In the headlines: Kuba, Corvo, Elliott, Zubov, and the CASH Line

Just some quick hits on Sens (and former Sens) headlines from the last little while:

As reported in the National Post, apparently Filip Kuba had a no-trade clause in his contract (and I guess he still does, I hope Bryan Murray doesn't want to trade him), but didn't feel it would "make any sense" to use it. The owners of Tampa Bay have really made a stir, and I don't think it's a good thing. It was well-documented that Dan Boyle wasn't happy with his exit from Tampa Bay, and now it comes about that Kuba didn't really want to leave, either, but felt he didn't have a choice--despite the fact that the club signed him to a contract offering that choice. Pretty shitty thing to do, if you ask me, and a great way to build a toxic environment between players and owners. The biggest reason he wanted to play for Tampa seemed to be the opportunity to play in front of friends and family in his native Czech Republic, but I think that novelty will fade as the Bolts fall in the standings and the Sens rise to the top (knock on wood).

It was also briefly mentioned in a Bruce Garrioch story in the Ottawa Sun that Joe Corvo is once again being shopped around, apparently due to his "baggage". It's a little weird since Corvo is a solid offensive defenceman (he's 18th in the league in points from D over the last three years), and his contract is a bargain. You've got to wonder why Carolina would be looking to move him already, after only half a season (and a pretty good half, too, with 7G and 14A [21P] in 23 games, highlighted by a three-goal night against the Senators in March).

Goaltending prospect Brian Elliott found out in the rookie squad's 4-2 victory over the Florida Panthers rookie team that his knee has healed nicely, according to the Ottawa Citizen. Got to be good news for Binghamton Senators fans, and maybe he'll build some competition for our two NHL goaltenders.

I've read a few times that Ilya Zubov is really looking impressive this year. I'm not sure the sources, but he's apparently stayed in Ottawa over the summer rather than returning to Russia, training with local NHLers, including Chris Neil, and is in great shape. Although it will be tough for him to crack the NHL lineup (so many forwards... ), he's been quoted as being prepared for another year of conditioning in the AHL if necessary. Read about it in the National Post or the Slam! Sports, or the Ottawa Sun.

Craig Hartsburg confirmed how he's breaking up the CASH Line, at least for the start of training camp, to the Sun today. Apparently Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley will remain together, filled out with another winger (likely to be Jesse Winchester to start), and Daniel Alfredsson will play on the second line, likely with Mike Fisher, and Antoine Vermette's got to be up there somewhere.