NHL News Notes September 6-12

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2004

Dom Hasek, G, Ottawa Senators

Yearning for farm cooking?

The Ottawa Sun reports that the path has been cleared to send goaltender Dominik Hasek to Binghamton. While there are still issues to be worked out between the Senators and Hasek's agent, league sources confirmed to the Sun yesterday that Ottawa placed the all-star goalie on injured waivers late Friday.

That means instead of having to clear waivers before he can be sent to the Senators' AHL affiliate if there's a lockout, Hasek, 39, can simply agree to a series of conditioning stints while collecting his $2-million US contract in the minors.

According to the article, Hasek can agree to as many two-week stints down there as he wants. The idea, apparently, would be to get in maybe one game per week to stay in game shape and also be a mentor of sorts for the baby Sens goalies.

Hasek is going to be a bit of a gamble this year in pools no matter when the season starts, but the upside is so tremendous that it'll be hard to pass on him. The combination of a "former" legend and a great team like Ottawa could spell fantasy gold; but his groin could spell disaster.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2004

Roberto Luongo, G, Florida Panthers

Great effort

Roberto Luongo was called into action with Martin Brodeur injured and Canada came away with a 4-3 OT win Saturday.

Luongo made some dazzling saves in this contest and did Canada proud. Tremendous effort, especially having to step in after Brodeur had played most of the tournament -- and played exceptionally well. Tomas Vokoun was also strong in net for the Czechs, giving fans that don't get to see Nashville often a taste of what he can do.

Vinnie Lecavalier, F, Tampa Bay Lightning

GWG

Vinnie Lecavalier came through for Canada Saturday night, scoring the winning goal in overtime and sending Canada to the Finals Tuesday.

It's been quite a year for Lecavalier, who capped off a great second half to the regular season with a strong playoff run and a Stanley Cup. Nice second effort on that goal in OT too. Way to go Vinnie.

Jason Spezza, F, Ottawa Senators

Demote me, please!

The Ottawa Sun reports that this time around, Jason Spezza is excited about the possibility of being sent to Binghamton. The Senators centre confirmed a Sun report that if there's an NHL lockout once the collective bargaining agreement expires on Wednesday, he'll likely report to the club's AHL affiliate.

"I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually looking forward to going back to Binghamton," said Spezza, who would be joined by teammates Antoine Vermette and Anton Volchenkov. "I just think if there's not going to be any hockey in the NHL, then the AHL is probably the place for me because I know the level of hockey and it's great."

Ah, the ironies of life. If a miracle happens and there is a season, poolsters have to be looking forward to the possibility of Spezza getting more ice time under a new coach. How frustrating was it last year to look in the box scores each morning and see 12 minutes under his TOI? He still had a great point total despite that fact though and we'll look for him to continue his development toward challenging for a scoring title a few years down the road.

Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils

Won't play?

According to the CP, sources indicated Saturday morning that star netminder Martin Brodeur was likely ruled out of that evening's World Cup semifinal game against the Czech Republic, his bruised left wrist not improving enough overnight.

But Team Canada head coach Pat Quinn would not confirm it.

"We'll make that announcement at game time," Quinn said in a short meeting with reporters.

Roberto Luongo would likely start then, with Jose Theodore backing up. It's a tough situation for any goalie to go into when they haven't been playing regularly, so Team Canada is certainly hoping Luongo can rise to the challenge if Brodeur can't go.

Wade Redden, D, Ottawa Senators

Likely scratch

The Toronto Sun reports that Wayne Gretzky suggested that unless Wade Redden is absolutely 100%, and that's not likely, he won't be inserted into the lineup tonight.

"We're in a case where we don't have to rely on a guy who's 75%, we've got capable guys and extremely strong depth and it wouldn't be fair to Wade to put him in if he's not 100%," the Great One said. "So we're not even monitoring that situation."

