Canucks are close to announcing MacT as the next coach of the Chicago Wolves. Grooming him as a future Vigneault replacement down the road, perhaps? Either way, I think this is a great move for the organization.

Anaheim prospect/goaltender John Gibson has bolted from college for the OHL. He was supposed to start his NCAA career at Michigan this season, but he instead chose to play for the Kitchener Rangers. Must be a slap in the face for all of the people who worked to recruit him.

Michigan’s current starter is a senior (Shawn Hunwick) and he would probably start over Gibson. Perhaps Gibson didn’t want to wait a year for his turn?

Silver Sevens asks an interesting question – does Bobby Butler score 30 goals this season? I think 20 or 25 would be a more realistic goal, obviously. Butler has great offensive instincts but he doesn't bring a whole lot to the table aside from goal scoring.

If he gets off to a slow start, he may find his way out of the top six. He has a pretty nice one-way contract in his back pocket, and the Sens are pretty thin at forward, so things are looking good for him.

I wrote an interesting (well, I think it is) piece for the DobberHockey guide on residual fantasy value, and this is a great example of it.

Skrastins has absolutely no fantasy value, so poolies usually ignore any trades/signings that he is involved in. Dallas cut ties with him this summer. He played a ton on the PK. Grossman is their top defensive guy, but the rest of the unit will have to pick up some of the slack. Does that include Alex Goligoski?

Maybe. Goligoski will likely put up great offensive numbers because he is a terrific offensive defenseman, but playing more on the PK will cut into his offensive production, even a bit. I'm interested to see how the Stars deploy Souray, as well. At the worst, one would think he'll play the role of power play specialist.

Does Quinton Howden have a chance at making Florida's roster this season? Head coach Kevin Dineen thinks so:

Panthers rookie coach Kevin Dineen couldn’t help but notice the 6-foot-3, speedy left wing, who scored 79 points with 40 goals for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western (junior) Hockey League last season. “I spent a lot of time in the last two practices taking a look at my roster, trying to figure out putting the faces to the names, and [No.] 42 kept popping out to me for a couple of different reasons,” Dineen said. “I’m really excited about Quinton Howden’s potential.

Howden lacks the upside of fellow Panther prospect Jonathan Huberdeau, but he is older, stronger, and more NHL ready.

Nashville signed prospect Craig Smith, as he decided to leave college to turn pro. Smith was one of the best Americans at the recent WJC, leading the team in goals with three and second in points with six.

Smith was 11^th in his collegiate conference in scoring, with 19 goals and 43 points at Wisconson.

Some funny reading from DobberHockey legend Shoeless – the typical fantasy hockey conversations we all encounter.

I will be writing over at the Hockey Writers once a week during the season, with a focus on all things Canucks and all things non-fantasy hockey. Won't interfere with my writing here at all, but will give me another avenue to put my thoughts down on paper/keyboard for a more appropriate audience.

Surprised that the Kings have lost a few prospects to Europe (Moller/Holloway) – sure the team has great depth, but so do a half-dozen other NHL clubs. Prospects under the age of 22 or 23 leaving for Europe isn't exactly common, even in recent years.

One example of a positive move to Europe was Mark Giordano. He wanted a one-way deal, Calgary said no, so he went over to Russia. When he returned, he was a much better defenseman for it.

A topic on the forum had the title – what to expect from Zuccarello? I'll pose the question to you guys. Does he skate on New York's top line? Does he even make the team?

Dubinsky-Anisimov-Callahan is a tempting second line, but that leaves the top unit without a winger. Could Avery fit there? That would leave Stepan for the third line, likely with Prust/Zuccarello, or Boyle if he moves to the wing. Lots of options.

Vancouver prospect Darren Archibald with a beauty: