Prospect Pulse: Nico Sachetti

Nico Sacchetti, the 50th overall pick by the Dallas Stars in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, is a native of Virginia, Minnesota. While playing in the Iron Range, Sacchetti scored an astounding 90 points in 25 high school games his senior year. After also representing the United States at the World Under-18 championships (4 gp, 1-1-2), he graduated to the USHL. Sacchetti, who will suit up for the Omaha Lancers, is a good skater who plays bigger than his 5'11, 189 lb frame.

In the games I witnessed, it was clear that he possesses an abundance of skill and hockey sense. He also seems to be blessed with a number of intangible qualities that should make him a prized prospect. He will play in traffic, he competes hard and he sees the ice very well. I saw him dominate down low on a powerplay for nearly the full two minutes, and the puck seems to follow him around.

There is precious little information about Sacchetti on the internet, but it looks like the future Minnesota Golden Gopher will be a good one. Watch for him in the WCHA next year.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-Andrew Raycroft will get the start tonight for the Buds.

-A 16 year old hockey player from St.Louis has collapsed and died during a practice.

-A season preview for the Binghamton Senators.

-Craig Leopold will have to search for another buyer, as the Preds' deal is expected to collapse.

-The Vancouver Canucks claim defenseman Mike Weaver off the waiver wire.

-The wife of former NHL'er Emile Francis is found alive.

-Eric Duhatschek answers some pressing questions.

-The Bruins have made it official by signing veteran forward Glen Metropolit.

-Stephen Brunt reports on the haves and the have-nots of the hockey world.

-The Regina Pats pick up talented forward Tim Kraus from the Vancouver Giants.

-The St. Louis Blues have demoted Petr Cajanek to Peoria and are expected to sign Mike Johnson.

-The Columbus Blue Jackets placed Kris Beech on waivers.

-Hockey Rants has some interesting discussion on the impending collapse of the Predators' sale.

-On Frozen Blog with a point form season preview.

-Damien Cox wonders whether the Hawks or the Leafs will have a longer streak of futility.

-In news only my wife cares about, Kelli Pickler has dumped Jordin Tootoo. Apparently he was tootoo timing her.

-nhl.com gets a new look.

-Michael Farber with a look around the league.

-Season opening rosters for all 30 NHL teams.

-The National Post with 15 Questions about the NHL Season. This is a huge improvement over the usual 10.

-Mike Zeisberger compares the Leafs to a soap opera.

-Burke still angry with the Oilers. I realize this has been posted and discussed already, but I feel Burke really needs to let this one go. Its over, you have your draft picks and you have made your point already. Letting this get in the way of your job is doing a disservice to your team.

-The BlueJackets feel they are a playoff team. Yeah, and I feel that my wife should make me cookies every day. Doesn't mean its going to happen.

-Leaf's broadcaster Joe Bowen to be honoured for 25 years of service.

-11 Stories to watch in the NHL this year. Note that there are apparently attendance problems in Detroit this year.

-The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Jesse Boulerice and Jim Dowd.

-The Minnesota Wild get no respect.

-David Branch discusses the OHL's new penalty designed to limit shots to the head.

-One lawyer accuses another of lying in the Canucks saga.

-A preview of the Montreal Canadiens.

-A good mix of youth and experience on Canada's Women's hockey roster.

-Rob Rossi notes that the Penguins are built for long term success.

-Tom Powers hopes that the Wild bring relief for suffering Minnesota sports fans.

-Chuck Kobasew is hoping to stick on the 2nd line with Sturm and Bergeron.

-Chris Gratton hopes a contact lens will allow him to play in the season opener.

-The Boston Herald notes that no fan fare accompanied the decision to keep Milan Lucic.

-Wes Walz looks to get time on the top line. Only on Jacques Lemaire's team...

-The season preview from the New York Times.

-Craig Custance wonders which rookie will make the biggest impact in Atlanta.

-BREAKING NEWS: The Senators have signed Dany Heatley to a 6 year, $45 million extension.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse: Prediction Time

Due to the fact that I am from Saskatchewan, the Manitoba contingent of Illegal Curve saw fit to exclude me from the morning predictions. Basically, they are the UN and I am Israel. In the face of their demagoguery and elitist policies, I will nevertheless summon the courage to post my predictions.

