Yes, I know, I've been AWOL for a while, dealing with final exams and starting a new job and whatnot.  Here are a few evening updates:

• Added (12:41 pm Tuesday): Puck Worlds notices an interesting trend between the world's best nations rankings and hockey.
• From Dan Murphy on Twitter: "(Willie Mitchell) has worked out for the Canucks, Sharks and Kings. Testing went very well. No (confirmation) on LA offer, (Willie) now expected to visit (Washington)"
• Canadiens acquired goalie Karri Ramo from the Lightning in exchange for Cedrick Desjardins.
• Blackhawks re-signed Nick Boynton to a 1-year contract.
• The Flyers have entered an affiliate agreement with the Greenville Road Warriors of the ECHL.
• Is it time to cut out the goalie trapezoid?

Here's a topic for tonight that GelatinousMutantCoconut suggested the other day: What team do you think will do better this up-coming season than what the media suggests?