Puck Headlines: At this rate, Gretzky will soon own Glendale

Here are your Evening Puck Headlines and Previews: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

• So next week is Hockey Rumors Christmas, a.k.a. the trade deadline. We sort of know what we're planning, but we're open to some genius from the readership. E-mail us if you have a killer notion on how to handle Dead-Day.

• After yesterday's news that the City of Glendale was letting the Phoenix Coyotes play virtually rent-free comes this nugget from Sportsnet: "Sources tell Sportsnet that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and the city of Glendale have come to terms on an agreement that will see Glendale concede at least $15 million per year to the Coyotes towards a new lease deal." The team hopes to have new (non-local) ownership in place by the time the Coyotes make their lottery pick. (D'oh!) [Sportsnet]

• Meanwhile, the Coyotes have a new charity initiative: You can bid in an auction to appear in the 2008-09 team photo. Is Derek Morris eligible to enter? [Coyotes]

Preview: Los Angeles Kings at Philadelphia Flyers (7 p.m. EST; TV: FSW, CSP). The Flyers expended a lot of energy last night in DC, but the Kings traveled from Minnesota for tonight's game. Martin Biron takes on Erik Ersberg tonight after watching Niittymaki play really well in a big road win. No pressure, sir.

• Who is the best college hockey player of all-time? [College Hockey News]

Sports

Get today's sports news out of Los Angeles. Here's the latest on the Dodgers, Lakers, Angels, Kings, Galaxy, LAFC, USC, UCLA and more LA teams.

LeBron James scores 25, D'Angelo Russell ties Lakers 3-pointers record in 136-105 win over Hawks

NBA world erupts after Anthony Edwards' poster on John Collins in Timberwolves-Jazz

Toronto Maple Leafs overlord Brian Burke believes that Tomas Kaberle is worth the same package as he gave up for Chris Pronger when the Ducks acquired him: a first-round pick, a roster player and a top prospect. Because the two players are so comparable. Oh, and just in case there's any confusion: This story is about Brian Burke, not "Brian Burke." No need to email him. [CP and audio of the Burke conference call]

Preview: San Jose Sharks at Detroit Red Wings (7:30 p.m. EST; TV: CSBA, FSD, Yahoo! Sports). Brad Stuart's back for the Wings, as both Mike Babcock and Todd McLellan discuss the importance (or lack of it) in winning the No. 1 seed in the West. Tonight on Versus: "The Contender" finale.

Preview: New York Rangers at Toronto Maple Leafs (7:30 p.m. EST; TV: TSN, NHLN). Naturally, John Tortorella's first game as the Rangers' coach occurs in the only hockey media market that makes New York look like small-town Iowa by comparison. This should be music to the ears of Rangers fans, or at least to Scott Gomez: Torts wants to attack, attack, attack. In case you missed it, the Rangers claimed former Leaf Mark Bell off of waivers.

• Five reasons why fans should make the jump from the NBA to the NHL. Somehow, "diversity" doesn't make the cut. Kidding aside, No. 1 on the list it pretty damn impressive if you think about the mainstream audience reading that blog. [Complex Blog, via KK]

• Will Brendan Witt move at the trade deadline? "If Garth Snow only receives dollar-for-dollar offers for Witt, he might as well wait until summer." [Lighthouse Hockey]

Preview: New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins (7:30 p.m. EST; TV: MSG+, FSPI). Sidney Crosby is out with a wonky groin. Ryan Whitney is out, attending a family matter back in Boston. What does this all mean? It's Letang time.  

• In crappy, stupid economic news, The News & Observer hasn't sent a reporter to an away Carolina Hurricanes game since early February. Boo. [Canes Country]

• An interesting look at the domino effect of Marian Gaborik's injury for the Minnesota Wild. [TwinCities.com, H/T Puck Buddy Mike Wong]

• Finally, forget the fact that Cam Janssen of the St. Louis Blues is a repeat offender under the NHL's draconian discipline policy; this hit only earned him a fine:

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