- John MacKinnon of the Edmonton Journal: Gary Bettman has invited Oilers owner Daryl Katz and Edmonton’s Mayor Stephen Mandel to New York from some constructive dialogue on the arena project.
“I invited them in because I’m concerned that the framework for a deal hasn’t been agreed upon and isn’t there yet,” Bettman said in a telephone interview on Friday. “Since time is now of the essence, I want to see if I can be helpful in getting the parties to speak the same language.”
“I’m trying to help them be able to talk to each other and understand where they are, to see whether or not they’re capable of making a deal.
“I’m trying to be a facilitator.”
They’ve been negotiating for 3 years, and Katz’s Oct. 31st deadline is fast approaching.
- JoAnne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Taylor Fedun was released from hospital and flew back to Edmonton 1 week after breaking his right femur. A decision on whether Ladislav Smid plays in tonight’s opener will be made today. Ryan Whitney’s status is also up in the air. He didn’t do any work on the power play at practice yesterday, which may mean he isn’t ready to go.
- Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Jarome Iginla will be in the Flames lineup for their season opener.
- Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Thomas Greiss will be in net for the Sharks opener tonight against the Coyotes.
“Antti is very close to being healthy enough,” McLellan said. “When you talk about health, you’re talking physically and mentally. There’s a recovery from injury and finding your game. Our schedule has been kind to us because we get a few days off again before we play next. We would rather target that than opening night.”
Their next game after the opener is next Friday.
- David Alter via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri “more than likely” will play a few games with the Marlies once he’s healthy according to Ron Wilson.