The Blues have signed Andy McDonald to a four-year extension. This is great news for McDonald owners – I don't see a better fit for him out there.

With Vanek out for 3-4 weeks, the door opens wide for Clarke MacArthur. That is who I think will be a huge beneficiary of the open spot in the lineup. You may also see a guy such as Gerbe or Kennedy getting the call.

It turns out the Wild would like Foster to get in a game or two in the AHL before making his NHL debut.

Although the Caps sent Michal Neuvirth down, it was just to get into a game. He will be called back up as Semen Varlamov is still injured (knee) and will be out for another week to 10 days. The Caps are a little concerned about Varlamov's injury frequency, so you should be too.

Milan Hejduk has a jaw injury that could keep him out similar to Vanek. We won't know until later today.

Johan Franzen has a swollen hand that will probably keep him out for another game or so.

Our own Justin Goldman has his own website out that tracks what kind of goalie pads each netminder uses, as well as blogging his own thoughts on the world of goaltending. Check it out at thegoalieguild.com .

I am hoping to have all the details finalized for the Big Daddy of all announcements later this afternoon. If I don't, it should be tomorrow – but if you live in the Toronto area, this will be a good one.

Jiri Tlusty garnered four assists for the Marlies yesterday in their 10-5 win.

Don't worry about Steve Mason going on the IR – it's just paperwork and the Jackets can activate him at any time.

For some reason, the Thrashers made Zach Bogosian a healthy scratch.

In other dumb Atlanta coaching news, John Anderson has removed Rich Peverley from Kovalchuk's line. After seeing what Peverley did there, I would keep them together even if they went pointless for 20 games. Stupid. Peverley holds zero value with any other wing (which, by the way, was Kozlov and Motzko last night). Kovalchuk was back with White and Little. Peverley owners now carry dead weight on their team until Anderson wakes up.