- As is the case with any guy in the bottom of the lineup, Fabian Brunnstrom and Cory Emmerton know that their battle has only just begun. They need to crack the main roster still, and then find a way to stay there. As I can’t remember the last time we had such a battle occurring, I can only imagine this being a good thing for the Wings. [MLive]
- Helene St. James writes why Ian White was a perfect signing for the Wings; mainly, it’s because he shoots right handed. [Detroit Free Press]
- ESPN is not a fan of the Wings, apparently, as all but one panelist chose the Blackhawks to win the Central. And JJ will rage when he sees that three of their panelists chose Bruce Boudreau to win the Jack Adams. [ESPN]
- In totally unrelated news, the answer to my tweet yesterday regarding the lack of Brunnstrom and Nyquist in NHL 12 is “infuriating.” Thanks for playing, guys.
- Jakub Kindl has made his career so far playing when others get injured, and hopes that won’t be the case this year as he also looks to stick to the starting lineup. [MLive]
- Helene St. James writes that the Wings need to be more consistent and better at home if they want to win the Cup this year. [Detroit Free Press]
- The St. Louis Blues have reportedly come to an agreement to sell the team to Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer. If this sale is approved and the Stars odd sale plan works, that will leave just the Coyotes as teams in limbo in terms of ownership. [ESPN]
- Speaking of those Coyotes, Paul Bissonnette, was extended for two years yesterday. As is this case with the league’s most famous tweeter, BizNasty self reported the deal is worth $1.45 million over the two years. [Coyotes]
- Shady Weber may be in trouble before the season even begins as TSN is reporting that Marc Staal may be out for at least a month with post-concussion symptoms. Meanwhile, Blueshirt Banter says that Staal has been placed on LTIR and did not make the trip to Europe with the team. Anyone have a spare #2 defenseman I could snag for? [Blueshirt Banter]
- I am unsurprised, albeit let down, that the Devils named Zach Parise their captain. I figured they would do it to show faith in him, much as the Canucks did with Roberto Luongo a few seasons ago. I still feel it should have been Patrick Elias, however, the true leader of that team. [In Lou We Trust]
- The trades with the Wild are already paying off for the Sharks, as Martin Havlat has officially been ruled out of the season opener. [NBC Sports]
- Broad Street Hockey doesn’t seem too happy that the Canadiens swiped Blair Betts off waivers from the Flyers. Let’s be honest, though, no fans ever are when it comes to the waiver wire. I still resent Stevie Y for taking Ritola from us last season. [Broad Street Hockey]
Discussion of the Day: In your lifetime, which player was it most difficult to see not play with the Wings at the start of a season? Bonus points for saying my favorite player.
