Happy September everyone! Apparently, since the NHL could feel the regular season getting one month closer, they decided to have a ton of news yesterday. We have Matt Ellis re-signing with the Sabres, and after the break we have a new Kovalchuk contract (with numbers - what's your opinion?), Nikolai Khabibulin getting jail time, and Chris Chelios finally retiring.

Ellis re-signed by Sabres - Sabres Edge
In case you missed it yesterday. I'd expect him to start the season in Portland, since according to CapGeek, it's a two-way deal.

Waiving could be lucky break for Kennedy - Nick Mendola
While the move could find him in the minors after a poor year, you’d have a better bet that he’ll make a lot more jack come a somewhat successful year for the Broadway Blueshirts.

Offseason Begone - The Willful Caboose
Kate reminds us exactly what happens in the offseason.

Will the NHL approve this Ilya Kovalchuk contract? - Puck Daddy
According to Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet, the latest contract submitted for Ilya Kovalchuk by the New Jersey Devils is the sort of creative attempt at cap-hit management -- or circumvention, depending on your worldview.

Khabibulin sentenced to 30 days in jail for DUI in Arizona - TSN
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin was sentenced to 30 days in prison in a Scottsdale, Arizona courtroom on Tuesday. The 30-day stay in jail was the minimum sentence Khabibulin could have received under Arizona law.

Chris Chelios retires, joins Red Wings' front office - NHL.com
Chris Chelios, 48, hangs up his skates after 26 seasons. Mind-boggling.

NHL finally approves Devils’ contract, but Kovalchuk promptly retires - Intent to Blow
The National Hockey League at long last approved a 15-year contract that would send Ilya Kovalchuk to the New Jersey Devils Monday, only to have Kovalchuk retire immediately afterwards at the age of 42.