Hockey Rambling

 Despite the fact that Simon Gagne has been traveling with the team, there is zero chance that he will suit up for them, even if they were to go to the Final.  The Leafs signed future power forward Dale Mitchell to an entry level contract. Mitchell was their first pick last summer. He has 65-point [...]

 Max Talbot is trying to get back into the lineup despite having a broken foot. He has been skating on his own and is a long shot to get into the lineup today, possibly at the expense of Gary Roberts. The Rangers scratched Christian Backman last contest and will likely keep him in the press box [...]

 The Flames signed Mikael Backlund to an entry level contract. He is a top 10 prospect for fantasy leagues, as indicated by his No.8 ranking on my list. Watch him in camp, there may be a spot for him. You certainly won't be waiting longer than a full season on him. As expected, the Habs are [...]

 The Detroit Free Press is reporting that GM Ken Holland has all but said that the Wings are through with Igor Grigorenko. Of course this happens AFTER I do up his profile in the soon to be released Fantasy Prospects Report! Anyway, Holland says that Grigs is not committed to his conditioning so they are [...]

 Looking for a freelance/ rookie graphics designer for some small projects. If interested, email me at dobber @ dobberhockey .com  Larry Brooks asked Jaromir Jagr if this was the end, if he was going to Omsk or retiring. Jagr said "Larry, if I knew this was the end, why would I care so much?"  Suddenly realizing [...]

 Sean Avery has a lacerated spleen and was rushed to hospital. He will fully recover over the summer, but is done for the playoffs. All one game of it. Avery will be a UFA this summer.  Paul Stastny left last night's contest in the first period with a knee injury. He did not return and will [...]

 The Coyotes have signed Oshawa sniper Brett MacLean to an entry level contract. MacLean ranks 39th on my fantasy prospects list and has a 40-goal future in the NHL on a young Phoenix team. I don't expect him to make the team this year - but it is possible.  Do you guys really need the latest [...]

 Sergei Zubov played 16:19 in his return to the ice last night, notching an assist on the winning goal. Patrick Marleau was pointless and a minus-2 last night, starting to iron out his playoff reputation a little more. Fabian Brunnstrom reminds Boston GM Peter Chiarelli of a Holmstrom-Alffy hybrid. The 6'2, 200 pound Brunnstrom is reportedly considering [...]

 Don't know if Hallsey caught this last week, but the Pens signed Dobber's next big thing Luca Caputi to a three-year entry level deal. A highly-skilled winger who does nothing but post big-time points... in an organization with Crosby, Malkin and Staal at center. He has already rocketed up to No.32 on my Fantasy Prospects [...]

 Sergei Zubov took the morning skate yesterday but was not ready to play. With Dallas up in the series, do not expect to see him back in Game 2 either. Philippe Boucher is traveling with the team but refuses to discuss the status of his injury. Don't know what to take from that, so I'll leave [...]