The Blue Jackets have recalled Derick Brassard. Pick him up if you can. 

TSN is reporting that Ovechkin has signed a 13-year extension worth $124 million. There is a discussion about it here… 

The good news is that the Prospect Rankings are done. The bad news? I'm not posting them until Sunday. Too much competition in my league right now and we have our midseason draft Saturday. I will say this: lots of changes and a NEW leader. 

The Panthers acquired Magnus Johansson from the Hawks. With Van Ryn and Murphy on the shelf, this team needs a puck moving rearguard. He may be worth a short-term pickup in medium roto leagues.

The Wild have been sold. Click here for my take.  

The Canucks claimed Kris Beech off of waivers. Had he been a winger, I would say that there was huge potential here, but as a second-line center? He'll get a shot there, but Kesler will take it back by the second period. Something to keep in mind – the 'new team' factor. He may put up something like five points in four games to start his Vanouver career. Long term, I see that fading though.

Derek Roy is out for tonight. He may be okay for this weekend's games, but not for tonight (shoulder)

Expect Mikko Koivu to return to the lineup Friday. For that to happen, Matt Foy (or somebody) will have to be waived or traded. Alternatively, James Sheppard could be demoted to junior, but I doubt that. 

Eric Fehr dressed for Hershey last night and picked up a point. It was his first game in 11 months.. He should be up with the Caps in a couple of weeks and has a great future as a power forward in the NHL. 

Greg M. – my emails to you keep bouncing back. Get in touch with me please re: widgets. 

Jocelyn Thibault will get the start tonight for Buffalo against the Sens. 

Nik Zherdev will likely miss Friday and Saturday's contest with his right quad injury, but it should not go too far beyond that.

The Jackets are attempting to get Kris Beech back into the AHL but they have to sneak him through waivers first. My guess is that they will be successful.

Ryan Suter was a healthy scratch for the second time in three games Tuesday.

Alexander Radulov (neck strain) is expected to participate in practice today.

Paul Stastny has one assist in eight games, while Milan Hejduk is compltely pointless. The absence of Sakic and Smyth are killing these two guys.

Ty Arnason played 13:05 in his return from a wrist injury. If the Avs continue to struggle to score, look for his ice time to increase. Something has to give there.

Sergei Zubov played last night, despite his hand still being sore. He managed to pick up a point though.

Mike Smith will likely get the start for Dallas tonight. 

The Ducks have sent Bobby Ryan to the minors.

Simon Gamache has signed with SC Bern of the Swiss League. Guess he liked it there when he was over there for the Spengler Cup (I think that's where they played it..). He also dominated that league last season. It's a shame that such an offensive talent was never given a real chance in the NHL. Maybe next year.

Roberto Luongo will miss the All-Star game, as well as one game afterward to spend time with his wife. Whooot-tssh! Whooot-tssh! (that's the sound of a whip)

Just kidding hunny. Wives are the best!

(Whooot-tssh!)

Carey Price stopped 22 of 24 shots for his first win in the AHL this year. He will be back.

Michel Ouellet will start skating today or tomorrow. He is still a week or two away from a return.

Bill Guerin has seven goals in his last nine contests.

Glen Murray is back practicing with the team. He could be back in a week or so if all goes well.

Los Angeles prospect Brian Boyle has 18 points in his last 15 AHL games. He is a big man who the Kings often try on the point. They don't really need forwards, so that may be where his future lies… but if he does break in as a center, he has solid upside. He ranks 82 on my prospects list.