Scott Hannan and Jay Bouwmeester have each had nice tournaments, so it wouldn't make sense to take them out to stick in a guy that hasn't been playing for awhile now. Still, it's another situation to keep an eye on.

Scott Stevens, D, New Jersey Devils

Great news

The AP notes that Scott Stevens has gotten over the post-concussion problems that sidelined him since January and will play for the New Jersey Devils if there is an NHL season.

Stevens has been skating with some of his teammates this week and is looking forward to coming back. This is certainly a boost for New Jersey this year; especially the young defensemen that the Devils want to soak up as much as they can from Stevens before he retires. The fantasy value of Stevens remains minimal, but his on-ice value remains immeasurable.

Daniel & Henrik Sedin, F, Vancouver Canucks

Signed

ESPN reports that Vancouver signed the Sedin twins to a new one-year contract.

The Sedins mentioned last month that they'll be looking for more ice time this year so they can improve their games and the Canucks, you'd think, would want to give them plenty of ice time so they can do just that. The twins really went to a different offensive level last season and poolsters are hoping they can continue that trend upward.

Alex Auld, G, Vancouver Canucks

Two-year deal

ESPN reports that the Canucks have signed goaltender Alex Auld to a new two-year deal.

Auld certainly looked sharp in the playoffs after starter Dan Cloutier got hurt, prompting some to wonder if Auld would force Cloutier out of Western Canada. It hasn't happened yet, but there always seem to be questions looming over Cloutier's status. This, despite Cloutier's great win totals over the past several years. If you're in a keeper league and can stash Auld away for the future without costing your squad an important roster spot, it might not be a bad idea.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2004

Miikka Kiprusoff, G, Calgary Flames

Reputation growing

The AP reports that a 2-1 victory over the United States on Friday night catapulted Finland into the World Cup of Hockey final, guaranteeing the Finns their best-ever result in competition involving the world's top players. Miikka Kiprusoff stopped 16 shots to anchor the come-from-behind win.

A Stanley Cup Finals appearance and now a World Cup championship bid with a possibility of winning it Tuesday -- Kipper just keeps on having excellent games. Needless to say, his fantasy stock grows with each win and the Flames have to be looking forward to having this guy between the pipes again this season.

By the way, any web site that says the Finns "shocked" the USA ought to be ashamed of themselves. Any team with a good defensive system and a hot goalie has as good a chance as any to win any tournament; anyone who didn't think Finland had a decent shot at winning this game just doesn't understand hockey.

Marek Schwarz, G, St. Louis Blues

Rookie Camp

The St. Louis Post Dispatch notes that among the players head coach Mike Kitchen and his staff will get a chance to look at is goaltender Marek Schwarz, the team's top draft pick who has come over from Europe to play junior hockey this season in Vancouver.

"Everyone talks about Marek Schwarz," Kitchen said, "and coming over and playing in Canada will help, especially with the language. I'm going in with an open mind to look and watch these kids and see how they perform."

Schwarz will be part of a three-team prospect camp taking place in Traverse City, MI. 24 players from the St. Louis organization will be there along with Detroit and Tampa players. It'll be interesting to see how Schwarz stacks up against the other prospects in this kind of situation. He certainly seems to be a good keeper pick that should pan out down the line.

Jordin Tootoo, F, Nashville Predators

AHL-bound?

The Nashville Tennessean reports that Predators Assistant General Manager Ray Shero said in the event of a lockout, young Nashville players such as Dan Hamhuis and Jordin Tootoo may wind up playing for Milwaukee this season.

Both of those players are still on their entry-level contracts, meaning they wouldn't need to clear waivers in order to play for the Admirals.

''We've talked to those players and their agents about that situation,'' Shero said. ''It's something we'll probably wait until September 15 or so to decide, but we think it's important for those guys to continue to develop and become better players.

Ryan Suter will also likely be playing for the AHL club this season, joining top prospects such as Scottie Upshall, Brian Finley, Libor Pivko, Timofei Shishkanov and Andrew Hutchinson.

Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils

Late injury

The CP reports that Martin Brodeur, who left Air Canada Centre with a bandage on his catching glove hand Thursday, had an MRI taken and it came back negative. He practised with Canada on Friday but left midway through the session as a precaution.

"I fully expect that Marty will be ready," Team Canada head coach Pat Quinn said after practice Friday.

"Marty has a jammed wrist but it's improving. If it keeps improving like it has today, then he should be fine. But it'll be a game-time decision."

Brodeur was injured on a shot with only a few minutes left in the win against Slovakia. Roberto Luongo would probably get the start if Brodeur can't go, which would be a similar situation to when Luongo came off the bench to lead Canada to gold at the IIHF World Championships in 2003. Still, the info seems to suggest Brodeur will be able to go on Saturday and continue his sizzling play.

Wade Redden, D, Ottawa Senators

Closer to returning

According to the CP, defenceman Wade Redden had his first full practice Friday since injuring his left shoulder in a round-robin game against Slovakia on Sept. 1.

Pat Quinn would not say whether Redden would play Saturday, which likely would come at the expense of 20-year-old defenceman Jay Bouwmeester.

Play, don't play -- it doesn't matter. Canada is just going to keep losing star players and they're going to keep on winning.

Jaromir Jagr, F, New York Rangers

Hurt

The Toronto Sun reports that Jaromir

Jagr has not been on the ice since sitting out the third period Tuesday of his team's 6-1 waxing of the Swedes. He'll test his upper body injury today before deciding if he'll face Canada.

"I'd like to play," he said. "I hurt my hip in our first game against Finland. I tried to compensate for it after that, and that kind of gave me a stomach (muscle) strain."

What is with all of these injuries in this tournament? I guess this is why insurance was invented.

Martin Havlat, F, Ottawa Senators

Deal close?

The Ottawa Sun reports that alks with the agents for both Martin Havlat and Vaclav Varada are continuing. GM John Muckler predicted both players will have contracts in place before the CBA expires. No deals can be signed after Wednesday.

"We've got work to do with both these players, but I would think we'll get them signed. Yes, we do have differences, but I don't think we're that far apart with either player," said Muckler. "We're going to keep working with both and I think we'll be able to get something in place."

Havlat finished third in team scoring with 68 points in 68 games after ending last year's contract mess. He's a key piece of the puzzle for the Sens and it's good to see a deal is close. Havlat is a pretty decent bet to have another point-per-game season again this year.

Teemu Selanne, F, FA

Still hungry

The AP notes that Teemu Selanne, a free agent, said he believes he could help another NHL team and wants to resume his career once the labor dispute is settled between the league and players' union. The collective-bargaining agreement expires on Tuesday, and the owners are expected to lock out the players until a new deal is reached.

"I know I can play," Selanne said.

There is no question another team will sign him, but it'll be at significantly less than the 5.8M he made last year in that one shot deal with Colorado that was a complete disaster. Selanne's fantasy value is mediocre for now, but in the right situation he could rekindle some goal-scoring magic and make himself useful to poolsters again.

Mikko Koivu, F, Minnesota Wild

Ready for North America

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Mikko Koivu will play pro hockey this season — in Minnesota if he earns a job in training camp — or for the Wild's minor-league affiliate in Houston.

After participating in the team's prospect camp this summer, Koivu returned to Finland to continue training. That's when he received the call to replace injured Los Angeles Kings forward Esa Pirnes on the national team.

Koivu played in the first four games of the tournament, but he is apparently not likely to be in the lineup tonight. He is, in case you were wondering, Saku's younger brother.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2004

Mike Ricci, F, Phoenix Coyotes

#40

The Arizona Republic reports that Mike Ricci will be wearing #40 for the Coyotes this year in honor of football player/ soldier Pat Tillman. Ricci requested and got permission from the family and the Tillman foundation to wear the number.

