Updates Around The League...

The L.A. Kings took a big step forward today in the race to reach the salary floor before the start of the season one month from now.

-The Kings signed recently acquired RFA center Jarett Stoll to a 4 year, $14.4 million deal, which averages to $3.6 million a season. The Kings acquired Stoll along with defenseman Matt Greene for Lubomir Visnovsky.

As it stands, Stoll will be the second-highest paid player on the team, just under Michal Handzus' $4 million/per. The Kings cap is now at approximately $36.6 million, $4.1 away from the $40.7 floor.

-Minnesota Wild defenseman Brent Burns underwent successful elbow surgery to remove 'loose bodies' from the area. He will be recovering for four weeks, and should start the season.

Sticking with the Wild: tsn:

According to the Star Tribune, Gaborik has not yet decided whether to sign an extension with the Wild or become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

"I like it here, I am willing to stay here, but I also know what my options are if we won't agree on the terms," Gaborik told the Star Tribune. "I'm not saying I'm leaving. I'm not saying I'm staying. I'm saying I have one year left on my contract."

-The 2008 3rd and 4th overall picks have signed entry-level deals with their clubs. Zach Bogosian and Alex Pietrangelo have signed on with the Atlanta Thrashers and the St. Louis Blues, respectively. They join the 1st overall Steven Stamkos (TB) and 2nd overall Drew Doughty (LA) as 2008 draftees signed to contracts.

The Bogosian signing is significant as it will likely include bonuses, making it worth more against the cap; necessary as the Thrashers are at about $38.225, just shy of the $40.7 floor. They will likely clear the floor now.

-The Ottawa Senators have signed nomadic forward Brad Isbister to a one-year, two-way deal.
Isbister collected 11 points in 55 games with Vancouver last year. Apart from Ottawa and Vancouver, the 31-year old Isbister has suited up for the NY Rangers, Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, NY Islanders and Phoenix Coyotes.

-The Vancouver Canucks will honor the memory of Luc Bourdon on opening night. They also announced that long-time captain Trevor Linden's #16 jersey will be retired.

-Finally, some Sidney Crosby news. According to the a report in the National Post, the Pittsburgh Penguins forward has been named to the Order of Nova Scotia.

Crosby, 21, is the youngest person to ever receive the award.

A native of Cole Harbour, N.S., Crosby was awarded the 2006-07 Hart Trophy as the NHL's Most Valuable Player. Last season, Crosby scored 72 points in just 53 games.