News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Ed Chynoweth, former WHL president, has passed away. Bob McKenzie has a mini-obit here.
2. NBC and the NHL have extended their agreement through next season.
3. Adam Proteau calls out the officials from last night's Caps-Flyers game.
4. Scott Burnside with a postmortem on the Capitals.
5. Interesting piece on Brian Burke, as found in the National Post.
6. A comprehensive look around the NHL by Stan Fischler.
7. Five for Fighting (wasn't that a band?) updates the injury situation in Dallas.
8. Doug McLean wants to coach the Panthers...again.
9. The Red Deer Advocate calls for more nudity and less arson should the Canadiens win again. Jean Beliveau is upset with the rioting.
10. Another article on playoff beards.
11. The LA Kings have signed Oscar Moller to an entry level deal.
12. The Hot List.
13. HV71 wins the Swedish Elite League championship.
14. Willa Ford blogs on the Stars' first round victory.
15. The IHL lives to play another season.
16. Elliotte Friedman discusses the Mike Gillis hire.
17. The Slapshot blog looks back at some memorable Montreal-Philly matchups.
18. The USA wins the bronze medal at the World Under-18's.
19. The Leafs' GM wish list.
20. Canada hangs a dirty one on the Russians; win Gold Medal.
21. Sean Avery will intern at Vogue this summer, while the NHL looks to cash in on its new rule.
22. Scott Burnside breaks down the Wings-Avs series.
23. Bruce Boudreau has been given a new contract by the Washington Capitals.
24. Allan Muir has questions about the Sharks.
25. Interesting article about the demise of the NHL.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. NHL-Celebrity lookalikes. Its not news, its CNN!
2. 10 Questions for the NHL Playoffs.
3. The US Women defeat Canada at the World Championships. Will play again for the Gold.
4. The NHL will keep a close eye on playoff hot spots.
5. Bob Mckenzie's predictions.
6. PK Subban is leading the Belleville Bulls to playoff success.
7. The Hockey News Playoff Blog. Check out the item midway down about Madison Square Garden's policy on unfavorable stories about the Knicks and Rangers.
8. Pierre Lebrun has a man crush on Bryan Murray.
9. An update on the ticket sales scandal in Toronto.
10. Paul Kukla isn't a fan of playoff series' being touted as bloody affairs.
11. Interesting interview with Ted Leonsis from the Wall Street Journal.
12. A look back at some Memorial Cup history.
13. The Regina Leader-Post examines life in the WHL.
14. Five reasons for Predators fans (fan?) to have hope.
15. Puck That Hit's tribute to the Hottest Ice Girls of 2008.
16. EJ Hradek sees the Stanley Cup going West, while David Amber sees it going East.
17. Sharks fans get the shaft as Comcast airs baseball extra innings instead of the San Jose-Calgary game. Maybe they should Joe Thornton to complain, since he isn't doing anything else.
18. Jeff Marek notes that fighting is back in the NHL. WAY back.
19. Pat Sajak loves vowels. Especially A and O.
20. Another look back, this time for some memorable OT games.
21. The pessimist's guide to the playoffs.
22. A profile on Oilers' prospects Chris Vande Velde and Taylor Chorney.
23. Everything you ever wanted to know about Brendan Shanahan.
24. Terry Frei with each team's odds of winning it all.
25. The NHL will be touting its NHL Online Network during the playoffs.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Hayley Wickenheiser's hat trick propels Canada to victory over Sweden.
2. Check out this new photo blog featuring the UND Fighting Sioux.
3. Tyler Myers reverses a trend and joins Team Canada for the U-18's.
4. Darren Dreger notes that Sidney Crosby is only an average goal scorer.
5. Jim Kelley confirms the Matheson column from yesterday: Brian Campbell was a good pick up for the Sharks.
6. Central Scouting is hard at work prepping for the final draft rankings.
7. Michael Hutchinson is featured in this week's edition of Draft Dandies.
8. The Junior Hockey Report.
9. Guy Lafleur has filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit over his recent arrest warrant.
10. Craig Simpson wonders if Jim Playfair was unfairly scapegoated in Calgary.
11. Daryl Reaugh's suggestion on the icing debate: Eliminate it.
12. Paul Friesen writes about the Predators' season.
13. The NHL is now in the wine business. No mention of Darcy Tucker, chief NHL whiner.
14. Want to talk to some random Finnish dude about hockey?
15. Steve Yzerman is getting noticed.
16. Team Canada hopes to have Shane Doan on it's roster for the World Championships.
17. The NHL is recruiting former NCAA and CIS players to be referees.
18. Jim Boone of the NHLFA offers his thoughts on wooing American fans to hockey.
19. The Blackhawks will televise all 82 of their games next season.
20. Adam Proteau takes note at the Predators incredible run of luck.
21. A look at Native hockey players.
22. Taking Note informs us that three Western Leaguers have been named to Canada's U-18 team and Trent Yawney has an interest in coaching the Kelowna Rockets.
23. Daren Eliot writes that the Sharks and Penguins are heating up just as the playoffs approach.
24. Jeff Marek of CBC suggests a new method of awarding the Lady Byng.
25. Eric Duhatschek reminds us that important hockey games are also played in November, and points to the Oilers as proof.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Taking Note tells us that the Regina Pats may be close to acquiring Swedish standout Robin Figren.
2. Scott Burnside of ESPN says that the USA Hockey Jr. Program needs an overhaul.
3. Steve Downie will not be suspended for his sucker punch on Jason Blake.
4. Bob Gainey says that he is satisfied with the Habs play thus far.
5. Teemu Selanne has resumed skating in the Anaheim area.
6. Islanders top pick and recent U. of Minnesota defector Kyle Okposo has been assigned to Bridgeport of the AHL.
7. Al Strachan notes that finding a top-calibre goalie is the key to success for most GM's. Wonderful news for all GM's, I wonder what Strachan thinks about acquiring good goal scorers and elite defensemen?
8. Spector with his predictions for 2008. Pretty standard stuff here, but can Markus Naslund still be considered a sought after UFA?
9. Eric Duhatschek tells us about the US Women's Under-18 team, which features some girls with famous last names.
10. The Canadian Junior team now has to adjust to life back in the CHL (and NCAA).
11. Kent Gilchrist tells us that Canadian Jr. A teams want to be compensated when their players are drafted by the NHL.
12. Patrice Bergeron is recovering, slowly but surely.
13. The Bluejackets have recalled Steve Mason on an emergency basis.
14. Chicago Steel forward Andy Miele has left the Steel for Miami-Ohio.
15. The NHL Notebook from faceoff.com.
16. Ed Willes gives us his Monday Morning Musings, with a scathing look at the aforementioned Markus Naslund.
17. Canada's Under-22 Women's team has captured the European Air Canada Cup.
18. Jason Kay says that Fenway should get the next outdoor NHL game.
19. The Penguins have recalled Ryan Lannon and Ryan Stone from Wilkes-Barre.If Sidney keeps up this modelling work, they may need to recall more guys.
20. The Hot or Not list from the CHL.
21. A round-up of Monday night's WHL action.
22. Ken Campbell thinks the Broad Street Bullies have officially returned.
23. A look at US Women's College Hockey.
24. The Power Rankings from Canadian Jr. A hockey.
25. A look at the goings on of CIS Hockey in Canada.