Stanley Cup Champion- The Ottawa Senators. Cue the suicide watch on Bay Street.
Eastern Conference Champion - The Ottawa Senators of Kanata. I don't foresee a major hangover here. They are still a deep and talented team, now with bonus experience. I think the Penguins finish first in the East, but Ottawa takes them out in the playoffs.
Western Conference Champion- The Detroit Red Wings. They play in a weak division and I feel they will have the benefit of coasting through the regular season and remaining fresh for a long run. I see the Sharks as the Senators of a few years ago, all hype no finish.
Art Ross - Vincent Lecavalier - plays in a weak division and I feel he has something to prove.
Calder Trophy- Sam Gagner. I really like Toews and Kane, but they are going to have to do it all in Chicago. MacTavish has turned a corner philosophically, and will put Gagner in a position to succeed.
MVP- Sidney.
Most Surprising - Martin Gerber has a big rebound (no pun intended) year and bounces Sugar Ray from the starting position.
Disappointing - Flip a coin between Gomez and Drury. Actually, take Gomez. Too much money for this guy. It will weigh him down.
Most Surprising Team - Edmonton Oilers. Already written off for dead, they will not be the pushover/Phoenix clone everyone is expecting.
Most Disappointing Team - The New York Rangers. Jaromir is not going to like sharing the puck or the spotlight. Watch for a step backwards in Manhattan, despite the near constant fellating of this team by a few media types. I think Calgary will blow too, but I am never disappointed when that happens.


Prospect Pulse will return tomorrow with a look at another standout from the USHL's Fall Classic Tournament.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-The Edmonton Oilers send Zach Stortini and Ladislav Smid to the minors. The Oilers also name Ethan Moreau captain.

-The sale of the Predators is in trouble.

-A preview of the #1 ranked University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux.

-Good turnout for Bill Wirtz's funeral.

-A preview of the Southeast Conference. Note to the NHL, could you please rename these divisions? There are many deserving hockey luminaries who could lend their name to the divisions. Orr Division, Gretzky Division, Richard Division, Howe Division, Harvey Division and the Morenz Division. Discuss amongst yourselves.

-Denis Gauthier is a victim of the salary cap in Philadelphia. Mike Rathje is also placed Expect this to become commonplace.

-Mirtle with a list of youngsters who have made their respective clubs.

-Patrice Brisebois is back skating.

-The AHL suspends Steve Downie for one month.

-Mark Bell has been reinstated by the NHL.

-Former Leaf is Borje Salming is now art. Who says Illegal Curve offers no culture?

-The New Jersey Devils claim Sheldon Brookbank off the waiver wire.

-The Dallas Stars are still unsure where their goals will come from.

-Senators prospect Jim O'Brien has joined the Seattle Thunderbirds.

-An in-depth look at the Penguins from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

-Illegal Curve favorite Toby Petersen was cut by the Dallas Stars. He will report to Iowa.

-Jeremy Roenick says he is ready to be a cheerleader for the team. I wonder if they will be able to hear him from the restaurant he is eating at?

-The Red Wings are prepared to go with youth. Watch for Chris Chelios to tell the youngsters to stay the hell off his lawn.

-Bobby Holik is the new captain of the Atlanta Thrashers.

-Not to be outdone, Pavol Demitra is the new captain of the Minnesota Wild.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse: Derrick Lapoint

Florida draft pick, and UND recruit, Derrick Lapoint is a lanky, minute eating defenseman with solid all around skills. Though he tends to tilt towards being an offensive defender, he can also play a shut down game if called upon. The 116th overall pick in 2006, Lapoint was heavily recruited by both the University of Minnesota and the Wisconsin Badgers before deciding upon the University of North Dakota.

Putting up nearly point per game numbers with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL, Lapoint will look to make an immediate impact on the blue line with the departure of Brian Lee. A 6'3, 190 pounder, Lapoint has a long reach and uses that wingspan effectively one on one. More of a shooter than a passer, Lapoint possesses a heavy shot that he can unload quickly.

Lapoint attended the Panthers development camp this past summer and didn't look out of place. He hopes to continue his development at UND under Coach Dave Hakstol, who has good reputation for producing defensemen. The rearguard, who once played an entire game in high school, is relishing the challenge of stepping into a deep defensive core and making a contribution. The former USHL First Team All Star is expected to spend at least two years with the Sioux before considering the move to professional hockey.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-Good news for the Senators. McCammond does not suffer any fractures from the hit by Steve Downie.

-Leafs prospect Jiri Tlusty gets the start on the top line.

