Another beef Some teams have been complaining to the NHL that if Alex Radulov rejoins the Nashville Predators, he should have to clear waivers first. None of these teams complained, though, when he bailed on his contract with Nashville for Russia's Kontinental Hockey League in 2008.

What the Predators should be wary of is that if Radulov returns, he ruins what has been a pretty good thing. The Predators look legit.

Typical Avery In typical Sean Avery fashion, the controversial New York Ranger told the New York Post that he has retired from hockey. Scratched since January by the AHL's Connecticut Whale for disciplinary reasons, Avery was then sent retirement papers by Rangers GM Glen Sather.

He refused to sign, presumably because he would then forfeit the remaining money on his soon-to-be-expired four-year, $15.5 million contract.

Long-shot MVP Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin and the Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist are the likely front-runners, but Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman thinks Steven Stamkos also should be considered for the Hart Trophy.

Stamkos' 50 goals are 11 more than any other player has. He also leads with 40 even-strength goals and is second with 84 points.

"He's elevated his play and scored so many goals that were part of our comeback," Yzerman said.