Pavel Datsyuk seems to be on a mission and with the way he's been playing so far in the pre-season he could finish in the top ten in scoring this year. Perhaps being in the Eastern Conference and having less travel time will improve all the Red Wing's numbers....Another mission statement, this one by Ryan Miller, who is out to prove that he belongs among the top goaltenders in the league. Don't write him off as this team could be underestimated....Who is Brayden McNabb? Sabre fans will know but perhaps the rest of the fantasy world doesn't.  The 22 year old defenseman had a goal and two assists in last night's win over the Hurricanes.  He played well with LW Johan Larsson, who had 2 goals and an assist in the game, but don't expect them to be major contributors this year. Keep them in mind though for the future perhaps...Two names that won't be voted off the Island if they produce are RW Kyle Okposo and C Josh Bailey. The former had 2 assists last night and the latter had 2 short-handed goals.  These 2 paired up and have shown some chemistry.  Don't forget them on draft day as the Islanders will be a much improved team this year....With all eyes on this year's top draft pick Jonathan Drouin, it was Brett Connolly who posted 2 goals in last night's game. Don't forget about this 46-goal scorer in the WHL in 2010-2011 and who also scored 31 goals in the AHL last year...Toronto Maple Leaf Nazem Kadri is proving that he will continue with the work effort he displayed last season by potting his 2nd goal of the pre-season. Big Signing:The Edmonton Oilers continue to lock up their young talent to long-term contracts. This time they inked C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with a 7-year extension meaning RNH joins taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle who have signed long-term contracts with the club. Now the young guns can concentrate on hockey for the next 6-7 years.  Nugent-Hopkins had a disappointing 24 points in 40 games last year but was hindered by a shoulder injury and is now rehabbing from off-season surgery on that shoulder. Don't miss out on the latest ROMIE HITS THE POST. Romie focuses on two intriguing situations unfolding in Florida and New Jersey.  Check it out here. ***ATTENTION FANTASY HOCKEY LEAGUE COMMISSIONERS*** If you are the commissioner of an upcoming fantasy hockey league and will be holding a draft soon,  PrimePucks has some goodies for you to distribute to your league members.  Look even better to your league members by giving them free stuff.  Who doesn't...

Pre-season Bits: Pavel Datsyuk seems to be on a mission and with the way he's been playing so far in the pre-season he could finish in the top ten in scoring this year. Perhaps being in the Eastern Conference and having less travel time will improve all the Red Wing's numbers....Another mission statement, this one by Ryan Miller, who is out to prove that he belongs among the top goaltenders in the league. Don't write him off as this team could be underestimated....Who is Brayden McNabb? Sabre fans will know but perhaps the rest of the fantasy world doesn't.  The 22 year old had a goal and two assists in last night's win over the Hurricanes.  He played well with LW Johan Larsson, who had 2 goals and an assist in the game, but don't expect them to be major contributors this year. Keep them in mind...Two names that won't be voted off the Island if they produce are RW Kyle Okposo and C Josh Bailey. The Former had 2 assists last night and the latter had 2 short-handed goals.  These 2 paired up and have shown some chemistry.  Don't forget them on draft day as the Islanders will be a much improved team this year....With all eyes on this year's top draft pick Jonathan Drouin, it was Brett Connolly who posted 2 goals in last night's game. Don't forget about this 46-goal scorer in the WHL in 2010-2011 who also scored 31 goals in the AHL last year...Toronto Maple Leaf Nazem Kadri is proving that he will continue with the work effort he displayed last season by potting his 2nd goal of the pre-season. Don't miss out on the latest ROMIE HITS THE POST. Romie focuses on two intriguing situations unfolding in Florida and New Jersey.  Check it out here. ***ATTENTION FANTASY HOCKEY LEAGUE COMMISSIONERS*** If you are the commissioner of an upcoming fantasy hockey league and will be holding a draft soon,  PrimePucks has some goodies for you to distribute to your league members.  Look even better to your league members by giving them free stuff.  Who doesn't like free stuff?  Contact cj@primepucks.com to find out more. PrimePucks™ continues to bring you the NHL IN 30 every day in the month of September, bringing you in-depth team analysis for the upcoming season. Today's featured team: Nashville Predators!  Don't forget to check back each and every day for the latest featured team!