-The Hurricanes returned Brandon Sutter to junior and sent goaltender Michael Leighton to the minors today.

-News from around the CHL.

-Darius Kasparitis hopes to find work with another NHL team. If he couldn't stick with the Rangers, it may be the end of the line.

-Al Strachan writes that the Ducks' trip to England wasn't all that easy. Poor guys, a private jet to Europe. And to top it all off, NO NAPS! Life is tough in the big leagues.

-Dean Bennett of the Canadian Press reports that Sheldon Souray and Joni Pitkanen have impressed so far at Oilers camp.

-Tom Reed of the Columbus Post-Dispatch notes that no one has seized the number one center job in Columbus. Also notice that Joel Bouchard is still with the club on a tryout, but will explore other options if he is cut.

-Flyers coach John Stevens has to thin out his blue line corps this week.

-A recap of the a discussion from The Score detailing problems with the NHL.

-Check out Raffi Torres in this clip from the Daily Show.

-The USHL to hold a scouting combine in Florida.

-Steve Rosenbloom with an excellent editorial on the passing of Bill Wirtz.

-On Frozen Blog with a few words on the renovations performed at the MCI Center.

-Wings prospect Logan Pyett said he is ready to be the leader for the Regina Pats.

-Wayne Gretzky a proponent of the new electric hockey blades. Not a bad guy to have in your corner. Good thing Boyle didn't have these skates, or he would have also been electrocuted.

-Fanhouse with a preview on the Vancouver Canucks.

-Brian Rafalski likes playing the Red Wings free flowing offensive system.

-Sports Illustrated's preview of the Western Conference.

-The Predators visit Fort Campbell. The US Army, unofficial sponsor of the NHL.

-Fan Nation with their list of the Top 20 Left Wingers. Jack Layton, Hilary Clinton, Michael Moore, Marc Hoe and my in-laws all absent from the list.

-Damien Cox does not envision the Sabres suffering much of a let down this year.

-Robert Tychowski writes about the lack of atmosphere and fans in Phoenix.

-Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun tells Phoenix to keep the Coyotes, Winnipeggers want a real NHL team. Zing.

-The Flyers report that they lost four players to injury in last night's game with Ottawa.

-Winkler, Manitoba chosen as the sight of the next Hockey Day in Canada.

-The arrival of the NHL barely causes a ripple in Jolly Olde England. Watch for an expansion team in Manchester next year.

-Another story on Gomez and Drury in NYC, this one by ESPN.

-Stan Fischler notes that tickets are selling fast in New York and Minnesota. Also note that Soprano's star Lorraine Bracco will host a wine tasting in the restaurant contained within the Devils new arena. No word on whether or not it will contain a Bada Bing! franchise.

-Scott Morrison wonders how good Sidney Crosby can get in this piece for Maclean's Magazine.

-Kelly Hrudey weighs in with his thoughts in Macleans Magazine.

-Sean Avery is anxious to get his shot at the Islanders.

-Rob Rossi reports that Kris Letang is not a lock to make the Penguins.

-Bruins' defender Andrew Alberts still making adjustments to the new defensive system.

-Jacques Lemaire ready to ice his regulars in a pre-season tilt.

-Craig Constance of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution with news and notes from the Thrashers.

-The Score's Training Camp Notebook.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior. Please note that I will away for the next few days. Guest blogger Marc Hoe will take over Prospect Pulse.

Prospect Pulse: Petr Kalus

Much like RP, I also attended the Wild-Sabres game Monday night in Grand Forks. While none of the regulars put much effort into the game, a number of rookies put forth an effort. Petr Kalus, obtained by Minnesota in the Manny Fernandez trade, was one of those players.

A shifty, offensive forward, Kalus struggled as a junior in his native Czech Republic, but blossomed offensively when he came to the WHL's Regina Pats. After finishing second in scoring amongst WHL rookies and tied for the Pats' team lead, Kalus was chosen in the 2nd Round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He had a strong training camp for the Bruins in the fall of 2006, and was assigned to Providence of the AHL. Kalus had a strong rookie campaign with the Baby Bruins, posting 30 points in 43 games and scoring 5 points (including 4 goals) in a 9 game stint with the big club.

