This morning, Nationwide arena officially shifts from “Offseason” to “Pre-season” as players report for their training camp physicals.
Tomorrow, we will be able to go to the Ice Haus and welcome the 2011-2012 edition of the Blue Jackets onto the ice for the first time. I’m so excited I’m shaking! Or maybe that’s because it got FREAKING COLD overnight. Brr.
Again, news of the arena proposal is dominating much of the “airwaves” for the Jackets today, so let’s run that down.
Some of the biggest endorsements came yesterday from the City Council, County Commissioners, and Mayor’s office. Another endorsement was released by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Gary Bettman has issued a statement in support. The Dispatch covered the high level approval, Bob Hunter suggests that resolving the arena issue could put Columbus onto the fast track to host an all-star game, (I’d happily take it, but I’d still love to see a Winter Classic here someday…), and LTL has a look at how the deal makes sense…and cents.
Over at TMM, Jeff has been on the issue since before it started, and he’s continued his top notch coverage, from a look at the math to commenting on those climbing on board and looking at the way the deal appears to be coming to a close. The idea that this could, indeed, be settled before the puck drops would be amazing – one big thing off our collective shoulders. Note also that Jeff added links in his sidebar to all the official studies and reports on the arena situation in addition to his own “Arena Chronicles”. Awesome work.
“But wait”, you say, “I want to see the ACTUAL proposal that was unveiled on Wednesday?” DBJ can hook you up.
And after all that, we still have a bunch of hockey to talk about!
Continuing a brief series from yesterday:
Teemu Selanne? Got Paid! (Probably for the last time.)
Drew Doughty? Uh oh… If you’re a Kings fan, hearing your franchise d-man’s contract negotiations described as drama has to be a painful thing to wake up to.
Red Light District took a look at training camp battles in the Western Conference, and we gave him a couple of suggestions.
A bit of College Hockey for you – Brett Hextall is a lot like his dad, and Brendan Arniel hopes to be a lot like his dad.
Rob Vollman over at Hockey Prospectus looked at the Central Division in their “Summer Skate” series, and his “trending up” and “trending down” are worth considering.
The Dallas Stars are ready to file for bankruptcy in order to facilitate a quick sale.
Rookie camp invitee Adam Payerl had a good showing in Traverse City, and has earned an invitation to the main camp, finalizing the roster.
The Rangers are already trying to get used to the HBO 24/7 team.
Matt over at PHT argues that Ryan Johansen is already getting a boost from Jeff Carter.
Puck Daddy talked to NHLPA head Donald Fehr about player safety and mental health.
Gallos is into part four of his CBJ History with a look at the Hitchcock Restoration.
Bad news for the Sharks – not only are they already releasing injury reports, but goaltender Antero Niittymaki could be out for up to 12 weeks as he attempts to heal a nagging groin injury.
Columbus Wired is on the Steve Mason is the key to the season bandwagon.
Darren McCarty is working at a pawn shop. I’ll let you write your own joke.
Can both Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier crack the Philadelphia lineup this season? Schenn is the more likely of the two, but it’s certainly a possibility.
Last but not least, Mark over at The View From 210 offers a really great shot of Jared Boll and Kris Russell.