7. Ross McKeon updates the playoff races in each division.
8. Darryl Dobbs lists some skaters that fantasy hockey players should drop in the off-season.
9. The MJHL Division finals begin tonight in Winnipeg.
10. Jaromir Jagr discusses his future with the Rangers.
11. An entry from Mike Smith's blog.
12. By way of an update, Chris Pronger will have a hearing with the NHL today.
13. David Staples notes that the Oilers like to suck every 5 games or so.
14. The Slapshot blog is looking towards the playoffs.
15. Fanhouse offers tips on surviving the off-season for the fans of non-playoff teams.
16. Another article from Fanhouse, this one on the early departures of college players to the NHL.
17. Kukla with a funny take on how intermission interviews usually go down.
18. In the bottom news story of the day, Bridgestone is named Official Tire of the NHL.
19. Cory Wolfe interviews Billy Smith.
20. The Alaska Aces have recovered from the injury bug to creep back into the hunt in the ECHL.
21. The reality of injuries has derailed the Islanders season.
22. NHL.com catches up with Elmer Lach and Milt Schmidt.
23. Check out this story involving the Slovak Hockey Federation, Peter Stastny and some dirty commies. (2nd item down).
24. USCHO looks at the possible brackets for the NCAA Tourney.
25. Michael Farber discusses the Ovechkin cam.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. The IIHF will go to a 4-official system at the World Championships.
2. The Flames and h ave assigned Eric Nystrom to the AHL and Patrice Bergeron has returned from vacationing in Aruba.
3. Doug Gilmour said to be confused over his role with the Leafs. Also confusing Gilmour, the statutory age of consent.
4. Blah, blah, blah, blah, Leafs, blah, blah, blah.
5. The St. John's Fog Devils will relocate to Quebec.
6. Tom Glavine still wonders if he could have made it in the NHL.
7. Something about a Wang that enjoys growing...
8. Magnus Wernblom is closing in on the scoring record in the SEL.
9. This year's CHL Prospects game will be defense heavy.
10. A primer on how to coach an All-Star Game.
11. Spector says that Hossa might stay in Atlanta now that the playoffs are a possibility.
12. Interesting take on the lack of action in getting more NHL teams in Canada.
13. A pretty hilarious photoshop contest over at Pensblog. The Flyers are the natural target.
14. A story on the Gamebreaker video system from the Prince George Citizen.
15. My least favourite hockey analyst and least favourite newspaper have joined forces to create a plethora of suck.
16. Worst hockey mom ever. Note to all the studly 16 year old hockey players out there: If your next conquest could be mistaken for your hockey bag, don't hit it.
17. John Ferguson Jr. ponders his future. If he just waits a few years the Leafs will hire him back.
18. Dave Feschuk of the Toronto Star tells us the goal of Leafs' Nation is to find their "Bryan Colangelo". No wonder they can't play hockey. Too many scouts looking for 6'8 guards and mobile swingmen.
19. A faction of the Edmonton Investors' Group is attempting to match Daryl Katz' offer. Smells like a bidding war to me.
20. Not sure why this story is getting so much attention, but the Pens Tyler Kennedy is out with mono.
21. The final instaalment of the Staal brothers will take the ice at the CHL Prospects game tonight.
22. Jyri Niemi of the Saskatoon Blades won the hardest shot competition at the CHL Prospects game with a 97 mph blast.
23. The Hockey News, apparently addled from being in Toronto for too long, attempts to give the Cy Young Award to 10 NHL'ers.
24. Catching up with Gilbert Dionne.
25. Mike Milbury has his own blog. I am going to see if I can acquire it from him for a blog to be named later.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Hejduk, Hasek and Kopitar are the NHL's three stars for the week.
2. The Flyers have traded AHL defenseman Jussi Timonen to the Dallas Stars.
3. Ken Holland gets a promotion in Detroit.
4. Who's hot and cold in the CHL.
5. Two more USHL'ers are headed to the World Juniors.
6. Pierre Lebrun makes the case that Lecavalier is the best player in the NHL.
7. The Maple Leafs have waived Bates Battaglia.
8. Ethan Moreau has his cast removed and may return to the lineup soon.
9. The undrafted Jerome Samson is turning heads in Albany.
10. Jonathan Toews was recently named an Alternate Captain in Chicago.
11. Ryan Miller and Adam Hall will both be playing their 2nd outdoor game this January.
12. A look at the 2007 draft picks, some of whom are already playing in the NHL.
13. The Michigan Wolverines are the new #1 team in the country.
14. Ted Nolan is enjoying his time back in the NHL, and is making a difference.
15. The Boston Globe notes that the Bruins may be looking to make a deal.
16. The QMJHL is filling the hockey void in Atlantic Canada.
17. Taking Note chronicles the weekend action in the WHL.
18. Andy Murray has righted the ship in St. Louis.
19. One of the coaches involved in the 8 year olds brawl receives a 3 year suspension.
20. Al Strachan doesn't think Scott Niedermayer's return will be 100% rosy.
21. Torres and Stoll will return to the Oilers lineup tonight.
22. The Senators are relaxing after breaking out of their funk.
23. Steven Stamkos blogs about preparing for the World Juniors.
24. Spector rounds up all the Western Conference rumours.
25. Mike Brophy writes that the Devils are coming around.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

