Shrapnel - 8/11/11

We begin not by saying Hello, but by saying goodbye.

NBA writer Chris Tomasson broke the news yesterday that current Blue Jackets (and occasional Columbus Crew) beat writer Tom Reed is heading to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, where he will be taking over as their Cavs beat reporter. DBJ has a great farewell, and I'd like to add my own. Tom has been one of the best "day to day" coverage guys, and even at times when fans have complained about the Dispatch trying to campaign for fan support rather than reporting the news, Tom generally kept above that and simply went out and did a good job of letting you know what was going on, and giving you a sense of the guys on the ice, behind the bench, and in the suits. He's been great at interacting with the fans on twitter, and reaching out to the fanbase when he's looking for their perspective in his work. 

Thank you, Tom, and good luck. You will be missed.

Over in St. Louis, the Blues have set a deadline of August 22nd for bids from prospective buyers, but the Globe & Mail points out it isn't really a seller's market.

Jeff Little delivers another piece of his "Lifting The Shroud" series, this time focusing on goaltending.

As the NHL R&D camp continues, Puck Daddy has some suggestions for rules to improve power play scoring, while Derek Zona questions the line that an "injury epidemic" is driving the need for rules changes.

If Tom Reed will be leaving the Dispatch soon, he's going out with some high notes, offering a look at how Scott Howson has tied his future to Steve Mason (and to a lesser extent, Mark Dekanich.)

Looks Dean Lombardi just lobbed the ball back into Drew Doughty's court.

LTL takes a look at some Predators fans who are coming up to Nationwide, and is encouraging fans to join up with the Jacket Backers to reply in kind.

Bruce Boudreau is hoping Alexander Ovechkin will be an even better leader this season. Which is good, given you made him the Captain and all.

Looks like Kukla's has added a new Jackets Blogger, and his debut is asking if Columbus should be looking at Marty Turco. (Short answer? He thinks so, and I disagree.)

According to an interview with Nikita Filatov by SovSport, he's been promised a top six spot and power play time before ever taking the ice. I'm sure this won't end badly. Meanwhile, SenShot and Silver Seven are taking bets on who next season's goat will be, and someone with the initials "N.F." is already an option...

The Jacket Backers have more info on their CannonFest fundraisers for Hockey Beats Down Cancer, and we've got some food specials, too.

Last of all, it looks like Ryan Johansen has joined Twitter, for all those looking to say hello.

Have a great morning!