KHL’s Lokomotiv plane crashes … Bolland considers himself lucky … Vokoun had similar offer from the Red Wings … Alfredsson skating … Boogaard’s battle
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12:29 pm:

  • Slava Malamud via twitter: Reports are that Alexander Galimov may still be alive. (I’m not going to make any more notes on him for the time being, many mixed reports)

11:51 am:

  • Sean Leahy via twitter: KHL Statement:
    “We are only beginning to understand the impact of this tragedy affecting the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl club and the international hockey community. First and foremost, our condolences go out to the families and friends of the players, coaches and staff lost in today’s tragedy. “We know that there are many in the KHL family who will be grieving with us. As the investigation of this tragedy progresses we will work closely with investigators, government officials, club executives and the Yaroslavl community. We are working to find an appropriate way to honor this club and begin the healing process from the deep loss so many of us feel today. “We are aware that many of you have questions. This tragedy remains our primary focus. We ask for patience as we find an appropriate way to proceed with the 2011/2012 season. We will continue to communicate our plans as they take shape.”
  • Slava Malamud via twitter: Viktor Tikhonov suggests that every KHL team send at least one player to Lokomotiv so that the team can continue this season.

10:48 am:

10:30 am:

9:30 am:

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: A charter plane carrying Lokomotiv of the KHL has crashed. Reports are that there were 37 people on board. The number of people that died is unconfirmed (reports saying 36 died). Former NHLers on the team include Vasyunov, Rachunek, Demitra, Salei, Skrastins. Brad McCrimmon was the teams head coach. A link to Lokomotiv’s roster or here if the site is down.. Genadi Boguslavski via twitter: “Officials of Russia Aviation confirm 34 dies in plane crash.”
    • Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Blackhawks forward Dave Bolland considers himself lucky with the concussion he sustained last March. He missed the last 14 regular season games and the first 3 of the playoffs. He’ll be ready to go for training camp.

      “It does get scary. If you look at Sidney Crosby right now, he’s still out. It’s never fun seeing another player out and a star player out of the lineup.

      “It is scary how long these things can take. I remember I was sitting there with mine and you never knew when it was going to come out. I would have dinner with friends and it would be like they were talking to a wall.”

      Chris Campoli still remains unsigned. The Ottawa Sun reported a while ago that 5 teams were interested. Jordan Hendry will be on a tryout with Minnesota.

    • Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post: Capitals goalie Tomas Vokoun said that Detroit offered him a deal similar to the one he received from the Capitals, 1 year at $1.5 million.

      “Looking at Washington’s lineup compared to Detroit, they are comparable teams,” Vokoun said. “But Detroit in last 10 years won three times Stanley Cup. And Washington never won it. But that’s a lot better challenge for me and the team, to be able to do something special.”

      and later added

      “My belief is this team has a better chance to win than Detroit does. And they showed a lot more interest, so that was the key for me, too.”

    • Katie Strang of Newsday: Alexei Yashin skated at the Islanders practice facility yesterday but it remains “unlikely” that he re-signs with the team.
    • Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson skated yesterday for 70 minutes, taking part in every drill and full scrimmage. Alfredsson only played in 54 games last year and had surgery this summer.
    • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Russo writes a very good piece about Derek Boogaard and his battle with painkillers. You should read it rather than me summarizing parts of it.