Tyler Myers is a stud defenseman, but seven years at a cap hit north of $5 million is a huge investment. Buffalo has some long contracts…. Look back seven years ago. Things can change a lot.

Zac Dalpe – snagged him third overall in my dispersal draft last week. Why do I like him? He is a gamer. Big, fast, strong, skilled, good shot. He projects as a great second line center and should fill the role as early as this season. Carolina is set for a long time up the middle with Staal-Dalpe-Sutter.

Thanks to Dobber for covering while I was in Las Vegas – what a trip!

David Savard became Columbus' best defensive prospect last season, and he could be one of their best defensemen by the time 2011-12 is over. He had a standout prospect tourney and will have to have a really poor training camp in order to get cut from the main roster. He's big, mobile, and poised. Lots of fantasy upside.

I've said this on Twitter a bunch – I am really excited to see Cody Hodgson this year. His first 100% healthy summer in three years, and he trained like an animal (I know, all players are "in the best shape of their lives", but Hodgson has really been slowed with his previous back issues).

The Top 100 Roto edition for September is awesome – Gates answered the requests for peripheral statistics to be added in.

A pair of matching $5 million, two-year deals for Brad Marchand and Zach Bogosian. The term gives both players a bit of security, but not enough to get too comfortable. Marchand doesn't strike me as the type of guy to rest on his laurels, but this ensures he doesn't.

Kyle Turris wants out of Phoenix. The holdout isn't the best way of going about it, but I don't think he cares. He has zero leverage – the last time a player held out with such little leverage… Peter Schaefer with the Canucks?

I didn't watch any of the prospect games besides the Canucks – two prospects that really impressed me – defenseman Adam Polasek (smooth skater, decent offensive upside) and power winger Darren Archibald, who is big, strong, and very skilled. Great shot at becoming an impact NHL forward (impressive considering he wasn't even drafted).

From Jewels from the Crown:

Drew Doughty and the Kings remained at an impasse Wednesday, but that can change with one phone call. Sources told ESPN.com that the Kings won't pay Doughty more than the $6.8 million Anze Kopitar makes on average per season. Further, Bob McKenzie of TSN reported late Tuesday night that the Kings won't do a deal for less than seven years.

Great news for Isles owners – a surprise Tavares extension. Six years, $5.5 million. The second contract was dead a few years ago, and these big signings to (relatively) unproven players prove it more and more.

Ryan Murphy and Justin Faulk both had great prospect tourneys. Too bad they have so much depth in front of them – McBain, Kaberle, Pitkanen…. Great longer term prospects though.

One of the more interesting fantasy-relevant training camp battles coming up – Ottawa's second line center position. Both Zibanejad and Da Costa had stellar prospect tourneys, and Peter Regin is in the mix as well. Da Costa has played North American hockey in the NCAA, but Zibanejad hasn't been one to shy away from contact. Could both make the team?

Fantasy Guide is now updated. Including: the Experts League Draft analysis. Buy it here!

I am super excited that Chris Nichols has hopped on board. If any of you aren't familiar with him – he was the one real resource I read on a consistent basis for fantasy thoughts besides this site.

Fire him question for his fantasy mailbag via email – [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Coming Sunday!

Time to plug the Fantasy pool manager – Hockey Knight. They are opening their site as a BETA for business as they add more features. Become a KEY part of this by adding your pool with them! Then get your say and help mold what they do. The vision – create the ultimate keeper-league pool manager. Already set up in a league? I ask that you set it up a second time over at HK. The more leagues/feedback we get in there the better it will be. Like I said, it's FREE for this year while it's in BETA mode so I'm not profiting a penny. I really just want to get this thing right and you can help us do that.

Dobber brought up Zac Rinaldo yesterday – in PIM leagues he's on my radar. He's also certifiably insane. Makes Dan Carcillo look like a Lady Byng candidate.

Any early reviews from those of you playing NHL 12?

Why I think the Kings got much better this summer: