Hockey News: The Tale of Paul Ranger; Olympic Team Snubs

You know we’re in the dog days of summer when the Maple Leafs signing Paul Ranger is considered breaking news. [The Star]

Speaking of Toronto, what’s the deal with Nazem Kadri’s contract status? [TSN]

Nazem Kadri of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Nazem Kadri (Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE)

Oh, this must be the problem. The Leafs were busy negotiating a contract extension with GM Dave Nonis. [National Post]

Meanwhile, the Blues seem to be signing everyone except their stud defenceman Alex Pietrangelo. [St. Louis Blues]

Can the Chicago Blackhawks repeat as champions without David Bolland? [Sportsnet]

Playing ping pong for a great cause. [NHLPA]

Patrice Bergeron was a late addition to the Olympic roster in 2010. Different story this time around. [Canada.com]

Some notable snubs from Team Canada’s Olympic orientation camp. [Sporting News]

Ditto for team USA. [Bleacher Report]

Oh to be a fly on the wall in America’s first coaching staff meeting. [Philly.com]

Roberto Luongo is starting to warm-up to Vancouver again. Sort of. [Puck Daddy]

(JohnBollwitt, Flickr)
(JohnBollwitt, Flickr)

UPDATE: Roberto has spoken! [Twitter]

The Canucks plan to retire the great Pavel Bure’s number 10. [Vancouver Sun]

Nobody tell Patrik Elias that Jaromir Jagr will most likely be ineffective for the majority of his time with the Devils. [NHL]

The Flames are confident their flood-damaged arena in Calgary will be ready when the season starts. [Globe and Mail]

An NHL division in Europe? [Defending Big D]

The Edmonton Oilers have signed their first round draft pick to an entry-level contract. [The Hockey News]

And finally, congrats to Doug Weight and Bill Guerin for being inducted into the US hockey hall of fame. [CBC]