August 26, 2007

Teemu Selanne's children have apparently been enrolled in school in the Anaheim area, indicating which direction Selanne may be leaning for his decision (which we should hear about early this week). Ditto for Scott Niedermayer, although with either one of them it could be about a possible role in management. Who knows? It's Sunday, August 26 – it's not like there's a ton of hockey stuff I can dig up here!

I always imagined that Selanne would go back to Finland when he retires, so I interpret the above news positively for Selanne owners. Niedermayer, on the other hand, I think is done. He'll be some sort of ambassador for the sport and/or for the Ducks in California.

If Bryan Berard gets at the very least a training camp invite…which he did, on Long Island…shouldn't Jason Allison, at the very least, be extended the same courtesy by a team in desperate need of a skilled pivot? I'm wondering why Columbus, Atlanta, Edmonton and the Islanders haven't done at least that yet.

Andrei Taratyukin turned down an offer to go back to the RSL. His sights are set on Calgary and he has a 50-50 shot at a spot this year. He may be a Keenan-type of player, but it may come down to him versus Dustin Boyd in camp. In which case, I would choose Boyd.

Tomorrow morning at 9am EST, Canada will play Russia in the Super Series. Milan Lucic, a Boston Bruins prospect who will be a power forward in the NHL someday, has been named team captain for Canada. The Memorial Cup MVP has shot up to 174 on my Fantasy Prospects List.

Neither Jonathan Bernier, nor Leland Irving, will be starting for Canada. It will be Steve Mason, a Columbus draft pick.