We’re now Radek Martinek days away from the start of the Blue Jackets‘ regular schedule, as the teams visiting Europe complete their tune ups and NHL rosters receive their final trims before today’s 3pm deadline.
Over at CBJ Blog, Andy is hosting part 3 of our blogger roundtable, where we talk about the rookies looking to stick in the NHL and the injury to Mark Dekanich.
Speaking of trimming rosters, the Rangers have waived Sean Avery, with the intent of sending him to the AHL, but the interesting twist is that it could drop Dallas below the salary floor, as they had been paying half of his contract. Martini Hockey also offers his take on the whole offseason situation with Avery, and why the NHL needs to stand up on this even as Avery might slip out of the roster.
Aaron Portzline had a few last dispatches from Miami, while Shawn Mitchell sat down to chat with Curtis Sanford on his window of opportunity and Derick Brassard moving around in the lineup.
If you have a few minutes, could you take this survey for SBNation? It could potentially help us make a big donation to the Blue Jackets foundation.
Here’s your digest of yesterday’s Backhand Shelf (aka Backhand Sauce aka Between The Legs, AKA Vinny “The Deke” Scagliotti, aka Arthur Wiesenthal): Introducing this season’s new NHL coaches, how players try to avoid “heavy legs”, why Ron Wilson’s communication style doesn’t fit the new NHL, and a Mennonite defends fighting in hockey.
Over at Crimespree Hockey, they’re talking five key thoughts for the Jackets heading into the season.
Over at the main SBNation hub, Travis takes a look at why teams rush their young prospects.
Jeff Little unloads some arena science as he busts myths left and right about the proposed deal between Nationwide, the City of Columbus, and Franklin County. I also want to give a stick tap to Iezugod at the Reddit CBJ community, who figured out that based on player salary tax revenues, the deal will pay for itself regardless of casino revenues.
The Hockey Writers features their top ten rookies to watch, with Ryan Johansen featured proudly.
Did we mention that Skraut produced a new short video? He sure did.
Over at Puck Daddy, they talk about the Bruins‘ new bling, how the next CBA will target “cheaters”, the Caps and Pens raising money for Lokomotiv families, and if you thought AT&T dropping NHL network was bad, imagine losing the NHL in your entire country.
Over at Dark Blue Jacket, Tom talks about the Jackets’ annual season kickoff at the zoo, and the fact that the ACA is (well, was, since it took place last night) front and center at the party.
Over in Chicago, rookie Brandon Saad didn’t just make the team – he’s penciled in for the first line.
LTL took a quick look at the Jackets’ offseason spending and a few other random thoughts yesterday.
Former OSU star David Steckel has been traded from New Jersey to Toronto – here’s reaction from In Lou We Trust and Pension Plan Puppets on both sides of the deal.
Fire The Cannon features a look at how the Jackets’ prospects fared in the month of September.
The Flyers are hoping for some serious Czech Connections between Jakub Voracek and Jaromir Jagr, while the Avalanche have put Chuck Kobasew…on the top six? Oh-kaythen.
Finally, Mr. Martini went to the mall yesterday…and he wants to talk to you about hats.