The Leafs have signed Nik Kulemin to a three-year entry level deal. He'll likely come to camp in September just to give brass a look, but will remain in Russia for another season. Keep an eye on him though, because he seems to be a sure-fire NHLer that will make a quick impact.

Mattias Ohlund is contemplating sports hernia surgery. He'll still be ready for camp.

The Wild are keeping a close eye on Gaborik this summer. Tired of his constant groin injuries (much like fantasy poolies), they asked him to remain in Minnesota for much of the summer and he agreed. Usually he goes back to Slovakia.

Luc Robitaille has been named President of Business Operations for the L.A. Kings. Apparently, all those people out there with doctorate degrees in business (that are also hockey buffs) wouldn't be better suited for the job. Gotta love ex-players becoming executives in professional sports! And you wonder why salaries and ticket prices spiral out of control…

Nothing against Lucky Luc. I love the guy. I just have a problem with ex-players without a solid business background getting a leg up on regular Joes who do have impressive business training. Garth Snow, for example, is OK – he has a Masters Degree. Being an owner (Mario Lemieux) or a coach (Wayne Gretzky) is fine. A GM or President?

Columbus has signed 2005 draftee Kiril Starkov to a three-year entry-level contract. He's about four years away and ranks 294 on my fantasy prospects list.

They couldn't sign him last year, but they succeeded yesterday. The Anaheim Ducks signed rearguard Maxim Kondratiev to a contract. He played last year in Russia where he absolutely racked up the PIMs (142 in 51 games – very out of character for him). He has some offensive potential, but you won't see any of it until the team's Big 3 move on to other things.

Because the Red Wings will likely not re-sign Robert Lang, Valterri Filpulla will likely be their second-line center.

The Oilers may have an interest in trading for Jaroslav Spacek. They played the hell out of him when he was in Edmonton, but Buffalo hardly played him at all despite being their highest paid rearguard.