Angus here, mid-day update (6:30 for all you out East).

Peter Forsberg has reportedly left the team he was practicing with due to ankle problems.  Those rumors of an NHL return look to be squashed – for good.  Time to hang them up, Pete. 

Erik Johnson was sent to the AHL for conditioning.  He looks to be ready to go for the Blues next game on Friday.

The Bruins have called up Rask.  Expect him to get a start some time in the next week.

Brett Sterling has been sent to the AHL by the Thrashers.

Steve Sullivan hasn't even started skating after his back surgery.  His potential December return is out of the question, and the thought of retirement has to be sneaking in to his head at some point in time.  If you were waiting on him this season, stop. 

Wes Walz has taken a personal leave of absence from the team, and there are rumors floating around that he is contemplating retirement. 

Kevin Bieksa's timeframe for return is two to four months.  He avoided any damage to the Achilles tendon, but had a deep calf laceration and did some damage to another muscle in that area.

Anze Kopitar has really fizzled after a hot start, and looks overwhelmed right now.  Expect him to bounce back, but LA is going to be pretty inconsistent offensively this season (besides Cammalleri).

Ales Hemsky missed practice today with an undisclosed injury.  He is doubtful for their next game. 

Pascal Leclaire recorded his 5th shutout of the season already as the Blue Jackets beat St.Louis 3-0. The only thing that worries me with this guy is potential injuries.

Martin Gerber played his 2nd consecutive game and again was very good. Ottawa needs him to play well so they can trade him or is there a goalie controversy brewing in the nations capital?? Also do not expect Spezza before Thursday. The Sens will be taking things slowly with their new $49 million man.

Radulov is starting to pick it up after a slow start where he reported to camp in less than peak form. 2 more points last night in a 5-2 win over Chicago. This guy is a future Art Ross trophy candidate.

Staying with Nashville, Mason was a surprise starter last night and was the games 1st star. Dan Ellis had played very well and kept the team on track. Hopefully Mason he has put that slump behind him.

Edmonton has recalled Bryan Young. WHO??? Like I said before if you can play "D" give Kevin Lowe a call.

Boston has also recalled Nokelainen and sent David Krejci to Providence. Krejci needs to get some mins. under his belt. He will be back in Boston later this year. That's for sure. Also Chuck Kobesaw now has 3 goals in his last 2 games for the Bruins. If he is finially able to show his scoring prowess at the NHL level and not  just the minors this will give Boston 3 lines that could potentially score.

George Laraque played only his 2nd game in the last 10 Saturday night. I wonder if he'll get an audition on Crosby's wing?? Haha LOL

David Bolland recorded his 2nd point in 4 games for the Blackhawks last night in their loss to Nashville. He was also the games 3rd star. This is another guy I really like for the future. With Lang and Perrault retiring within a few years at max., I think Bolland settles in as a great 2nd line center. With all the young talent in Chicago he is bound to get some decent wingers. He is also a right hand shot that can play the point on the PP. He has 70-80 point potential longterm.

Pat Burns has been linked to Atlanta's vacant coaching job. So has Dobber. Just kidding. It would be nice to see Burnsy back behind the bench.

Apparently Jiri Hudler is back in Babcocks doghouse. According to practice lines from the weekend Franzen has taken his spot with Fillpula and Samuelsson. Detroit does not play until Wednesday so we will have to wait until then to see for sure.   

Simon Gagne is about 50-50 to go tonight in New York. Like I said before the next few games. If not tonight, next game he will be in.