SMITH AND RED WINGS FOR TWO MORE YEARS: Defenseman Brendan Smith and the Detroit Red Wings have agreed to a two-year/ $2.525 million extension. We love this guy to make a big fantasy jump in 2013-14, as he acquitted himself quite well last season, averaging nearly 19 minutes per game, along with eight assists and 34 PIM. He never cracked the top power-play unit as I had wrongly predicted, but the 24-year old did not look out of place in only his second year. He also made quite a splash in the playoffs with five points, including an overtime game-winning goal. Watch him, as he has big-time offensive upside, and besides Niklas Kronwall, not much competition from the current Detroit blue-line. FLORIDA STARTING GOALIE JOB UP FOR GRABS: The Florida Panthers have inked goaltender Jakub Markstrom to a two-year contract. Even though the 23-year old has struggled early in his NHL career with a combined 10-19-2 record, a 3.09 GAA and a .906 SP, he has tremendous starting upside. With Jose Theodore out of the picture, veteran Scott Clemmensen might begin the season as Florida's number one goalie, but we doubt it will end up that way. Markstrom should be the top dog in the Panther's crease when the 2013-14 season is all said and done. ISLES AGREE TO BAILEY EXTENSION: The Islanders former first-round pick in the 2008 draft has developed slower than expected in his first five seasons, but a great finish in 2013 has earned him a lofty pay raise. Josh Bailey and the Islanders have agreed to a five-year/ $16.5 million contract extension, as the organization truly believes that the 23-year old is a crucial part of the youth core that has pushed the team to playoff-caliber. Bailey collected 19 points in 38 games last season, but showed his worth with ten points in the last 13 games. Not fantasy relevant yet, but could make a big jump in 2013-14.

FLORIDA STARTING GOALIE JOB UP FOR GRABS: The Florida Panthers have inked goaltender Jakub Markstrom to a two-year contract. Even though the 23-year old has struggled early in his NHL career with a combined 10-19-2 record, a 3.09 GAA and a .906 SP, he has tremendous starting upside. With Jose Theodore out of the picture, veteran Scott Clemmensen might begin the season as Florida's number one goalie, but we doubt it will end up that way. Markstrom should be the top dog in the Panther's crease when the 2013-14 season is all said and done. ISLES AGREE TO BAILEY EXTENSION: The Islanders former first-round pick in the 2008 draft has developed slower than expected in his first five seasons, but a great finish in 2013 has earned him a lofty pay raise. Josh Bailey and the Islanders have agreed to a five-year/ $16.5 million contract extension, as the organization truly believes that the 23-year old is a crucial part of the youth core that has pushed the team to playoff-caliber. Bailey collected 19 points in 38 games last season, but showed his worth with ten points in the last 13 games. Not fantasy relevant yet, but could make a big jump in 2013-14.

ISLES AGREE TO BAILEY EXTENSION: The Islanders former first-round pick in the 2008 draft has developed slower than expected in his first five seasons, but a great finish in 2013 has earned him a lofty pay raise. Josh Bailey and the Islanders have agreed to a five-year/ $16.5 million contract extension, as the organization truly believes that the 23-year old is a crucial part of the youth core that has pushed the team to playoff-caliber. Bailey collected 19 points in 38 games last season, but showed his worth with ten points in the last 13 games. Not fantasy relevant yet, but could make a big jump in 2013-14.

Bailey fell awkwardly into the boards after being hit by Pittsburgh's Chris Kunitz. Kunitz was assessed a game misconduct for the hit. Bailey did not return to the game but will likely play tonight vs. the Devils.

Bailey was injured overseas and as a result was suspended by the club. He will provide additional depth to the Isles' forward core and this could be the year he finally starts putting up some offensive numbers.

Bailey is still looking to play in his first game of the season after recovering from an injured knee. He is a decent fantasy option but I would wait to see his role on the Islanders team and how he plays out of the gate before running to the waiver wire to get him.

Bailey is still battling back from injury and could play in his first game of the season tomorrow. Monitor his status prior to tomorrow's contest vs. the Rangers. He is a good young player coming into his own, if he gets off to a good start he would be worth a waiver wire addition.

Bailey is still waiting to play his first game of the year. The Islanders are off to a good start and Bailey will only help the teams offense and penalty kill.