from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- If you have interest in Jarome Iginla, please contact the Colorado Avalanche.

Iginla did not wish to waive his protection last year, but told Denver-area reporter Adrian Dater he would consider it in what could be his final NHL season. Wonder if his hometown Oilers would think about it. Would be a heck of a story.

- Eric Staal’s been a great fit in Minnesota. The Wild have, at times, looked like an Eastern team in the Western conference. Quick and skilled, but lacking the kind of grinder down the middle to ease the load on Mikko Koivu. Staal addresses that need.

I’d heard he was really disappointed in himself after last season, and changed his regimen to deal with that. Staal is very proud and played down the “disappointed” aspect, but admitted he started skating earlier than he used to in the off-season. He’d go on the ice with brothers Jared, Jordan and Marc, “to fool around with the puck,” as much as anything.

A number of the NHL’s good, young players use the summer to work on their skills as much as their bodies, and Staal tried that. You know who looks much more confident with the puck this season? Marc Staal.

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