Hey, if the family is cool with it, then it's all good. Ricci had a few encounters with Tillman and often fished near the family home. Ricci plans to donate some of the proceeds of the sale of his new jersey to the foundation.

Marek Zidlicky, D, Nashville Predators

Nothing, yet

The Nashville Tennessean reports that the Predators have yet to hear from defenseman Marek Zidlicky regarding the team's most recent contract offer.

Zidlicky is currently playing for the Czech Republic in the World Cup of Hockey, and has scored a goal in each of his last three games.

Don't get too worried if you've got Zidlicky in a keeper league because there is really no hurry to sign a deal right now. The Tennessean also notes that "Poile said two other Predators restricted free agents, Martin Erat and Adam Hall, are unlikely to sign by the expiration of the current CBA on Sept. 15." He thinks they'll play in Europe this year, at least until a lockout is over. It's possible they could spend the full season over there anyway.

Nathan Horton, F, Florida Panthers

Healing

The Sun-Sentinel notes that if training camp starts on time, Panthers second-year forward Nathan Horton , who is coming off season-ending shoulder surgery, said he probably won't be able to participate fully.

"It's getting stronger," Horton said of his shoulder. "It's not ready yet, but it's getting better. I can skate and stuff, but I just don't know about getting hit or shooting."

Horton will attend rookie camp to get therapy on his shoulder.

Let's hope these injury problems don't become a consistent problem for Horton, because they could sidetrack what could be a very promising career. Horton is someone you should have on your fantasy radar this year, since the kid obviously knows how to score at the NHL level already. By the way, the article also says that Rostislav Olesz , the seventh pick by Florida in June, won't be attending the rookie camp.

Jeremy Roenick, F, Philadelphia Flyers

Back to CHI?

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that if Chicago sports fans were looking for some good news out of Wrigley Field on Wednesday, it was only found up in the press box, where Jeremy Roenick said he and Tony Amonte are possibly returning from Philadelphia in a trade to the Blackhawks.

Roenick said he heard a rumor the teams have talked.

Roenick made the comments while in Chicago for a Chris Chelios charity event. Is this just J.R. being J.R., or is there actually any merit to this? We'll find out eventually. Roenick did say that he'd like to go into the Hall of Fame wearing a Chicago jersey. Roenick's fantasy value would take a hit in Chicago, at least in +/- leagues. He'd certainly boost the value of whichever guys he happened to skate with though, which would be a plus.

Byron Dafoe, G, UFA

Is today April 1st?

The Toronto Sun reports that the name of free-agent goalie Byron Dafoe won't go away. Talks between John Ferguson and Dafoe's agent, Bryant McBride, continue. Dafoe has been sharp in seven career games at the Air Canada Centre, posting a 1.14 goals-against average and a .947 save percentage.

Ok, Belfour's health and age are a concern. Mikael Tellqvist wasn't great in the World Cup and hasn't proven much yet at the NHL level. But Byron Dafoe? Come on! If you wanted another goalie, how could you possibly let Kevin Weekes get away? Ugh. If Dafoe does end up spending any time with the Leafs, he'll probably end up having decent fantasy stats -- but only because of the team in front of him.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2004

Ryan Suter, D, Nashville Predators

Deal ready

The AP reports that University of Wisconsin sophomore defenseman Ryan Suter agreed to terms of a three-year contract with the Nashville Predators on Wednesday.

Suter, the seventh overall pick in the 2003 draft, agreed to terms of a deal worth about $3 million. He will forego his remaining three years of eligibility.

"I'm pretty honored and look forward to the next step," the 19-year-old nephew of former NHL player Gary Suter said.

The Preds can afford to bring Suter along slowly since they have Kimmo Timonen and Marek Zidlicky to provide plenty of offense from the blueline. Suter should be a nice pick in keeper leagues though and he should be on the fantasy radar in a few years. He'll probably physically sign the deal Thursday.

Jarome Iginla, F, Calgary Flames

Breaks out

Jarome Iginla had a couple of goals Wednesday night and he and his linemates combined for an eight-point game.

