TSN previews the Jackets and more...

TSN has been running their 30 teams in 30 days NHL previews. Today the Jackets are up.

Parting Shot: With so many changes throughout their lineup, it may take time for this Columbus team to gel properly. And even when they do, the team has its work cut out for them in a tough conference that includes the much-improved Chicago Blackhawks and defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings in their own division. That's a big mountain to climb for the only active team in the National Hockey League that hasn't reached the playoffs.

Nothing most of us here don't already know but a decent read none-the-less.

Also for you draft watchers out there TSN has an early top 10 list of draft eligilbe prospects for this season.

I will tell you one thing -- if your going to stink its a good year to do so as there are two studs right at the top in 6'7" Swedish defensemen Vitctor Hedman (or someone who can finally look Chara in the eyes) and 6'0" Canadian offensive dynamo John Tavares (who broke Gretzky's OHL record of 72 goals as a 16 year old) . The worst team in the league will get one of em.

Fortunately I don't think we have to worry much about this list this year as I just don't see the Jackets drafting top 10 this year. There, I said it!

There is also a video link here.

Fantasy watchers. CBSSports.com has listed their potential busts for the 2008-2009 season. I would have put money down that Kristian Huselius would be on that list but alas, no Jackets at all.

I am happy to report that one Predator made his list -- Dan Ellis:

2007-08 stats: 44 games, 23-10-3, 1,147 saves, six shutouts, 2.34 GAA, .924 save percentage
Analysis: The Predators traded Chris Mason to St. Louis in the offseason, clearing the way for Ellis to be Nashville's No. 1 goalie. We have seen this before. Mason took over as Nashville's top goalie last season with a strong performance in 2006-07 while Tomas Vokoun was injured. When Mason struggled, Ellis emerged as Barry Trotz's favorite in net. He finished the regular-season strong with eight wins in 15 outings, but fell apart in the playoffs -- 2-4 with a 2.52 GAA. Ellis spent many seasons in the minors before getting his chance to shine in '07-08. However, with the potential loss of Alex Radulov on offense and rookie goalie Pekka Rinne breathing down his neck, don't be surprised if Nashville uses a goalie-rotation if Ellis struggles early on.

Speaking of fantasy hockey. Light the Lamp is looking for 3 more members for its yahoo.com fantasy hockey league. If your interested post a comment below and I'll get you the league details.

Brandon Sugden has taken a new step in his bid to return to play in the NHL/AHL next season in the form of an online petition.

If you recall 4 teams blocked his application to return and according to Crunch blogger Lindsay Kramer those 4 teams have not come forward to announce themselves:

Sugden told me Wednesday that NHL attorneys have told the players union that the four dissenting teams will not be identified. Way to stand behind your beliefs. Nothing says character like blocking a man's shot at an NHL contract and then refusing to even give him the courtesy of a discussion.

So if you feel for Brandan "Sugar" Sugden's situation (which I personally do) -- head out to his petition by following this link and sign away!

If anyone makes it down to practice today please do report in the comments!

-LTL