NEWS AND NOTES FOR AUGUST 11th

AUGUST 7th: NEWS & NOTES

Robbie Earl Will Not Join Dinamo Riga

PattyB: In a surprising turn of events, it looks as though Robbie Earl will NOT be joining Dinamo Riga despite the fact the club announced the signing. The club announced yesterday that he decided against playing for them at the absolute last minute which explains this development. The most likely reason for his change of heart is probably because he has gotten some interest from an NHL club.

Jackets Sign Dalton Smith To An ELC

PattyB: The Blue Jackets have signed Dalton Smith to an entry-level contract. Smith is a physical winger who has some upside. I would be very surprised if he ended up making the team this season as I think he needs one more year in the OHL, and maybe some time in the AHL. 

Blues sign Danny Syvret

PattyB: The St. Louis Blues have signed Danny Syvret to a one-year, two-way deal. This is a solid signing for the Blues who really needed to add a depth defenseman. He has a huge amount of hockey sense in all three zones. He lacks physicality which is the main reason he hasn't stuck at the NHL level, but in my opinion he has some very valuable qualities that could make him attractive for the Blues bottom-pair.

Robbie Schremp Has Signed In Sweden

PattyB: The former Islander, Robbie Schremp has signed a contract that will have him playing in Sweden next year. His new club will be MODO, and he should see a significant amount of ice-time. His game should flourish overseas as the extra space will really give him the ice he needs to show off his sick hands. I really was rooting for Robbie to succeed in the NHL, but it hasn't worked out and the lack of interest from NHL teams this off-season led him down a different path which may ultimately be solid for his career.

The Buffalo Sabres Have Re-Signed Marc-Andre Gragnani

PattyB: The Sabres have re-signed defenseman, Marc-Andre Gragnani to a one-year deal. Last season the 24 year old Gragnani, put up an astounding 60 points in 63 games for Portland of the AHL and was given the Eddie Shore Trophy for being the most "outstanding defenseman" in the AHL. He is definitely ready for the NHL and I expect him to have a really solid rookie NHL season.