Joe Sakic and Mario Lemieux finally converted their chances and had a great game to lead Canada to a showdown with the Czechs in the Semi-Finals Saturday.

Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils

Shutout

Martin Brodeur and Team Canada turned in a strong performance Wednesday night and beat the Czechs, 5-0.

The shutout came no thanks to the ESPN announcers covering the game for American viewers, as the play-by-play man said "shutout" at least four times in the third period. Don't you know about jinxing the goose? Sheesh. No respect. Brodeur, nonetheless, was strong and has been great in this whole tournament thus far.

Peter Bondra, F, UFA

No surgery

ESPN announcers reported during the Canada/ Slovakia game that Peter Bondra and team doctors agreed to not have surgery on his injured wrist.

They're opting for a natural healing method since the odds seem to favor the NHL season not starting on time. This method may not work to his advantage if the season does start on time though.

Wade Redden, D, Ottawa Senators

Daily Redden Report

The Toronto Sun reports that injured defenceman Wade Redden was cleared to skate yesterday and took a brief glide on the ice prior to Team Canada's practice at the Air Canada Centre. Redden's left shoulder sprain is improving but he will not be in the lineup tonight and remains questionable for the semi-final Saturday should Canada advance.

"It's getting better but it's not going as fast as I would like," Redden said.

Let's just assume he won't play for the rest of this tournament (Although the Finals seem possible) and let's not look past tonight's game with Slovakia, ok? Redden's status for the regular season is not in jeopardy.

Rastislav Stana, G, Washington Capitals

Ready for the challenge?

According to the Toronto Sun, Slovak coach Jan Filc has decided to start Rastislav Stana tonight. Stana played against Canada in both an exhibition game (a 2-2 tie) and the round-robin loss last week.

"We have to try to keep the game tied 0-0 as long as we can and then try to get some goals," said Stana, a Washington Capitals prospect who appeared in six games with the NHL team last season.

In an NHL game, Stana against Brodeur is obviously pretty heavily-favored toward the legend. In International play though, strange things can happen. Mix in single-game elimination and Canada will want to jump out to an early lead if possible to take some of the worry out of a possible upset. ESPN, in case you were wondering, reports that Stana will spend the 2004-2005 season playing in Sweden, although the Caps will retain his rights.

Eric Staal, F, Carolina Hurricanes

Lowell-bound?

The Raleigh News & Observer reports that the Canes plan to send forwards Ryan Bayda and Eric Staal, defenseman Brad Fast and goalie Cam Ward to Lowell in the event of a lockout. Those four do not have to clear waivers.

Bayda has spent two seasons in the NHL; the other three are penciled in on the Canes' NHL roster if there is a season. Staal, 19, played in the NHL last season, while Fast and Ward are rookies.

Carolina's coaches will be taking part in a heavy amount of the training camp activities in Lowell. This is certainly one of many downsides for NHL teams in the event of a lockout though; their youngsters that would have been playing against NHL talent will have their development stalled (Staal-led?) in many cases.

Thomas Vanek, F, Buffalo Sabres

Welcomed

The Buffalo News reports that Buffalo's front office isn't quite sure if Thomas Vanek, the fifth overall draft pick of the 2003 draft, is polished enough to leap right into the NHL, but they hope they will have the chance to find out.

"After seeing a number of Thomas' games, I know he's got the potential to play in the NHL," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "He's got a couple years of university hockey, very good hockey, behind him already. There's a lot of his game that makes him NHL-ready."

Vanek, a 20-year-old Austrian, agreed to a three-year contract with the Sabres on Friday, opting out of his upcoming junior season at the University of Minnesota.

Chances are Vanek would start the season in the AHL, but with a good camp anything is possible. Temper your fantasy expectations for this year and let's just see how he develops and fits in at the NHL level when he finally gets there.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2004

Robert Esche, G, Philadelphia Flyers

Fantasy stock rising

Robert Esche had a strong game Tuesday, helping his American teammates to a win over Russian in the Quarters.

