Here are some of the latest news and happenings from around the NHL.

-The Penguins have broken ground on their new arena. Supposedly all that talk of moving was pure bullshit.

“It wasn’t a possibility …We had to do a few things to put pressure on the city and the state, but our goal was to remain here in Pittsburgh all the way. Those trips to Kansas City and Vegas and other cities was just to go, and have a nice dinner and come back.”

I honestly don’t blame Mario at all for using that tactic. Pittsburghers ain’t too bright and instead of being rational and funding a hockey arena that is multi-purpose and could help the city, they voted it down for years. I’d love to see the city tear down PNC park and build the new Igloo there. Hey, the Pirates were awesome back in the 70s, but those days are long gone. Dave Parker, Willie Stargell and Kent “put down tht fucking ball, kid” Tekulve aren’t coming back anytime soon.

-There is word out of Toronto that Bryan McCabe will waive his no trade clause after September 1st. He gets a $2 million dollar bonus if he is on the Leafs roster on the 1st. Supposedly Florida, Los Angeles and Boston are interested. The Bruins would have to make some significant moves to get him in and stay under the cap. McCabe could be a decent addition to a team looking for a solid defenseman. I wonder if we will be traded to Florida for Jay Bouwmeester?

-The Islanders named Scott Gordon head coach. Of all the people under consideration Gordon was the best choice for Garth Snow to hire and still be able to coach from the owner’s box. Here is what I said about Gordon last month:

Played for the Johnstown Chiefs in the ECHL. Coached a number of ECHL teams. Current head coach of the Providence Bruins. Assistant coach of the Providence Bruins (served under head coach Mike Sullivan during his tenure.) His Massachusetts connections could be a plus with Garth Snow.

I think he is a decent choice, as long as he gets the time he needs to get his NHL coaching legs under him. If he gets 3 years, it could be a smart hire, but the Islanders have not done many smart things since the mid 80s.

-Mats Sundin is still “undecided” as to if, where, when he will play next season. I still can’t imagine him turning down the offer he supposedly has on the table from them. $20 million dollars is hard to turn down. Could he be mulling an offer from the KHL?

-Still no word on the playing/retiring status of Joe Sakic. If we don’t see him in an Avalanche jersey next season, I don’t think we will see him at all.

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