News You Can Use Late in the Day

1. Darryl Katz has made another offer to buy the Edmonton Oilers, and it looks like this one will be accepted.
2. The NHL and the IIHF have re-opened the transfer agreement.
3. Angelo Esposito and Leland Irving highlight today's cuts for Team Canada.
4. Mike Richards has signed a 12 year deal with the Flyers.
5. Teppo Numminen has resumed skating.
6. Water cooler notes.
7. Darren Dreger tells us the Curtis Joseph will be playing in the Spengler Cup.
8. Northeastern has been surprising people in the NCAA.
9. The AHL report.
10. Crashing the Net gives us 15 players to watch at the upcoming World Juniors.
11. Steven Stamkos says he is willing to do anything to help Canada win.
12. INCH's Hobey Baker tracker.
13. Fanhouse discusses the Scott Walker incident.
14. Stan Fischler details a heated exchange between Aaron Asham and Brent Sutter.
15. Fans aren't the only ones who don't like defensive hockey.
16. Bryan McCabe's offense has dried up, but so have the boos.
17. Jason Jaffray and Mason Raymond each scored their first NHL goals last night.
18. A Martin Havlat for Erik Cole trade was nearly a done deal, pre-lockout.
19. Rand Simon writes that younger players are getting signed sooner and to bigger deals in the wake of the Dustin Penner offer sheet.
20. Wednesday's WHL highlights.
21. This week's installment featuring Roseau, MN, courtesy of the Hockey News.
22. The Gagner-Nilsson-Pisani line is clicking in Edmonton.
23. The Montreal Canadiens have reunited the Kostitsyn brothers.
24. A video of life living with Tom Gilbert, Sam Gagner and Andrew Cogliano.
25. Here are the Top 20 WHL prospects for the 2008 draft.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

