Max Pacioretty in Switzerland, Mathieu Darche, Manon Rheaume, The Economist and More

Good AM hockey fans!

The strong shift of NHLers towards Europe continues. The latest player to make a move is the Montreal Canadiens' own Max Pacioretty, who has recently joined HC Ambri-Piotta according to The Fourth Period. RDS also confirms the news on their site.

Elsewhere, the Swedish Elite League was compelled to allow NHL players join its league by Anti-Trust authorities there.

As such, some players have begun making the move to the Scandinavian nation as well.

Habs and Hockey News

- Mathieu Darche, amongst others, was on Radio-Canada's Tout Le Monde en Parle on Sunday night.

- The Economist — yes, that Economist magazine — has an interesting piece on the lockout and the evolving landscape of sport ownership at large.

- Twenty years ago, Manon Rheaume became the first woman to suit up in the NHL.

- The NHL and NHLPA are slated to meet in order to discuss last season's revenue. Hmmm... how about we move the discussion to this season?

- If you are lacking you hockey fix, you can always check out this hat-trick by Rick Nash with HC Davos.

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images North America)

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Blaming the Agents, NHL Pre-Season Cancelled, Geoff Molson and More

Unfortunate news to start our day, as it appears the NHL has formally cancelled its 60 pre-season games. No great shock there I suppose, but a disappointment nonetheless.

So far, blame for this fiasco has been split between the owners, the league and the players. However, I must say, the agents have not nearly gotten their fair share.

After all, at times it is hard to believe that agents are acting in the best interest of their clients and the game at large. Because, in reality, best interests of their clients are not only related to dollars and years.

How can you possibly recommend a player sign a ten, 12 or 15-year deal that essentially traps you with that team for the rest of your playing days. We have seen it time and again, those contracts are virtually untradeable.

And, really, would you be ready to commit 12 years to one employer without having even worked one year there?

Nor do I understand why you would advise your client to sign a preposterous offer sheet. The money is fantastic, of course, but you also financially cripple the matching team, hence minimizing your ability to win with said team.

Of course, as an agent, you've won simply by cashing in your hefty commission I suppose.

Habs and Hockey News

- Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson is hoping for a quick end to the lockout.

- According to Guy Lafleur, the players are exploiting the owners.

- The NHL has cancelled its September pre-season games. Meanwhile, Stu Hackel is keeping a daily notebook of lockout events.

- If the new CBA is less-than-favorable, Alex Ovechkin threatens to stay in the KHL. Perhaps this is not the exagerrated threat some make it to be, especially since he also feels strongly about playing in Sochi 2014. If Olympics aren't part of the CBA, he may stay in Russia.

- More players head to Europe, this time with Jason Spezza signing in Switzerland and others in Russia. Is it just me, or will the Swiss and Russian Leagues be really good this year?

- Pierre Lebrun discusses the OHL's rule targeting serial fighters.

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

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