Projected as a top two line forward, Kalus may get a look on the top line with Slovaks Pavol Demitra and Marion Gaborik. Scouting reports on Kalus focus on his individual 1 on 1 skills and his skating, and are also pleased with his ability to go into traffic. Kalus is said to possess a good attitude and a willingness to accept coaching. Defensively responsible, the lone negative note on Kalus is that he doesn't use his nasty side more often. Prospect Pulse feels that spending some time with Derek Boogaard should help that problem.

News You Can Use Late in the Day:

-Cam Neely named a VP in the Boston Bruins organization.

-TSN with a number of candidates for a breakout season.

-The Senators Ray Emery will make his pre-season debut tonight.

-The Anaheim Ducks acquired Mark Mowers from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Brent Skinner and Nathan Saunders.

-The Clarkson Golden Knights are tops in the ECAC preseason poll.

-Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun wonders if Kyle Wellwood is the victim of a medical mishap.

-The Arizona Republic with a story on the Coyotes' BIG Line.

-Robert Tychowski of the Edmonton Sun notes that Oilers' prospect Sam Gagner may be talking contract with the Oilers. In related news, Anson Carter is back skating.

-Anze Kopitar with a hat-trick as the Kings beat Red Bull Salzburg 7-6.

-Spector notes that the Bruins may be close to signing Danny Markov. Just a rumour, but I thought it was interesting all the same.

-Bruce Dowbiggin reports that Mikka Kiprusoff is looking for a contract in the $7 million per year range.

-In related news, Darren Dreger of TSN notes that Dany Heatley is seeking a contract in the $8.5 million per year range.

-Ansar Khan reports that the Detroit Red Wings have made several cuts, including Jason Cullimore and former Manitoba Moose Adam Keefe.

-Footage of the Rangers-Islanders brawl, courtesy of YouTube.

-Kevin Mio of the Montreal Gazette notes that the Canadiens may lose a few players to waivers. Note that they demoted Jamie Rivers.

-Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe reports that Glen Metropolit is close to earning a job with the Bruins, and that Bobby Allen is once again in tough to gain a roster spot.

-The Palm Beach Post says their is an open roster spot up for grabs with the Florida Panthers.

-Vancouver Giants coach Don Hay apologetic after a fight filled contest with Everett. Note that he was also fined $500.

-The full Canadian Press interview with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

-Check out this sweet goal by Juuso Puustinen of the Kamloops Blazers. (Hat tip, Taking Note)

-Allan Houston of the Globe and Mail discusses the problems with the NHL expanding to Europe.

-The transcript of an interview with Vincent Lecavalier. Very interesting read.

-Three interesting stories from Fanhouse. Note the discussion on the Oilers possibly rushing Sam Gagner to the NHL.

-Roberto Luongo vows to quit if the NHL adopts larger nets.

-The Leafs' Jiri Tlusty still hanging around at Leafs' camp.

-Paul Henderson says he is still remembered for 1972.

-Danny Groulx looking to provide experience to a young Moose team.

-Are Tanguay and Keenan the new odd couple?

-Randy Sportak details the Calgary Flames' reactions to the new Rbk jerseys.

-An emergency room nurse in the Rob Ramage case says that Ramage did not appear drunk despite a high blood alcohol level.

-The Nashville Predators will look to Alexander Radulov to replace their lost goal scoring.

-Stan Fischler notes that many of Iron Mike Keenan's players respect him more after the fact.

-Wes Goldstein reports that Alex Ovechkin practices his English on girls.

-The CBC details Wade Belak's experiences playing hockey in England.

-Ryan Hollweg will not accept the apology of Chris Simon.

-Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says that the Pens are concerned about their powerplay.

-Good news in the desert as a number of Coyotes players and prospects are performing well.

-Doug Harrison of CBC Sports interviews the Flames' Matthew Lombardi.

-Benoit Pouliot impressed Coach Lemaire Monday night in Grand Forks.

-Another story on the Panthers Cory Murphy.

-The Bruins demote top prospect Tuuka Rask.

-The Sporting News with a pre-season review of the Bruins.

-The Blues want to end their "sloppy" play.

-Craig Custance goes interactive to get readers to help pick the Thrashers forwards for the upcoming season.

-The Score with news that goalies are seeing a lot of shots this pre-season. Also a note on Nicklas Bergfors of the New Jersey Devils.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior.

Prospect Pulse

The Rangers' Alex Bourret might be one of the best examples of a highly touted prospect flying under the radar. Originally drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Bourret continued to improve his play after his draft year, posting a nearly 30 point improvement in the 2005-2006 QMJHL season. Injured early in his first pro campaign, Bourret bounced back and was producing nicely for the Chicago Wolves when he was traded to the Hartford Wolfpack, the Rangers AHL affiliate.

