NHL Columns

NE Division: Big Changes in Leafland
The Northeast Division preview looking at new players, player who are gone and key injuries heading into the 2010-2011 NHL season.

In The Crease August 18, 2010

Pacific Division Preview
In this week's installment of In the Crease, Corey Abbott previews the Pacific Division for the upcoming season.

In The Crease August 14, 2010

Central Division Preview
Don't miss Kevin Brown's 2010-11 preview of the Central Division.

In The Crease August 6, 2010

The Southeast Division
Don't miss this installment of In the Crease as Brett Lockwood handicaps the Southeast Division.

In The Crease July 28, 2010

Atlantic Division Preview
In this week's installment of In the Crease, Ryan Dadoun previews the NHL's Atlantic Division.

In The Crease July 20, 2010

Northeast Division Preview
In this week's installment of In the Crease Ryan Dadoun previews the Northeast Division.

In The Crease July 14, 2010

Still on the Market
In this week's installment of In the Crease, Corey Abbott takes a look at the free agents still on the market.

In The Crease July 8, 2010

The Trading Post
In this week's installment of In the Crease, Corey Abbott examines the fantasy impact of trades made in the last few weeks.

In The Crease June 28, 2010

Entry Draft Report Card
Don't miss this week's installment of In the Crease as Ryan Dadoun grades each and every NHL team on its performance at the entry draft table this past weekend.

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NHL Player News

Mattias Ohlund D - TB: Ohlund looks to bounce... Sep 7, 6:56AM

Mattias Ohlund (leg) feels fine as the start of training camp approaches. Ohlund had a minor procedure on his right leg in May, but he's put that behind him. He's looking to rebound after scoring a career-low 13 points in 67 games last season. Part of his decline could be blamed on a high-ankle injury he sustained on November 14th that he attempted to battle through for the remainder of the season. He also accepted more of a shutdown role in 2009-10 and his power-play ice time dipped to just over a minute per game. When asked, he offered no excuses for his lackluster numbers last season, but he did say that he feels "great now." We wouldn't be surprised if he bounces back and finishes the season with 20-30 points.
Pavel Valentenko D - MON: Valentenko might start... Sep 7, 6:43AM

Pavel Valentenko should be given a chance to make the New York Rangers' opening day roster. Valentenko may have a bit of an edge over the other candidates for one of the Rangers' final defensive spots, thanks to his experience in the KHL. However, he's more of a defensive defenseman and consequently, his fantasy value is minimal. The Rangers acquired him from Montreal in the Scott Gomez deal.
Kirk Maltby LW - (N/A): Maltby talks set to... Sep 7, 6:29AM

Detroit general manager Ken Holland is set to talk with Kirk Maltby's agent on Tuesday. The two sides are still holding conversations on a one-year deal, but the veteran winger would have to start the year in the minors.
Johan Franzen RW - DET: Franzen healthy and... Sep 7, 6:25AM

Johan Franzen is healthy and ready to get back on track in 2010-11. "I'm feeling really excited to get going again," Franzen said after skating in just 27 games last year due to a knee injury. "Last season was more of a rehabilitation for me to get my knee back in shape. I feel really hungry this year and in good shape and really strong. I've been working out from the day I got injured, pretty much, so I'm probably in the best physical shape I've been in. I needed this summer to get really healthy. Now I feel 100%." Franzen did play well for Detroit in the playoffs with 18 points in 12 contests, but admitted that he had become more of a perimeter player and he passed off in situations where he would have preferred to drive towards the goal. He feels he can get back to that driving style this campaign.
Fredrik Modin LW - ATL: Modin officially signs... Sep 6, 2:24PM

The Thrashers have officially announced the signing of winger Fredrik Modin. He agreed to a one-year deal that will earn him $800,000 plus bonuses. "I know Fredrik well from our time in Tampa and he is an experienced and talented veteran who is tremendously respected in the locker room," GM Rick Dudley said. "He's won a Stanley Cup, along with an Olympic Gold Medal, and possesses that winning mentality we are looking for." Modin scored 11 points in 44 games last season with Columbus and Los Angeles. He has struggled with injuries the last three years and he is likely to have little-to-no fantasy value in Atlanta. However, his arrival may help facilitate Dustin Byfuglien's move back onto defense to start the season. Stay tuned to see what happens at camp.
Patrice Bergeron C - BOS: Bruins want more... Sep 6, 1:09PM

The Boston Bruins are hopeful that Patrice Bergeron will regain his offensive touch. "Patrice is still a young player," GM Peter Chiarelli said. "He knows there's more to his game. We're on the same page in that regard. He has a well-rounded, two-way game. But he's still only 25. We've seen areas where he's improved offensively." Bergeron led the Bruins with 19 goals and 52 points in 73 games last season, but he has surpassed the 70-point plateau twice in his NHL career before injuries took their toll on him. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year and Boston would like to get an extension worked out.
Evgeni Malkin C - PIT: Evgeni Malkin might... Sep 6, 10:09AM

Evgeni Malkin might serve as a right winger this season. With Mike Comrie signed and capable of centering the third line, the Penguins are believed to be seriously considering moving Jordan Staal up to the second line to play with Malkin. That's a change Malkin is reportedly looking forward to, even if it means shifting from his natural position. Malkin did spend the better part of the Penguins' 2009 Postseason run as a right winger and he went onto score 14 goals and 36 points en route to being named the Playoff MVP. He also served as a winger for Russia in the 2010 World Championship. Stay tuned.

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