News You Can Use Late in the Day

-John Ferguson Jr. rejects a report saying he was trying to fire Paul Maurice.
-Bob McKenzie discusses possible changes the league rules being considered by NHL GM's.
-Sportsnet reports that Daniel Alfredsson has resumed skating.
-Sean McCormick thinks that the Oilers should consider giving the C to someone other than the perpetually injured Ethan Moreau.
-The Hot or Not list from the CHL.
-The NHL celebrates its 90th Birthday today.
-The AHL's Teddy Purcell, an undrafted free agent before the Kings signed him, is leading the league in scoring.
-NHL.com with an in-depth look at the shootout.
-A profile on my future brother in law, Mike Cammalleri.
-The weekly NCAA hockey rankings from INCH.
-Brian Burke continues to lobby for changes to the CBA which would allow teams to trade players but keep some of the salary on their own books.
-Richard Peddie says there are no plans to fire JFJ.
-The weekly release from the American Hockey League.
-8 year olds brawl in Guelph.
-An analysis of the USHL from Gabriel Desjardins, master o' stats.
-A map of the hockey blogosphere.
-Taking Note tells us that former Oiler Mike Krushelnyski is coaching in the German Elite League.
-Sam Gagner will start tonight's game against Columbus on the 1st Line.
-Darren Eliot thinks the Penguins just need to relax and make the simple plays.
-Todd Bertuzzi reflects on his time as a Canuck.
-Greg Dennis of the Canadian Press examines the big money busts of fantasy hockey.
-Roundups from the QMJHL, WHL and OHL.
-The Hockey News debates the supremacy of Roy or Brodeur.
-The NY Times tells us how to block shots, doesn't blame Bush.
-The Score looks at the NHL's top lines.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

-Bobby Clarke feels Eric Lindros is a Hall of Famer. Thoughts?
-John Leclair: Canadien, Flyer, Penguin, Drunk Driver.
-The Canadian women win their first game at the Four Nations Cup, defeating Finland 4-1.
-Team USA wins a wild one over Belarus at the World Junior Challenge in Trail, BC.
-North Dakota recruit Ben Blood blogs on his experience at said World Junior Challenge.
-Mike Modano passes Phil Housley to be the highest scoring American NHL'er.
-The Sabres are looking to Ryan Miller to lead them out their funk.
-Ilya Kovalchuk tops the Hot List.
-The Junior Report from the NHL, which focuses on the USHL heavy US entry in the World Junior Challenge.
-A profile on UND Head Coach, Dave Hakstol.
-The Kamloops Blazers have fired head coach Dean Clark.
-A look around the QMJHL.
-Jeff Taffe is enjoying a resurgence in the AHL.
-You want ECHL news? You got it.
-Chris Higgins feels he has 40-goal potential.
-Elliot Pap looks at what ails the Canucks.
-Darcy Tucker feels he has the answer to the Leafs' defensive woes.
-Tortorella calls today's NHL players soft.
-The Kings play Amazing Race in Los Angeles.
-The Western Conference Report from the AHL.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse

Going way back to the June 2001 draft, the Detroit Red Wings thought they had stolen a highly touted Russian forward with their first round pick (62nd Overall). Igor Grigorenko was a highly touted center/right-winger who had played on a line with Ilya Kovalchuk and had turned heads with his play at the World U-18 Championships. He followed up this stellar junior career by becoming the top scorer with Lada of the Russian Super League in 2002-2003. During that same year, he won gold at the World Junior Championships and was named MVP of the championship game. He capped off the year with an appearance at the World Championships playing with the Russian senior team, scoring 2 goals and 1 assist in 7 games.

Grigorenko's good year came to an end in May of 2003, when he was involved in a serious car accident. Given a 10% chance at survival, Grigorenko pulled through despite severe injuries and numerous breaks in his left leg. He missed the 2003-2004 regular season but gamely tried to skate with Lada in the playoffs. The leg pain returned and he went through another surgery.

After nearly two years off from hockey, Grigorenko returned and started putting up solid numbers in the offense starved RSL. Slowing regaining his strength and talent, he signed a one year entry level deal with the Wings in May of 2007. Though the Wings' brass is not sure what he will be like, they are confident that he can challenge for a roster spot.

Grigorenko's scouting report reads like many of his countrymen's. He is a quick skating, shifty offensive player with opportunistic scoring skills. Good one on one, he has a good shot and is a deft passer. The weaknesses in his game include lingering effects from his accident which may slow his skating and defensive shortcomings. Hopefully his intensity and drive to play will overcome these weaknesses, as this has all the makings of a great story.

News You Can Use in the Late Morning:

-Dale Tallon pleased with 1st overall pick Kane's performance. He had better be, the Hawks need help now.

-ECHL tough guy Adam Huxley writes letter to Oilers asking for a try-out, gets it and starts chucking knuckles right away. Can you beat the fact that a goon writes a letter asking for a try-out?

-Flames prospect Mikael Backlund to return to Sweden this year, declining an option to play with the Kelowna Rockets. Cue the Oilers fans commenting on the "exodus" from Calgary.

-USHL and QMJHL split the games in their weekend tournament. I am sure this will have the Junior Hockey Talk boards buzzing on Hockey's Future.

-Russian junior hockey considers an overhaul. I wonder what caused this epiphany?

-10 Questions for the Lighting going into the season.

-Stephen Walkom gives his refs a vote of confidence for their work in the playoffs.

-Brent Aubin looking to show the Leafs what he can do. Finally, a winger for Mats!

-In a follow up to Friday's prospect pulse, Karamnov likely to re-enter draft.

-A Team by Team preview.

-Stamkos consensus #1 pick in 2008 in TSN mini-poll.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior (hat tip, Ezzy).

Prospect Pulse:

Vitali Karamnov, the 18-year old son of former St. Louis Blue (and current Dynamo Moscow coach) Vitali Karamnov, has been invited to camp with the Edmonton Oilers. Undrafted, the younger Karamnov is in North America and is expected to spend the year with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL. "Vi", as he likes to be known, attended the Oilers' rookie camp this summer and showed enough to get invited back to fall camp. Rated as high as 48th for the 2007 Draft (The Hockey News had him at 63), Karamnov went undrafted due to the lack of the transfer agreement. Kevin Prendergrast, the Oilers' VP of Hockey Operations, has stated that he was surprised he was still available late in the draftt, but decided not to use a pick because of recent troubles with Russian prospects (I am looking at you Mikhnov).

Scouting reports on the Russian center invariably describe him as being a good skater with an above average skill set. Analysis differs on his defensive game and his offensive tendencies. Some say he needs to add a physical dimension to his game while others say he plays a responsible game and will throw the body every chance he gets. From the blue line in, some scouts feel he tends to look for the pass too much (the Russian Ales Hemsky?) and some describe him as a sniper.

Though the captain of Russia's entry in the U-18 tournament is not expected to challenge for a roster spot, he might well play his way into the Oilers prospect pipeline. Though the Oilers cannot sign the 18 year old, it may give them good insight for next year's draft. Its a good sign that he is coming over to North America as an 18 year old. Further, having a coach for a father may help speed his development and curb the tendency for this newest generation of Russian prospect to play a selfish game.

Here is a video of Karamnov, from the Phoenix Coyotes website. Note that he will play in traffic, but he doesn't seem to have much urgency in his defensive game.

News You Can Use Late in the Morning:

-Tom Barrasso has signed on with the Carolina Hurricanes to be a goaltending consultant to their prospects. Lets just hope he only gives lessons on being a goalie and not on being a nice guy.

-The USHL and QMJHL square off tonight and tomorrow in the CCM Junior Classic Tournament. Indiana and Omaha will play Quebec and Rimouski. This should give junior hockey fans from both sides of the 49th some fodder for discussion. Notable prospects that will play in the tourney include Kelsey Tessier and Nico Sachetti. The son of Phoenix GM Don Maloney is skating with Omaha as a non-roster player.

-Former Alaska Seawolf Charlie Kronschnabel gets an invite to Oilers' camp after being discovered at Chad Moreau's conditioning camp in California. Word on the Oiler blogs is that he was in better shape than many current Oiler players.

-Dave Bell hired as an assistant coach in Springfield. He should help Bucky learn the ropes.

- The Score.ca has an interesting Cabbie segment titled "Hockey Day in Israel".

-The Detroit Wings will offer $9 tickets for games this season. Hey, its cheaper than crack and downtown Detroit is the adventure of a lifetime.

-Caps prospect Karl Alzner has had a busy year. Its no wonder some kids burn out on hockey.

-Inside College Hockey has an interesting, albeit a little old, article on college prospects who may depart academia a little early to play professionally.

KK out.