He posted 18 points in the final 23 games with Hartford while skating on the top line with Nigel Dawes and Jarko Immonen. Bourret stepped up his game in the playoffs, going 3-8-11 in 7 games. The improved performance at crunch time may be Bourret's calling card, as he has produced at least a point per game in all the playoff series' in which he has been involved.

A combination of impressive skill and physical tenacity, Bourret does not shy away from the corners or traffic and can make plays in both of these areas. He will stick up for teammates and is not afraid to intimidate opponents with his size. The knock on Bourret is his consistency, but this can be said about any young player, so I don't know why scouts even bother anymore. Like other young players, Bourret will make bad decisions with and without the puck from time to time.

Bourret noted that his slow start in the AHL was partially due to the fact that he spoke no English and had trouble adjusting to life in Chicago. Wolves Coach John Anderson took the right approach, pairing him with a French teammate and giving him the odd game in the press box with an assignment to watch what players do in certain situations.

The Rangers expect Bourret to be a solid two way player who grows into his offensive game. If he can build on his impressive first year of pro hockey, he will be a legitimate top line forward who can score from anywhere. Currently playing well at Rangers' camp, Bourret may get an extended look from the Rangers thanks to his physical play and offensive prowess.

A video interview with Bourret can be found here.

UPDATE: Alex Bourret was sent back to Hartford by the Rangers.

News You Can Use in the Late Morning:

-Avs' prospect and Michigan alum TJ Hensick hopes to make the team out of camp.

-A look at the Rangers' top prospects from Hockey's Future.

-The Coyotes have their own MySpace page. Oh Phoenix, the rest of the world, including Illegal Curve, is on Facebook. Only pedophiles and Marc Hoe are left on MySpace.

-RDS reporting that the Sharks may be interested in Halak. If Price plays well in camp, Halak may be expendable.

-Martin Gerber stops 52 shots for a shutout in London, Ontario. This might help Ottawa move him, if thats what their intentions are.

-Oilers tough guy? Zach Stortini fighting for a job.

-The Sabres' Larry Quinn still mad at Edmonton for the Vanek offer sheet, won't consult Edmonton in preparation for the Ice Bowl. Also news in Buffalo, Quinn misses nap time, throws tantrum, gets sent to bed without supper.

-Former Prospect Pulse feature Marco Insam cut by the Regina Pats. May be headed to the USHL or Italian pro hockey.

-Top Ten Stories to watch in the OHL.

-Live-blogging from Capitals' camp.

-The WHL roundup from Taking Note.

-Interesting insight from the Bruins' Andrew Alberts.

-Jonathan Toews gives Chicago fans a taste of his talent. Also note that the Blackhaws returned Akim Aliu to junior.

-North Bay impresses. Maybe Jim Balsillie can move a team here?

-Kip Brennan takes down Zdeno Chara in a fight. Do the B's really want Chara fighting in the pre-season?

-Greg Wyshynski weighs in on expansion over at Fanhouse. Also note the Senators preview below main story.

-Offside looks at Dominik Hasek.

-The Wild look to start the year with clearly defined roles in net.

-Capitals pin their hopes on Nylander.

-A preview of the OHL.

-A Buffalo Sabres preview.

-The WHL Top Ten list.

-Voice of the Jets howling mad over his treatment by the Coyotes.

-An update on the Rob Ramage situation.

-Nick Foligno adjusting to the pro game.

-Wes Goldstein analyzes goalie competitions in the NHL.

-Tampa Bay still experimenting with line combinations.

-Lightning camp exhausting for players.

-Results from the minors and juniors.

-NHL Board of Governors agree to schedule changes.

-Naslund told to shoot more if he wants to increase production. I am labelling this one as obvious.

-Vokoun not concerned about poor outing in Edmonton.

-Coyotes hope a road trip will produce a clear cut #1 goalie.

-News and notes from Stan Fischler. Note that the NHL is moving its HQ in New York and will be opening a hockey store.

-Oilers and Leafs talk in the Six-pack.

-Team by team checklists from the Score. Note that the Blues have invited Mike Johnson to training camp.

Note: For our returning readers, we at Illegal Curve would be more than pleased if you had any comments on our articles or news stories. We have a plethora of writers who would love to discuss the topics and enlighten you with our always accurate opinions.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

To retire, or to not retire?

