Shrapnel - 7/16/11

It's unfair to say that, in the sphere of the Blue Jackets and their fans, nothing happened yesterday. Perhaps it's better to say that very little happened, and as such, we don't have so much to talk about as we usually might on that scale.

The biggest news, though perhaps the lowest key, was that OSU has extended their deal with Nationwide Arena to co-manage the facility (and the Schottenstein Center) for another year. That partnership will continue to save the team operating costs, and will hopefully keep providing an example of possible alternatives as the arena issue continues to be worked on.

Big news out of Chicago today, on the other hand. First you have the announcement that Patrick Kane will be having surgery on his arm, which could keep him out until late into training camp, the signing of former Jacket Sami Lepisto to a one year contract, and the announcement that the team will part ways with RFA Chris Campoli.

Over at CBJ Pucks & Stuff, we have the greatest coffee table ever.

Some guys spend their batchelor party in pursuit of debauchery. Henrik Lundqvist spent his selling shampoo. I think this goes beyond cultural differences.

Washington Capitals prospect Danick Paquette talked on Twitter about how he wants to be just like Matt Cooke. What does that mean for the culture of hockey?

We mentioned earlier this week that more buyers were surfacing for St. Louis. We found out today that current Blues owner got a 60 day extension on his loans to facilitate a sale. That implies that either a sale is quite close, or Checketts is quite happy to risk a default...could we be looking at a situation where the NHL has to step in on the ownership of another club?

More discussion of Maksim Mayorov's decision to train (and only train) with AK Bars in the KHL at Puck Rakers.

Particularly relevant, given the news of Huselius getting injured, Justin Bourne talks about offseason training for hockey players - not just the what, but the why. 

Puck Daddy talks with former Jacket  (and new Florida head coach) Kevin Dineen about the path of his career, and how being considered for the Jackets' job helped him find his way to South Beach.

Finally, if you're a Blue Jackets season ticket holder, the team will be holding one of their "Fan Forums" via conference call to give you a chance to talk to Jeff Carter, James Wisniewski, and Scott Howson. Check your email for details. If you're not a season ticket holder? Well, you do have a few days to consider investing...