Ryan Malone had a deposition hearing on Monday.  He is currently facing DUI and cocaine possession charges that stemmed from his arrest on April 12^th, 2014.  His next court date is August 19^th and could work out a plea deal at that time.  After being bought out by the Lightning in the off-season, his agent, Mike Liut, has said recently that a couple of teams have shown some interest in Malone and thinks it's just a matter of time before he signs somewhere.

Axeman's grind:  I have read that Malone was "baffled" on how the cocaine got into his possession during his arrest.  I guess he wasn't as baffled about the DUI part.  As far as hockey goes, I think I will be "baffled" if Malone is really all that fantasy relevant, assuming he does in fact sign somewhere.

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The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has really taken off the past couple weeks on most social media venues.  From players, to coaches, and even owners, all seem happy and willing to help support the cause.  The goal is to raise awareness (and money) for ALS, which is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.   The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was started by former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates.  Frates was diagnosed with ALS in 2012 and works with the Massachusetts chapter of The ALS Association.  After he "called out" some of his former teammates, the challenge managed to find its way to a few professional athletes in the Boston area and the rest is history.  Apparently, over $2.3M has been donated between July 29^th and August 8^th in the USA this year. The same time period last year, $25,000 was donated.  Amazing.

Paul "BizNasty" Bissonnette took it to a whole new level (literally and figuratively) this week, incorporating a helicopter, a Speedo and actual glace water to complete his challenge.

You can watch his video, and see who he challenges here.

Axeman's grind:  Good on BizNasty for "one-upping" pretty much EVERYONE in completing his challenge.  I can't see too many topping that.  The current UFA is apparently in talks with a couple NHL teams for his services.  I have read Washington is the front runner and a deal is close to being finalized.  Here's hoping he lands a new deal soon so he can pay for that helicopter. 

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Anton Khudobin firmly believes it was his play that led to him "stealing" the starting job in Carolina last year, more so than Cam Ward's injury.  Taken from a recent interview:

"It's hard to say what was more important, if Ward's injury or my game," Khudobin said. "But probably my game, because even if Ward wouldn't get injured and I wouldn't play that way, they wouldn't play me that often. So, maybe it was all this put together. I was injured myself earlier, and some other guys stepped up and played well. Maybe those times I was unlucky. But this time it was the other way around. Injuries never are a good situation for any player, but all went that way."

You can read the full story here

Axeman's grind:  It's going to be interesting to see how new Head Coach Bill Peters deals with this situation.  I think he gives Ward the reins to start the year and the job is his to lose.  That being said, I have little faith that Cam Ward can hold on to the job.  Khudobin played very well last year and will only continue to improve with more playing time.  I think once Khudobin gets a hold of that starting job, he's going to play his guts out to ensure he doesn't lose it. 

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Anton Karlsson, a third round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in the 2014 draft, has signed a two year contract to stay in Sweden and play withSkellefteå AIK in the SHL.  The 18 year old was a recent import draftee for the Erie Otters in the OHL and the Otters were hopeful they would have him in their lineup this year. 

Axeman's grind:  I was really hoping Karlsson would make the jump to the CHL so we could get a better look at him.  I targeted him in most of my keeper league drafts this off-season and managed to snag him in most of them.  I am quite high on this kid and think he was a steal for the Coyotes in the third round.

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The layoffs at CBC are starting to roll.  I just read that Steve Armitage and Mark Lee were let go today. 

Axeman's grind:  Sad to see Steve Armitage let go.  His grizzly, grinding voice was always fun to hear. Mark Lee, meh….

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I read a good Q and A with new Flyers GM, Ron Hextall this morning.  He talks about family, his transition into his new role with the Flyers, the Hartnell trade, Kimmo Timonen and the future for the Flyers, amongst other things.  Certainly worth the time to read.  You can find this here

Axeman's Grind:  I love these candid interviews with GMs.  It's interesting to hear their thoughts on the current state of their franchise and their thoughts going forward.  He gives some good insights.  I've always been a Hextall fan and think he is going to be a solid GM for the Flyers.

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I will leave you on this Thursday with a little throw back Thursday entertainment.

So Watcha' Want? 

Axeman33 out!