• Taking a page out of the books of Roger Clemens, Brett Favre and most recently, teammate Scott Niedermayer. Teemu Selanne has sure been taking his sweet ass time contemplating retirement. Even though the two future hall of famers are coming off a Stanley Cup win, training camps have begun. They really are leaving the Ducks hanging. Luckily the Ducks have taken the proper precautions by signing fellow member of the tribe Matthieu Schneider and the son Brian Burke never had Todd Bertuzzi. Even if the two do not return, or just one of the two, the Ducks are still primed for another run at the Cup.
• The Atlanta Thrashers are optimistic about their chances at making the playoffs... I'm pretty optimistic that they will not get past the first round.
• The Flyers are expecting a huge improvement over last season. I would have to agree, Paul Homgren has done an outstanding job since he stepped in as GM. After suffering through years with the gruesome twosome of Antero Niittymaki and Robert Esche He has accquired a number one goaltender in Marty Biron, signed Daniel Briere, traded for Joffrey Lupul, Jason Smith, Kimmo Timmonen and Scott Hartnell. I'd look for the Flyers to make some noise this upcoming season. I expect Simon Gagne to post huge numbers this year, with Daniel Briere setting him up instead of oft-injured Peter Forsberg. Over the past year Forsberg has spent more time in rehab than Lindsey Lohan.
• As always, there is a significant amount of pressure on the Leafs to make the playoffs. The Globe and Mail reports that John Ferguson Jr. " is acutely aware that his future will be in doubt should the Maple Leafs miss the playoffs for a third consecutive season". Who are we kidding? As Richard profiled earlier this week the Leafs chances of making the playoffs are slim and none. They should get the ball rolling and fire JFJ already, what are they waiting for? The much overhyped signing of Jason Blake will not get the Leafs into the playoffs
• The Detroit Red Wings are loving the Drake. Really? I didn't know the former Winnipeg Jet was still kicking around. Ansar Khan reports "When Drake's on the ice, opponents better keep their head up." Ya, forsure.

-remis

Prospect Pulse

Today I let my wife pick the feature on Prospect Pulse. She is bored sitting at home recovering from surgery, and I thought it would give her something to do. The good news is that she chose an Oiler prospect, the bad news is that she chose a kid who looks like the lead in High School Musical: Stars on Ice. (Hat tip to Lowetide for the picture)

William Quist, taken in the 6th Round (157th overall) by the Oilers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, is a 6-3 185 pound winger from Sweden. Though he doesn't appear to have a myriad of offensive skill (judging by the numbers), he does have good size and reach. Said to possess a technically skilled game and be able to use his intelligence to his advantage, Quist seemsto fall under the Project label. Working in his favor is the fact that is he an above average skater with a long reach and good hands. While this doesn't automatically translate into a NHL career, it does suggest that if Quist can continue to mature and use his reach, hands and intelligence, he may play himself onto an NHL roster.

Other teams, most notably the Detroit Red Wings, have had success looking to Sweden in the late rounds of drafts. In an interview with the Pipeline Show, Quist mentioned that he was very excited to be drafted by the Oilers (a boilerplate answer, I am sure) and that he going to play one more year in Sweden with Tingsryd in the Swedish Junior league so that he can graduate from high school. He came to camp this year to get a taste of the North American game and get acclimated to the Oilers' style of play. Asked to describe himself as a player, Quist noted that he grew an inch to 6-4 and put on five pounds(for a total of 190) of muscle. He feels that he is a good two way player who can use his size effectively and is looking to make the jump to the Swedish Elite League this winter. He also noted he has a "good stick". I am sure the girls in Edmonton will be thrilled, especially following the news that Raffi Torres is going to focus on hockey this year.


News You Can Use in the Late Morning:

-Consider checking out the Pipeline Show on September 18th. Lots of great insight into WHL prospects.

-Oilers and Springfield Falcons new uniforms. I am not a fan, though I do like the orange. Check out the response by Oilers fandom here.

-Les Sabres have suspended Teppo Numminen for failing to report to camp in good physical condition. He has a heart condition. The Sabres' brass had better hire themselves a good PR firm, as this has disaster written all over it. First they lose both captains, and now this. Numminen doesn't deserve this kind of treatment.

-A link to every new jersey. (Hat tip, Mirtle)

-Oilers looking to forget last year. Me too.

-Kings open the pre-season with a win. New face Kyle Calder with 2 goals to pace the team, and Cloutier with stellar 7 of 10 goaltending.

-Good run-down of training camp activity by the Score. Note that Phil Kessel may be moved to center. Also note that Krys Kolanos (Flames), Adam Hall (Penguins) and Mark Smith (Rangers) are participating in training camps. Still no Mike Johnson...

-David Tanabe in camp with the Blues.

-Team Canada captain Milan Lucic may get an extended look by the Bruins.

-A preview of the Minnesota Wild. This is just for you, Pipers.

-A recap (pun intended) of the Caps first day of training camp.

-Steve Rucchin fails his physical at Thrashers camp.

-Six goalies vie for jobs at Coyotes camp. Can they use all six at once, just to keep it close?

-Luongo the comedian. Note his quote when asked to describe the collision with Cowan.

-More on the gayest hockey movie ever.

-Blackhawks preach puck possession. And if you don't like it, they will take their puck and go home.

-USA Today Hockey Power Rankings.

-Kevin Allen sees the East as a toss up.

-Trevor Linden discusses the changes in training camps over the years.

-A discussion of Eric Lindros' chances for the Hall of Fame.

-Simon Gamache looking for a job at Leafs camp.

-Six players to watch. Just days ago it was 5 Players to Watch!

-Doug Janik impresses with his speed at Lightning camp.

-Bruins positive to start the season. Related: Chiarelli looks to make Bruins relevant in Boston's sportscape.

-Finally, a comprehensive look at what team employs tarts to clean the ice. Meow.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Morning Musings: Canada/Russia Super Series leaves much to be desired

After Canada destroyed Russia 8-1 on Tuesday night in Winnipeg, one has to wonder why this tournament was put together in the first place. Now, I understand the long standing relationship between Canada/Russia dating back to the storied 1972 Summit Series, but that was 35 years ago, in a fierce political climate that no longer exists between the two countries. Since September 28, 1972, Canada has played Russia in a number of hockey championships, but it is not as if any of those games were more heated than say games against the United States. In fact, with Canada's close battles with the United States over the past couple of years, maybe they would have been better off staying on this continent and playing an eight game series throughout North America. I can guarantee you one thing, that series would not be this one-sided.

On to the morning papers:

• Craig Custance of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution discusses the negotiations that lie ahead for Don Waddell. Both Kari Lehtonen and Marian Hossa will be free agents in the summer of 2008.
• Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun provides an honest opinion for why the league has come out with new uniforms across the board.
• While Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun has the story behind Andrei Taratukhin heading back to Russia before his entry-level contract has been completed. Let's just say it is not like Darryl Sutter is going to lose too much sleep.
• A sense of excitement is percolating throughout the Columbus Blue Jackets dressing room, prompting one player to say the "dark ages are over." Maybe this is the year the Blue Jackets finally make the playoffs...
• Once a top prospect of the Detroit Red Wings, it appears Igor Grigorenko has made it all the way back from a serious car accident in 2003 writes George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press.
• Devastating news out of Edmonton last night, and as Terry Jones explains, Fernando Pisani's health is far more important than any on-ice results.
• Almost under the radar, Panthers' defenseman Jay Bouwmeester pleaded guilty of DWI on Tuesday in Edmonton. Let's hope that is the last time we hear about an NHL player and the law for the rest of the season.
• Excitement is abound for the newest Montreal Canadiens, says Pat Hickey in this morning's Montreal Gazette.
• The Predators have already sold 9,000 season tickets around 1,000 more than they had at the same time last year. Was everyone too quick to write off Nashville as a viable hockey market?
• Apparently Sens' goalie Ray Emery will be ready for the beginning of the regular season, but maybe not before that.
• The San Jose Mercury News previews the Jeremy Roenick era in the Bay Area and one has to wonder whether the Sharks would have been better off standing pat for the rest of the off-season.
• I'm sure it won't take Vesa Toskala long to realize that he isn't playing in San Jose anymore. Both Paul Hunter of the Star and Mike Zeisberger of the Sun have interesting pieces about the Finnish netminder and the challenges that await him in the pressure cooker that is Toronto.
• With all the troubles Mark Bell has gone through recently, according to the Toronto Sun he may yet be in the line-up to start the season.
• While Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province wonders if maybe this is the year Brad Isbister finally reaches his potential? Yours truly wonders, maybe not....