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

1. Terry Frei of ESPN with an ode to Slapshot.
2. Jim Kelley with his Inside the NHL column.
3. Anton Volchenkov is expected to miss at least 4 weeks.
4. Pierre Lebrun of Sportsnet anticipates more schedule changes, as early as 2009-10.
5. Radek Martinek accuses the Rangers' Hollweg of trying to rip out his stitches.
6. Ed Jovanoski gets a one-game suspension for his hit on Marion Gaborik.
7. Scott Burnside recaps the Board of Governors' meetings.
8. The WHL gets a split with Team Russia and gives Canada the win in the ADT Challenge.
9. The Vancouver Giants are ready to take another run at the Memorial Cup.
10. Hockey thrives in Bakersfield, CA.
11. Speaking of Slapshot, did you know new Caps coach Bruce Boudreau was an extra?
12. Taking Note with details on the CHL Power Rankings, and the news that Pokey Reddick's son Bryce is playing in the BCHL and has committed to Michigan Tech.
13. The IIHF has voted to play all international tournaments scheduled for North America on NHL-sized rinks.
14. The ECHL report with word that the Ferraro brothers are alive and playing in Las Vegas.
15. Good hockey article from the Wall Street Journal. Wait, what?
16. NHL.com with its fantasy guide for the 1st week of December.
17. Theo Fleury is set to get his own reality show.
18. Fanhouse with video of the 8 year olds hockey brawl.
19. John Kreiser notes that the Bruins and Flyers keep winning despite being consistently outshot.
20. Adam Proteau's mailbag.
21. Gordie Howe has sued his former business associates.
22. The photoblog from the USHL's Robert Meyer.
23. Mark Recchi is a healthy scratch again, and may be on the move to Columbus.
24. Two Kingston Frontenac players and the trainer were hurt in a car accident.
25. Recalls include Mart Hartigan (Wings), Quintin Lang (Capitals) and Colin Fraser (Thrashers).

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

-The likelihood of a Forsberg comeback has diminished, as TSN is reporting his ankle is not holding up in practice.
-Steven Stamkos tops the Mckeen's 2008 Draft List.
-Ilya Kovalchuk named the NHL's First Star of the Week. Lundquist and Gaborik are 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
-Kyle Wellwood and Mark Bell will rejoin the Leafs tomorrow night.
-In related news, Jason Spezza will miss his third straight game tomorrow night.
-The Blue Jackets Pascale Leclaire has been the surprise of the NHL thus far.
-The NHL's Rookie Watch looks at Nick Foligno.
-Mel Bridgman with a look at Mike Cammalleri. Note to Mike. If you read this site and are bored in LA in the near future, look up my sister-in-law. She will be temporarily out of work due to the writers strike and needs something to do. I won't be able to handle family functions if she marries an actor or poet.
-A look at Team's WHL and OHL for the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge.
-Gene Principe wonders if the Oilers are cursed.
-A look at Blue Jacket prospect Derick Brassard, who was named the AHL Rookie of the Month for October.
-Henrik Lundqvist is leading the Rangers resurgence.
-INCH with their weekly college hockey rankings. Miami of Ohio remains on top.
-Lyle Richardson with an article on the early season reluctance of some GM's to make a trade.
-Eric Duhatschek discusses the same subject.
-Ken Campbell suggests that the Ottawa Senators make a play for Mats Sundin. Sure thing Ken, and Stephen Harper will be caught having a 3-way with Taliban Jack Layton and Belinda Stronach. (For our American and foreign readers, that means not bloody likely)
-Becky Kellar has returned to the Canadian Women's Hockey team after the birth of her 2nd child. And I can't even get Amanda to strap on the pads to play shinny in the basement.
-Newsday notes that the Penguins scouts are following the Dallas Stars.
-Taking Note with a roundup of weekend action in the WHL.
-Fanhouse discusses the return of the 2 minute major, complete with a dig at Joni Pitkanen.
-Stan Fischler reports that Paul Kelly aims to expand NHL tv coverage in the US.
-Sean Avery is in mid-season form, calling out Martin Brodeur and challenging Zach Parise to a fight.
-Adrian Aucoin is adapting to life as a Calgary Flame.
-Did Brian Bellows throw a tantrum when his kid was cut from the squirts team?
-ESPN notes that Martin Havlat is close to returning.
-The Tampa Bay Lightning are also bad in the minors.
-Adam Proteau's mailbag.
-The NHL Notebook, courtesy of the National Post.
-Yahoo christens the Twin Cities as the new Hockeytown.
-A look at the surprises and disappointments of the first month in the NHL.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Kyle Kosior

Prospect Pulse

Coyotes prospect Daniel Carcillo caught my eye last night when watching portions of the Leafs-Coyotes game on the internet. I have to admit that I had absolutely no idea who he was until I researched him a little further. Acquired by the Coyotes in the deal that sent Georges Laraque to Pittsburgh, Carcillo does not even appear on the Coyotes Top 20 list of prospects. A Left Winger by trade, Carcillo is best known for his toughness, racking up 311 penalty minutes for Wilkes-Barre in his first professional season of 2005-2006.

