In The Crease

Contrary to published reports last week, Avalanche center Peter
Forsberg, who hasn't played this season and is in his native
Sweden recovering from various injuries, has not begun skating.
In fact Forsberg has told friends that he was so discouraged by
what he considered the low caliber of his play for the last
couple of seasons, which he attributes to his various ailments
(ankle and shoulder injuries, plus a splenectomy last May), that
he wants to recover fully before returning....

A select group of NHL general managers will meet in New York
City this week to discuss possible rules changes. The two most
important on the agenda are requiring a penalized player to
remain in the box the full two minutes, even if an opponent
scores on the power play, and not permitting a club that's
shorthanded to ice the puck....

The struggling Devils (10-10-2-2 through Sunday) are shopping
2000 Calder Trophy-winning center Scott Gomez and hard-hitting
defenseman Colin White. New Jersey is looking for offensive help
and is interested in the Lightning's Vincent Lecavalier....

Expect the Predators to announce long-term contract extensions
for general manager David Poile; his assistant, Ray Shero; and
the coaching staff, led by Barry Trotz. This management team is
among the best in hockey....

Leafs wing Gary Roberts deserves credit for his work ethic. With
coach Pat Quinn intent on rolling four lines to keep his troops
fresh for the stretch drive, many Toronto players are privately
fuming. Instead of complaining, Roberts, who thinks he needs
more action to keep sharp, comes to practice an hour earlier
than his teammates and works out on his own.