It doesn't seem like the off-season any more. Teams are gearing up for training camps. But it's not yet the regular season. So, a pre-season thread for odds and ends.

It's been expected he'd get the job someday, almost since he arrived. Looks like someday has arrived: tomorrow Mike Richards will be named the new Flyers captain. Meanwhile, Derian Hatcher won't report to camp because he still is having a problem with his right knee. He's being placed on the long-term injury list for now.



The best thing he could do is retire.

Former Flyers, now Hurricanes, both hurting: Justin Williams is having terrible luck. He tore an Achilles tendon in his right leg while running during a workout and will be out for 4 to 6 months. He missed 43 games with a torn ACL in his left knee last season. Rod BrindAmour just had surgery to remove torn cartilage from his left knee but is expected to be ready for the start of this season.

After learning that Antero Niittymaki will miss 4 to 6 weeks due to hip surgery (which seems to be a chronic thing with him) and might miss the beginning of the regular season, the Flyers signed veteran goaltender Jean-Sebastien Aubin to a one-year contract.

Caught the third period of the Leafs at Sabres game the other night. Some things never change - even in the pre-season. Leafs a solid effort with their 22 year old young goalie prospect Pogge stellar in net. They lead the Sabres 2-0 with less than 3 minutes to go.

Oops - forgot to remind myself - these are the Leafs and more importantly - these are the Leafs playing in Buffalo. Final score 3-2 Sabres in overtime. Sigh! It is going to be a LONG season.

Well Barry Melroses' debut wasn't too good. The Rangers are 2-0 on this young season.....onto Stockholm we go.