Back to the front

If there's good news this morning for Leaf fans, it has to be Ed Belfour's proclamation that his back is all better. If there's a key to the Leafs success this season, it's probably that little disc he had repaired one year ago today.

A 301-day layoff will do that to a guy. Said Mats Sundin (welcome back, Mats) yesterday on the lockout:

"I used this as a great opportunity to heal my body, both physically and mentally, to prepare for the season and hopefully extend my own career."

We're thinking a lot of players feel the same way. (Mario Lemieux has to be near the top of that list).

Have been reading a lot about Dany Heatley and the Senators (perhaps making Leaf Nation a bit nervous). Here's how Dan Snyder's family feels about Heatley's move to Ottawa.

And what are they saying in Atlanta? Well, keep in mind Hossa's stats, then take note that his ice time in Ottawa's defensive-minded system was barely average for a player of his calibre. Now, Thrashers coach Bob Hartley really likes to unleash his stars and play them a lot - Ilya Kovalchuk led NHL forwards in ice time (23:41) in 2003-04. What will Hossa do with all that extra playing time?

"It could be more opportunity to do more stuff," he says.

Fantasy pool alert: An unleashed Marian Hossa will score a pile of goals this year.

Florida goalie Roberto Luongo was "awarded" $3.2 million in his salary arbitration case yesterday, a dollar figure that has people saying the Panthers won that deal. GM Mike Keenan says the goalie shouldn't be paid large until he's proven himself tobe one of the best in the business.

Fantasy pool alert No. 2: Roberto Luongo is motivated and will be one of the best.

Here's an update on the New Jersey Devils infirmary ward. Where Scott Stevens is working out and Patrick Elias has gained most of the 22 pounds he lost after contracting hepatitis.

If we ever need to borrow a pen, we're calling Tampa Bay GM Jay Feaster. Yesterday, he resigned yet another of his players (yes, yes, Nikolai Khabibulin is gone. But all that good ink can be expensive). Former Leaf scoring machine (ah the memories) Dave Andreychuk, now 42-years-old, got a 2-year deal. Are the Bolts happy?

"Every guy, and I mean every guy, I talked to," Feaster said, "wanted to know what was going to happen with Andy."

Now we've mentioned Scott Stevens and Dave Andreychuk. What's up with the other members of the NHL's 40-plus club. Take a look right here.