Here are your Puck Headlines: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.
• Steve Yzerman, upset over not getting the Chicago Blackhawks' GM gig? Preposterous, according to Detroit Red Wings blogger George Malik. [Snapshots]
• The San Jose Sharks haven't exactly started their major overhaul of the roster this summer, and the Mercury News explored what the players think about it. That included this interesting nugget: "[Evgeni Nabokov] and [Patrick Marleau] said they have not been asked by Wilson to drop the no-trade clauses in their contracts. But Nabokov said he would if the G.M. requested it." [Mercury News]
• Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin wants KHL expansion in central and western Europe. Just when we were having hockey Glasnost. [AP]
• Len Barrie shows Gary Bettman the money, earns right to remain in chilly, awkward relationship with Tampa Bay Lightning ownership. [TSN]
• Speaking of the Bolts, a great piece on goalie Mike Smith's long road back from concussion hell, including the fact that he hasn't been on skates yet facing shots this offseason. [Sun Media]
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• Heartbroken Rachel Hunter returns home, post-Jarret Stoll, to "lick her wounds." Hey now. [Taranaki Daily]
• Like the shootout? Dave Smith from The Bleacher Report is determined to make you loathe it: "Before the first period, you start every game with a shootout. You do it the same way after overtime. You get three chances to score. Once a team wins a shootout, they are awarded the first goal to start the game. If it remains tied in the shootout, no one gets the first goal." Argh! [Bleacher Report]
• Pittsburgh Penguins winger Tyler Kennedy and his awful facial hair spend their day with the Cup. We'll be firing up our Chronicles of Stanley travelogue feature this week for the Penguins. [Penguins]
• In his own words, why Jack Johnson decided on a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings. [Kings]
• Sort of/not really Phoenix Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes believes that the expansion fee for a team in Hamilton could be upwards of $265 million. [National Post]
• In-depth look at the trials, tribulations and chances of a rebound for Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco. (Rebounds were hard to come by last season, what with his gaping five-hole acting as a red carpet for most shots.) The majority of Defending Big D readers have faith in Turco to bounce back. [Defending Big D]
• Larry Brooks offers evidence for the "blame Dale Tallon" side of the Chicago Blackhawks debate, claiming that the deposed GM wanted to trade season savior Nikolai Khabibulin for Michael Nylander in November or December. Which begs the questions: The Washington Capitals were already that sour on Jose Theodore in November or December? Or was that the only way to take Nylander off the payroll? [NY Post, and more from Japers' Rink]
• Also, Tom Benjamin offers his take on McDonough removing Tallon: "I think he was both right and courageous. If I was a fan of the Hawks I'd figure the organization was in good hands. Finally." [Canucks Corner]
• Buried in a society page story about poker that involved Phil Kessel of the Boston Bruins: The fact that Washington Capitals defenseman Tom Poti had his bachelor party at Foxwoods casino. Go ahead and ask him about it; when's the last time Tom Poti got defensive? [Boston Globe]
• The great Icethetics is back up and running, asking if the Florida Panthers logo on the left is in fact a new logo for the franchise. [Icethetics]
• The 10 reasons for the Vancouver Canucks to keep Kyle Wellwood, and nary a fat joke. [Nucks Misconduct]
• Attempting to figure out the line combination for the Edmonton Oilers, taking Pat Quinn's philosophies into consideration. [Copper & Blue]
• According to these final grades for the Buffalo Sabres, Jochen Hecht almost had to repeat last season. [Die By The Blade]
• As many as 100 people a day are going to the rubble of the Aud in Buffalo, asking for pieces of the fabled arena. [Buffalo News]
• Look, Terry Frei doesn't want to say Adam Foote is done with the Colorado Avalanche, but ... "His days here are numbered, and the first team that demonstrates a willingness to take on his contract, whether that's for the entire season or near the trading deadline, likely can get him for any offer than isn't a complete embarrassment." [Denver Post]
• Jibblescribbits believes that Dominik Moore and Manny Malhotra could help the Avs' center situation. [Jibblescribbits]
• A very in-depth look at New Jersey Devils development camp. [In Lou We Trust]
• Finally, the camera's shaky, but here's Toronto Maple Leafs overlord Brian Burke talking "state of the NHL," including much love for Versus. [The Fast Times]