For those of you paying attention to the World Cup, you'll have a big edge in your fantasy pools this season. Some people still have question marks in their minds about Esche as a number one goalie, but there should be no doubt Esche is stepping into elite fantasy status in the very near future. His mental game has improved a lot, which is helping his consistency. Couple those factors with Ken Hitchcock's defense in Philly and you've got the makings of a solid choice in net for any fantasy team.

Keith Tkachuk, F, St. Louis Blues

FOUR GOALS?

Keith Tkachuk did his best Captain American impersonation Tuesday night, leading his American squad to a win over the Russians.

Tkachuk, Billy Guerin and Mike Modano were unstoppable in this game and have been the driving force behind Team USA's offense in this tourney so far. If they can keep clicking and Robert Esche keeps on playing like he's playing, the Americans have as good a shot as anyone to win this thing and defend their 1996 championship.

Milan Hejduk, F, Colorado Avalanche

Beauty, eh

Milan Hejduk scored twice in the Czech's 6-1 drubbing of the Swedes in World Cup action Tuesday.

The second goal was an ENG, but his first was a spectacular move in front of the net to beat the goalie. Hejduk is such a special talent and really doesn't get as much press as he might because he plays in such a talent-laden lineup in Colorado. Your fantasy team is always better off with Hejduk on your squad than without him.

Niklas Kronwall, D, Detroit Red Wings

Ready for camp

According to the Detroit News, defenseman Niklas Kronwall, 23, and forward Jiri Hudler, 20, are two players in this upcoming prospects camp Ken Holland and Jim Nill (GM & Asst GM) will be watching closely.

With the lockout likely, both Kronwall and Hudler are destined to play in Grand Rapids and continue their development. Kronwall, though, is expected to be a key young player on the Wings’ roster once the NHL regular season does get started.

“We feel he’s ready to contribute,” Holland said of Kronwall, who made a positive impression in 20 games with the Wings last season. “He played well in his time with us last season.”

Hudler was praised for his improved defensive effort after being sent down to Grand Rapids because of a lack of ice time with the Wings. It will be interesting to see if both of those guys can step up and become key parts of the Wings over the next few years.

Zdeno Chara, D, Ottawa Senators

Good to go

The Toronto Sun reports that Zdeno Chara, who injured himself late in the second period of Slovakia's 5-2 loss to Russia on Sunday, feels there is a good chance he'll be able to suck up the pain and face Team Canada tomorrow night at the Air Canada Centre.

"Lots of guys are banged up in here, but we already have enough guys out of the lineup with injuries," Chara said, referring to a list that includes Michal Handzus, Peter Bondra and Ziggy Palffy. "If you can go, you have to endure the pain and be out there. We already have enough players who can't play.

Chara's thumb injury may affect his ability with his stick, but he'll still be a welcome sight on the blueline. Chara should continue his rise as one of the best overall fantasy defensemen in the game this season.

Wade Redden, D, Ottawa Senators

Nope

The Toronto Sun reports that Wade Redden no longer requires a sling to protect his injured left shoulder, but the Ottawa Senators defenceman all but ruled out a return to the lineup tomorrow.

In case you were wondering, Simon Gagne thinks he'll be ready to go for Wednesday's game. Also, Pat Quinn says he'll just go with five defensemen if another one gets hurt, rather than drop a forward.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2004

Miikka Kiprusoff, G, Calgary Flames

Cruising

The AP notes that Marco Strum silenced the Hartwall Arena crowd Monday when he tied the game at 13:58 of the third period, spoiling Miikka Kiprusoff's shutout bid with a wrist shot from a tough angle.

Kiprusoff, who helped the Calgary Flames to the Stanley Cup final last season, has been outstanding in the tournament, posting the first back-to-back shutouts in tournament history against the Czechs (4-0) and the Germans (3-0) before giving up four against the Swedish archrivals.

