DUCKS: Selanne Staying Fresh

Anaheim Ducks winger Teemu Selanne started a skating program in Finland last week and it appears he’s closer to returning for the 2008-09 campaign than retiring, according to the Orange County Register.

BOTTOM LINE: The dree agent seems to be preparing to compete this season, and the only logical solution has him ending up back in Anaheim. He may be waiting for them to figure out how to make the room under the cap first.

AVALANCHE: Sakic Not Decided Yet

Colorado Avalanche center Joe Sakic confirmed in a radio interview Monday morning that he has not yet made a decision on whether to retire, but expects to do so very soon, according to the Denver Post.

BOTTOM LINE: Sakic could still be a fantasy contributor, regardless of his age. Follow this closely and then proceed accordingly.

BLACK HAWKS: Implement a Two-Goalie System

The Chicago Blackhawks will keep both Christobal Huet and Nikolai Khabibulin on board this season, opting for a two-goalie system, according to the Chicago Tribune.

BOTTOM LINE: while this may be the best method to keep both goaltenders fresh, this hurts both of their fantasy potential. Look for Huet to be the opening night starter, but he shouldn’t be more than a number two goalie.

HURRICANES: Give Jeff O’Neall a Shot

Free agent center Jeff O’Neill will attend the Hurricanes’ training camp with intentions to sign a contract if he makes the team, according to tsn.ca.

BOTTOM LINE: This is definitely a good gamble to take for Carolina. O’Neal’s numbers were down last season, but he was hampered by injury. If he is back at full form, he will not only be a good addition for the ‘Canes, but he will be a fantasy option as well.

ISLANDERS: Weight is Confident

New York Islanders center Doug Weight says he still has a lot left in his tank, according to the New York Post.

BOTTOM LINE: It is nice to see the veteran showing some confidence, but wee will have to see it to believe it. Last year, he only scored 25 goals and showed signs of decline. Avoid him unless you think he’ll be a sleeper.

PANTHERS: Zednik Doing Well

Florida Panthers forward Richard Zednik is expected to be in good shape once training camp starts, according to the Miami Herald.

BOTTOM LINE: Zednik was struck in the neck by Olli Jokinen’s skate last season and proceeded to miss the remainder of the season. It is nice to see one of the game’s good guys come back like this from what was a scary injury.

ISLANDERS: DiPietro Coming Along

New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro is no longer wearing a knee brace, according to New York Newsday.

BOTTOM LINE: DiPietro is supposed to be coming back at the start of nexts eason, and this is a good sign that his recovery is right on schedule. Keep a close eye on the situation though, because the knees are the most important part of a young goaltender’s body. He should still be a solid fantasy play come October.

MAPLE LEAFS: SUNDIN CONTEMPLATES RETIREMENT

Former Toronto Maple Leafs center Mats Sundin is seriously contemplating retirement rather than returning to the NHL, according to Toronto’s FAN590.

BOTTOM LINE: According to the source, Sundin’s workout regimen has been different this off season, maybe indicating that the all star centerman has finally decided to hang up his skates. We will update you when we have the final word.

RANGERS: Nedved Thinking Comeback?

Free Agent center Petr Nedved will attend the Rangers’ training camp in September on a tryout basis, according to Newsday.

BOTTOM LINE: Nedved has a successful career as a Ranger, so maybe he is trying to ressurect himself where he was a quality player the first time around. Don’t expect him to make the team, and more importantly, don’t expect him to have any fantasy value whatsoever.

PANTHERS: Re-Sign Bowmeester

Florida Panthers defensemen Jay Bouwmeester has signed a one-year deal with the Panthers, acording to a report published in the Miami Herald.

BOTTOM LINE: Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Bowmeester is an above average defensemen, and he is due to test unrestricted free agency following the season, unless the Panthers are able to lock him up on a long-term deal. Only time will tell.

LIGHTNING: Sign Steven Stamkos

Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos of the Ontario Hockey League’s Sarnia Sting has been signed by the Tampa Bay Lightning to the standard rookie deal of three years at an $875,000 base salary.

BOTTOM LINE: Stamkos was easily the best talent available in June’s draft, and he is expected to start the season at the NHL level. How much he can contribute remains to be seen, but he could be an above average player in time.

BRUINS: Murray Bought Out

Former Boston Bruins winger Glen Murray has been bought out of the final year of his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.

BOTTOM LINE: Murray was very disappointing last season. It has become more and more apparent throughout his career that his success depends on how good his center is. He excelled when he played with Joe Thornton, so maybe that’s a possibility. For now, disregard him, but keep a close eye.

MAPLE LEAFS: Sundin Undecided

Free agent center Mats Sundin remains undecided about where or if he is going to play next season. There was a report that said he had signed with the Vancouver Canucks, but Sundin debunked that rumor.

BOTTOM LINE: The most likely scenario for Sundin is Vancouver, which is why all of these premature reports seem to be leaking. We will wait and see how this situation develops.

DEVILS: Sign Fedorov

Free agent winger Fedor Fedorov has signed a contract to play for the New Jersey Devils next season. Federov played in Russia before this.

BOTTOM LINE: Federov is a speedster, but he is unlikely to fit in coach Sutter’s system. Watch him closely during training camp, but right now, he is not a fantasy option.

THRASHERS: Re-Sign Kari Lehtonen

Atlanta Thrashers goaltender Kari Lehtonen resigned with the team on Wednesday, and will start the majority of he games for the Thrashers in goal next season.

BOTTOM LINE: Lehtonen was inconsistent last season, but the very fact that he starts still makes him a good number three goalie option.

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