No Malkin in Pittsburgh's Crosby?

It looks as though Evgeni Malkin will remain in Russia for one more season, according to TSN.ca and Metallurg Magnitogorsk websites. Malkin, considered the 'next big thing' to hit the NHL has been in the middle of Russia not signing the NHL & IIHF transfer agreement that sees prospects move to the NHL from the elite leagues in Europe. As the report states though, Malkin switched up his contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, from a two-year deal to a one-year deal, which would then make him free to move to Pittsburgh next summer.

Be sure to not take Malkin in your pool this season... and make sure you laugh at those who do.

A deal on Friday saw Kyle Calder dealt from Chicago to Philadelphia for Michal Handzus. The deal, not really heralded as a cost-saver for Chicago (saving $800,000 in salary), rather adding depth for both teams. In Calder, Philadelphia adds a winger that can play in every situation for the team, which was very attractive to the Flyers. Since Philly is so deep at centre, Handzus was very expendible for the deal. The Blackhawks didn't lose out at all though. Handzus is a big centerman who will probably line-up on the first or second line for the Hawks, more than likely making a European top line with Havlat and Ruutu.

The deal as a whole should increase both players production in the coming season. Calder will be playing with flashier and more talented centres and Handzus will get much more ice-time. A very attractive deal, indeed.

Nathan Dempsey signed a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins on Friday. Dempsey, now a journeyman NHLer, joins Boston rather quietly. The Bruins will be Dempsey's fourth NHL team and should give them some quality minutes. He should figure into the Bruin's top six, but his consistency has always been somewhat of a weight holding him back. In 52 games last season, he amassed 13 points. He may be a very late pick in your pool, if at all.

Martin Rucinsky returned to St. Louis last week. Rucinsky played in St. Louis during the 2002/'03 season. Last season, he battled through a knee problem all year and a broken index finger to finish the season, but still managed 55 points in 52 games, mostly on the coattails of Jaromir Jagr. Rucinsky joins the Blues as they re-tool their team with quite a few veterans. He will more than likely figure on the Blues' second line, but injury doubts make him a very unstable pick.

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