Midweek Madness

Legein's Return -- Sources appear unanimous that Stefan Legein will return to the CBJ fold, likely reporting to Syracuse in January. TSN.ca reports:

Legein has been skating for the last few weeks with the St. Catharines Falcons of the Golden Horseshoe Junior League and on Monday will begin working out with the Brampton Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League. He will do that for a few weeks, spend Christmas and New Year's with his family at home in Oakville, Ont., and then head off to Columbus to become a hockey player again.

Easy to forget he is still a kid. Let's hope he has renewed his internal commitment to hockey, and has a great career with the CBJ. Nothing but good wishes for him here.

Avery Suspension -- OK, the guy is a moron, but I personally think Bettman whiffed on this one-timer. The suspension should have come way earlier, like for the racist remarks about LaRoque or any of his myriad other antics. If this were baseball, this would be referred to as a make-up call.

LaViolette Firing -- This one is a little strange, in my book. Sure Carolina has missed playoffs the last two years, but doesn't a Stanley Cup in your second year entitle you to a little longer grace period? Especially with the injury history that Carolina has had the past two years, and the lack of blockbuster front office help for the roster. On top of that, replacing him with the same guy he replaced ??? Something weird going on behind the scenes, methinks. Either that, or the Tampa Bay ownership group also owns Carolina . . . ;-)

Young Hockey Studs Only Need Apply -- Have to wrap up with a big CONGRATULATIONS to Steve Mason and the CBJ for Mason's selection as Rookie of the Month for November, giving the Jackets a sweep of the two monthly awards handed out this year, following Brassard's win in October. OK, Jake, your turn in December!!

San Jose preview tonight or tomorrow morning. Post some comments so that I can get some input on making this blog better!! Thanks!