Top Line: New GM for Blue Jackets, ex-Flame slags Iginla, more links

Blue Jackets have something to cheer: a promising team in the front office. (Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images)

By Allan Muir

A guide to this morning's must-read hockey stories:

• John Davidson's former right hand man in St. Louis is expected to be named the new GM of the Jackets today. Before we bury Scott Howson, here's the reaction from Columbus and proof that not every one of his moves involved trading superstars for bags of pucks.

• The Anaheim Ducks proved something to themselves and to the rest of the league in their 3-2 shootout win over the Blackhawks in Chicago.

• Nina Falcone breaks down Brandon Saad's controversial goal from the Chicago perspective.

• Jarome Iginlahas lost his speed and his will to compete says a former teammate...and probably former thunder buddy.

• Craig Andersonput on another clinic, making 42 saves in a 2-0 shutout of the Sabres. Meanwhile, Daniel Alfredsson thinks the answer to Ottawa's scoring woes is right there in the room. What, did they kidnap Thomas Vanek after the game?

• Try to mix in a Dallas Stars game sometime, if only to bask in the nightly brilliance of Kari Lehtonen.

• This early-season slump might be exactly what the Blues need to sharpen their focus. They just have to listen to Hitch.

• Here's an insanely detailed breakdown of Darcy Kuemper's NHL debut in net for the Minnesota Wild last night.

• Minnesota's loss served as a reminder that we shouldn't expect 18- and 19-year-olds to perform as polished professionals on a nightly basis.

• I don't watch Tampa Bay every night, but it looked to me like Victor Hedman played the game of his life as the Bolts stole a point against the Habs.

• Nashville set a dubious franchise record, but still managed to pull out a win against the Sharks. Sounds like Barry Trotz brought out the paint peeler between periods.

• Zach Boychuk was a first-round pick of Carolina in 2008. Thinks haven't gone too well for him since then. See what he has to say about the process of being put on waivers. Pretty interesting insight.

• Watch this sweet hat trick from top prospect Jonathan Drouin and weep for the team that picks fourth in this summer's draft.

• Windsor officially threw its hat in the ring to host the 2014 Memorial Cup. Love to see it, but good luck beating out London with the CHL smarting over Saskatoon.

• Here's a Valentine's Week love letter to the CCHA, soon to be no more.

detailing the woes of the Avalanche

not