- As you all know already, the Red Wings signed Fabian Brunnstrom yesterday to a two way deal. 1 year, $600,000 if he plays the entire season in the NHL. Best yet, his contract value means he will not have to clear re-entry waivers, so as long as we can actually get him down to Grand Rapids, he can come back up to us no problem. [The Production Line]
- As anticipated, Ryan Johnson was released. [MLive]
- National analysts apparently like the Wings. I was expecting much, much worse when I clicked this link. [MLive]
- Ken Campbell of THN suggests that the Wings will live or die by the middle of their lineup. In other news, the sky is blue. Let’s just put this out there: every team lives or dies by the middle of the lineup and guys like Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader. The guys up front will almost always do their job, no matter what team. It’s the third line that wins you games, though, even if it doesn’t show up in the box score most nights. [The Hockey News]
- ESPN has the Wings pegged as #8 in their week 1 power rankings. Yes, power rankings. The season is finally upon us. [ESPN]
- Surprise! Two-time former Wing Jason Williams was sent down to the AHL by the Penguins yesterday. [Pensburgh]
- Broad Street Hockey points out an interesting CBA rule as they determine that former Red Wing Andreas Lilja is not guaranteed a spot afterall. Basically, 35+ contract signees will not count against the cap if they are sent down to the minors in their first year only. As BSH points out, this means that Lilja is guaranteed a spot on the Flyers… next year. Which is amusing for some odd reason. [Broad Street Hockey]
- Sidney Crosby was put on the injured reserve list yesterday, and will miss at least a week. There is still no timetable for his return, but things are looking really good for him. [Yahoo! Sports]
- Puck Daddy has a look at the pre-season scoring leaders and what it will mean for fantasy owners. All I know is that I have three of the top scorers. Go Shady Weber! [Puck Daddy]
- In other fantasy news, Marc Staal has officially been ruled out of the season opener, thanks to post concussion syndrome stemming from a hit from his older brother, Eric. Somewhere, my week 1 opponent is doing a victory dance. [Blueshirt Banter]
- The city of Columbus OKed the massive plan that will keep the Blue Jackets in the city until 2039. It is likely they will still have a losing record and let in 4 goals a night, thanks to Steve Mason. [Sports Illustrated]
- In what was a complete shock for me, Ray Emery won the backup job in Chicago. Not that he isn’t talented enough to do it, he most definitely is. I just did not think the Blackhawks would go with someone who has such a history of locker room issues. [Second City Hockey]
- Die By The Blade thinks the Drew Doughty deals make the Sabres look smart. Slow up, guys. You made a perfect signing when you re-upped Tyler Myers. Perfect amount for the perfect time period for him. But you also made Christian Ehrhoff the highest paid defenseman in the league. Christian Ehrhoff is the highest paid defenseman in the league. [Die by the Blade]
- Just in case you were wondering, yes, Shanahan will be doing non-suspension videos as well/ He decided not to suspend Ryan Malone yesterday, much to the amazement of the peanut gallery, and posted a video explaining why. [Puck Daddy]
- The Globe and Mail wonders why advanced stats haven’t caught on yet. My personal opinion: because they aren’t half as useful as people think they are. And they clutter up the box score. [The Globe and Mail]
Discussion of the Day: Which Red Wings role players do you miss the most? I am talking Doug Brown or Kris Draper here, and not Brett Hull, when I say role players.
