Mair is on the shelf

The Buffalo News

Adam Mair had his hip scoped and it's expected that he'll miss at least 6 weeks of action.

I wonder if the Sabres knew about the hip issue and that is why they signed more than a few 4th line types such as Jeff Cowan and Cody McCormick?

While I really like what Adam Mair brings to the table, I'm more concerned about Drew Stafford still being an un-signed RFA.

Stafford far from the best un-signed RFA

Phil Kessel is still un-signed. After reading how the Islanders need to add more talent around John Tavares, how about this roll of the dice: Kessel to the Isles for their 1st Rounder in 2010?

The Isles get a former top 5 pick who had a 36 goal 60 point season last year. Granted, Kessel has had off season shoulder surgery and he might not be ready to go until mid-November, he would accelerate the development curve over whomever the Isles would get in next summer's draft.

Although, the Isles also get a player who is closer to UFA and they lose their Taylor Hall lottery ticket. But, Kessel on Josh Bailey's wing would certainly take some heat off the Tavares-Okposo line.

The Rangers have yet to sign center Brandon Dubinsky, as well. He is the type of guy that I'd love the Sabres to pick up. Too bad they have Connolly costing $4.5 million against the cap each of the next two seasons........

Other stuff

I hope Ice Edge Holdings wins the Phoenix Coyotes tug of war. If I were to fall into a billion dollars in the next couple of days, I'd try and get involved to return the Coyotes to their rightful home: Winnipeg!

The NHLPA is nuts.

The Crosby-Ovechkin debate from a stats-based viewpoint. They should throw Malkin into the mix, too.