A Sean Avery tough guy with talent type, Carcillo had an OHL career plagued by on and off ice troubles. That being said, he possesses a multitude of skills that may translate into an NHL career. He has a booming shot, is ultra physical, not afraid to fight and has good hands in close. On the downside, he is prone to taking bad penalties and can cost his time with ill-timed decisions.

If Carcillo can build upon his already strong showing at Coyotes camp, he may find himself a place on the roster given his blend of offensive talent and sandpaper personality. A listing of Daniel Carcillo's fights can be found here. Note that while he doesn't fight many heavyweights, he isn't shy about dropping the gloves.

News You Can Use in the Late Morning:

-An interview with Springfield Falcons' head coach Kelly Buchberger.

-Rob Vanstone of the Regina Leader-Post predicts the Pats will capture the WHL's Eastern Division in his WHL preview article.

-We noted a couple weeks back that Adam Huxley wrote the Oilers asking for a camp invite. News today indicates that he has earned himself an AHL contract.

-Taking Note with news and notes from the WHL. Note that Team Canada defender Logan Pyett has been named captain of the Regina Pats.

-Eric Duhatschcek notes that the Kings fortunes will rise and fall with Cloutier.

-Jordan Staal embarrassed about bachelor party arrest. This story needs to go away. Who cares? If this is all the trouble NHL'ers get into in the off-season, the league should rest easy. I got into more trouble than this in Grade 9.

-Jeff Gordon looks at 10 players ready to break out.

-Jacques Demers reports for RDS that Cristobal Huet has a leg up on the starting job in Montreal, which may mean that Carey Price starts the year in Hamilton.

-Nick Foligno steps up his game after getting called out by John Paddock.

-WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, the pride of Indian Head, eyes some new rivalries for the start of the 2007-2008 season.

-The OHL will implement new rules this season.

-Capitals hope that their new additions at forward will translate into shootout success.

-One more Lamoureux headed to the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux.

-In sports business news, Nike will sell off its hockey subsidiary.

-A Coyotes preview from Fanhouse.

-In hockey law news, an Illinois court is set to decide on liability for players and coaches involved in a hit from behind.

-The Sharks are sending personnel to Asia to help develop hockey overseas. This can only bring positive returns. There are thriving hockey markets in places you would not expect and sooner or later they will produce NHL talent. Please take a quick look at the website for the Australian Ice Hockey League, run in part by an ex-pat from Saskatchewan.

-In a related note, check out this story from the Ottawa Sun.

-The Devils hope that Zubrus can offset the loss of Scott Gomez. Hopefully 13 goals isn't too taxing for Mr. Zubrus.

-A Rangers preview.

-The New York Times reports that Jagr and Gomez have buried the hatchet. Since its the Times, reader may want to fact check. Also note that George W. Bush was in fact NOT blamed for anything in the article.

-Eric Brewer looks to anchor the blue-line for St. Louis.

-A San Jose Sharks preview.

-The annual draft seen as a road-block to any European expansion. I say don't bother with Europe. Demographics suggest there will be few people left in Europe in a generation or two.

-Tampa Bay Lightning preview.

-Mike Milbury joins the TSN Broadcast Crew. Watch for him to swing a deal involving Dutchy, Bob McKenzie and Jennifer Hedger to Sportsnet for Martine Gaillard and Jim Lang.

-Scott Feschuk wonders why Gretzky won't talk about Tocchet. Leave Gretz alone and let him worry about the Coyotes.

-Cam Ward needed no introduction to Michael Leighton. They had already talked to each other by hand.

-News from the Kings' camp about the #1 goalie battle and on Prospect Pulse feature Brian Boyle.

-The Bruins look for Jeremy Reich to add a physical edge to their game. Note the picture of Baby Bourque below the main story. Does he look like Raymond or what?

-The mailbag from The Hockey News.

-Terry Frei at ESPN notes Eric Lindros not worth the risk for a team to sign him.

-Battle of California with a look at Michal Handzus.

-Martin Brodeur tells USA Today he still feels durable.

-A look at the Flames goaltending from Battle of Alberta.

-Stan Fischler profiles Justin Bourne at the Islanders' camp.

-Penguins look to continue their ascent to the top of the NHL.

-Penguins meet the fans in a town hall meeting.

-News from Kings' camp about the # goalie battle and on Prospect Pulse feature Brian Boyle.

-The Bruins want Jeremy Reich to add a physical element to the team. Note the picture of Baby Bourque below the main story. Does he look like Raymond or what?

-The Miami Herald notes that Cory Murphy is settling into his role nicely.

-The Score notes that Montreal lacks toughness.

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