Sausage Links, September 12

Hockey is more or less upon us and with action starting up again, the summer doldrums are ending. Thus begins the first of perhaps many installments of “Sausage Links”, where we here at M&G will share links to material that’s caught our interest. Most will be focused on the Flames, naturally, but some of the more interesting NHL news will show up now and then.

– Brent Sutter has apparently been making an impression on the players at camp so far:

– Staying on the new coach, word is he'll be ensuring a lighter workload for Kipper this season.

– As for prospect news, word out of Sweden is that recent draft pick Henrik Bjorklund is drawing comparisons to former Flame Hakan Loob. Even from Loob himself…(via google translate)

– The Abbotsford Heat recently struck a deal with Rogers Broadcasting/Country 107.1 to broadcast all of their games this season. Those of you who are really desperate for prospect updates will be able to tune in all winter.

– Now that Dany Heatley has finally been dealt, attention will shift towards unsigned RFA Phil Kessel. Surprisingly, the current front runner to land the former first rounder is apparently the Nashville Predators. David Poile claims he is uninterested in an offer sheet and instead would prefer to make a deal with the Bruins. Boston is dangerously close to the NHL salary cap, so any potential swap would probably involve one or two of Nashville’s impressive young prospects.

– Finally, links to a couple of my own recent scribblings. First, I discuss the issue of Brian McGrattan. Second, I state a case for avoiding high priced offensive defensemen.

That's it for now. Feel free to share your own finds in the comments.

by Kent Wilson