From Chicagosports. com: Tallon said winger Martin Havlat, who was limited to 35 games last season due to an injured shoulder, is "almost 100 percent" and will be a big part of the offense. Tallon said the team is "going to take our time with him through training camp" and while Havlat will practice and play in scrimmages, he likely won't play in the first four or five preseason games.

Tallon also says that James Wisniewski is ahead of schedule for his rehab on his knee.

Joel Quenneville has been hired as a scout for the 'Hawks.

Brent Burns has not been cleared to play yet, but he scrimmaged Wednesday anyway – and looked real good out there according to beatwriter Michael Russo. 

Canucks cuts include Patrick Coulombe and Mario Bliznak.

The Ducks camp invites include Ross Lupaschuk, D and TJ Trevelyan, LW. Neither will make the squad.

Brian Burke will not have the Selanne/ Schneider problem solved by the weekend, FYI. If you really want someone to blame for this delay look at Scott Niedermayer. Athletes have the right to take their time with their employment decisions, as we all do, but the NHL needs to tighten up on the rules for players who are under contract – they either retire, or they play. Sure, a team can suspend the player, but what's the point when they lift the suspension as soon as the player decides? A rule needs to be in place. Excuse my little ramble.

In the Traverse City Prospect Tourney, Spencer Machecek led the Thrashers in scoring with three points in three games. He is ranked 159 on my Fantasy Prospects List

The Globe is reporting that two big forwards are making a big impression in camp – Matt Marquardt (ranked 228 on my prospects list) and Blake Wheeler (43rd), one of whom could steal a roster spot.

Speaking of big forwards, Mark Mancari is making his own case to stay with the Sabres. He ranks 345 on the prospects list – limited offensive upside (50 points) but decent in other areas. 

The NHL has rejected the KHL's arbitration conditions for Alexander Radulov. The KHL wanted it to be held in a Russian court, whereas the NHL insisted that the site be neutral – Switzerland. That is where the Court of Arbitration for Sport is. We may not get the final word on this until October. For this year, that is. I do believe that Rads wants to come back now, but give him 15% odds that it will happen this season.

With Williams now out for most of the season, the outlook for Samsonov, Eaves and Ruutu all improve. I will update the Fantasy Guide later today – and this does not impact my feelings on Carolina (see Sunday's article ).

The Jesse Winchester experiment on the Heatley/ Spezza line in Ottawa will be interesting, but do not overrate the results. If you remember, Brandon Bochenski went off like gangbusters with those two in training camp a couple of years ago and look at him now.

The Flyers have named Mike Richards team captain, as he was hailed to be on pretty much the day he was drafted.

Darren McCarty has officially signed a one-year deal with the Red Wings. It is probably a two-way deal.

Mathieu Schneider has cleared waivers. He will probably be claimed on re-entry waivers, but Burke would like to trade him before resorting to that as he would be on the hook for half of Schneider's salary if he were claimed via re-entry. That would not free up enough money to sign Selanne. So expect a trade, where the Ducks take on a bit of salary in exchange.