Well lookie here...

Once upon a time, the Boston Bruins were looking hot and were looking at a long playoff season run. Then Scott Walker of the Carolina Hurricanes slashed Boston's hopes of continuing on in the playoffs with an OT goal that made even the toughest Bruins fan want to cry.

Then this certain blogger decided it was just too painful to update at that time, then forgot to keep updating as summer approached along with finals and 40 hour work weeks to pay for the education we all love and enjoy.

And now, with twelve days left until the first exhibition game of the season, fans are left wondering if forward Phil Kessel (a free agent this year) will continue to wear black and gold or if he'll change colors to San Jose or the Rangers, two teams rumored to be looking at the young gun.

However it also frustrates fans that Kessel is completely at a standstill with Boston and with rumors floating around that he's asking for a $5 million/year contract, many wonder if he's really just in it for the money this time.

Boston, in a surprising move, traded Aaron Ward to Carolina this summer in exchange for a 2010 fourth round draft pick and Patrick Eaves. Boston then bought out Eaves contract to supposedly make room in the salary cap this year for (supposedly) Kessel's renewed contract.

Tuukka Rask is looking to move up into the NHL this year as well, posting a stellar record with the Providence Bruins last season. Since Fernandez's contract wasn't renewed, it's assumed that Rask will be a backup goalie for Thomas, who also resigned this year.

In other moves around the NHL, NHLPA president Paul Kelly was relieved of duties after only two years of service. The shoes won't be hard to fill, however it will need to be a fast decision in order to get a President by the time exhibition games start on September 15.

Montreal seemed to be cleaning house this summer as free agents Komisarek, Koivu, Tanguay, Plekanec, Stewart, and Kostopolous leaving as free agents. Tanguay, who was a big loss for Montreal, just signed with Tampa Bay for an undisclosed amount. Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks signed a 12 year extension with a $64 million contract.