Finland beat Germany 2-1 and is on to the next round and Kipper's fantasy value is really quite high right now. He looks to be a solid bet to post good stats again this season after carrying over his regular season and playoff performances into this World Cup.

Zdeno Chara, D, Ottawa Senators

Day-to-day

The Ottawa Citizen reports that Zdeno Chara could miss Slovakia's World Cup quarterfinal game against Canada on Wednesday.

Chara, the Ottawa Senators star defenceman and Slovak linchpin, sprained his right thumb in last night's 5-2 loss to Russia and walked out of the Air Canada Centre with his right hand covered in bandages.

"We'll see," said Chara, when asked about playing Wednesday. "I don't know right now."

Just what the Slovaks needed... another key guy not in the lineup.

Mark Eaton, D, Nashville Predators

Politics

The Nashville Tennessean reports that the Team USA brass apparently didn't feel Predators defenseman Mark Eaton was an adequate replacement for Mathieu Schneider, Derian Hatcher, Hal Gill or Jordan Leopold.

The U.S. selected a pair of rookies — Colorado's John-Michael Liles and New Jersey's Paul Martin — instead of the 27-year-old Eaton, who set a Predators record with a plus-16 rating last season.

''We seem to be off the radar a little bit with some of our guys,'' Predators General Manager David Poile said. ''His name never came up, which is unfortunate because he's improved so much.''

The Preds may be off the radar a bit, but the decision may have had more to do with the fact that Eaton turned down Team USA twice with the World Championships. Eaton's game has really developed in recent years though and he logged a healthy 21 minutes per game for the Preds last year.

Simon Gagne, F, Philadelphia Flyers

No practice

The CP reports that Team Canada returned to the ice for practice Monday without Simon Gagne but coach Pat Quinn said the left winger's injury is not serious.

Gagne is believed to have a minor foot injury and is expected to play when Canada faces Slovakia in the quarter-finals Wednesday of the World Cup of Hockey.

Either way, it's no big deal. Canada's chances do not hinge on the health of Simon Gagne. The more important question for poolsters is whether or not Gagne can finally break through and become the fantasy goal scoring stud we know he can become.

Wade Redden, D, Ottawa Senators

Day-to-day

According to the CP, Pat Quinn said that defenceman Wade Redden's sprained left shoulder has shown improvement but was not sure when or if the Ottawa Senator will be able to return. Redden did not skate with the team.

"Redden was improved this morning," said Quinn. "We don't know how quickly it will get to a state where he wants to try it.

"It is certainly a day-to-day thing."

Jay Bouwmeester has been playing in Redden's place and Scott Hannan has been skating for the injured Jovo.

Brett Hull, F, Phoenix Coyotes

No comment

The CP notes that Team USA coach Ron Wilson was asked if he'd put Brett Hull back in the lineup for a quarter-final elimination game Tuesday. He couldn't say that he would, adding lineup decisions will be made game day. That's not the vote of confidence Hull was looking for.

Hull left practice early and didn't want to speak to reporters, which, of course, is causing a big deal with reporters. Big deal. Hull has given so many great interviews over the years and he really can't be blamed for not wanting to talk to the press when he's getting benched in what could be his last international stage. Wilson will play Hull if he knows what's good for his team.

Alexander Ovechkin, F, Washington Capitals

Impressive

The Toronto Sun reports that Alex Ovechkin, the first pick overall in the 2004 NHL draft and the hottest property to come out of Russia in years, scored a goal in his World Cup debut and dished out a number of solid hits against the Slovakian team in a 5-2 Russia victory.

The win means that Russia will play the U.S. in quarter-final action tomorrow at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., while Canada plays Slovakia on Wednesday.

Caps GM George McPhee saw the game first-hand and people sitting next to him probably had to wipe the drool off his face. The sooner Ovechkin plays in the NHL, the better off the fans of the NHL and the Caps franchise will be, so get a transfer agreement worked out!