*One good thing about everyone in the hockey universe being on vacation is that all of the nutty discourse that pops up around things like the TK contract or the Kolosov drama dies off pretty quickly with no one around to stoke the flames. Anyhoo, we decided to bring you something a little more interesting: a very deep dive into one of the other Russian prospects, Ilya Pautov. [BSH]
*Tyson Foerster really came on last season, and I think we’re all hoping he comes on even more this year. Either way, he’s clearly a very important part of the puzzle Danny Briere’s been tasked with solving. [Flyers]
*Speaking of this puzzle, maybe it isn’t as tough as we think it is? Maybe it’s more like a 500 piece puzzle than a 1,000 piece? It really isn’t out of the question, despite what the Negative Nancies believe. [The Athletic]
*Eric Staal is calling it a career, good for him. Looks like his number will be going to the rafters in Carolina, too. Which makes sense. [TSN]
*And finally, Patrik Laine. No one thinks he’s coming here! And he probably isn’t! [Bleacher Report]
