Quick Stories:

Welcome Back Chris Chelios:
The Canadien, Blackhawk, and Red Wing has decided to return for his 2500th NHL season, as we all new he would. The second cousin of George Washington has been in the NHL since the good old days of Joe 'Phantom' Malone and was at the baby shower of last-season's defense partner Brett Lebda.

Ok, so I've gotten into the THN exaggeration stance when discussing Cheli, but, truth be told, the man is old. He's got great conditioning and some darn good skills, though, which is why he'll be back for a 26th, 27th, and 52nd campaign (just kidding).

Ballard Extension = Bouwmeester expendable?
Keith Ballard has been given a six-year contract with the Florida Panthers. The defenseman's signing has led to even more questions about the future of Jay Bouwmeester in a Panthers uniform. Read James Mirtle's blog about it for more info.

That's just a quick update, I'll hopefully write more on whatever happens tomorrow.

Committed to Hockey

You know, when I see a headline such as "Ex-Ranger Dube is content in Swiss League", two thoughts go through my head.

1. " 'Ex'-Ranger? There's a common enough phrase...has there ever been a drafted Ranger to stay with the team for his whole career?"

2. "Now there's a guy who really just loves to play hockey."

The important thought is number 2 (number 1 comes from my Islanders bias).

You see, a lot of guys transfer leagues for the money, or in a disappointed state after NHL rejection. In Christian Dube, we've got a guy who was pleasantly surprised to make it to the NHL, saddened by his early exit, yet willing to keep playing the sport he loves despite the exit. And the fact that he's now enjoying playing in Switzerland (Be honest, how many of you knew that there was a pro league in Switzerland?) is just another tribute to the man's perseverance.

Way to go Christian Dube! Maybe you'll get another job in the NHL someday.