"You seem to have caught me an an opportune time. Here I am lifting one of the few cups I've held that isn't dinnerware. My name? Byfuglien. Dustin Byfuglien. The most interesting defenseman in the world that isn't Ron Hainsey's mullet."

In his short stint as an Atlanta Thrasher, Dustin Byfuglien was probably the biggest offensive spark Blueland had ever seen from the back end, having the most defenseman goals and points in history. For that alone he'll always have a soft spot in Atlanta lore, but this will not endear him to the Winnipeg faithful very much: Big Buff was caught boating under the influence, which is a strange implication considering it assumes that there are other things to do on a boat aside from getting hammered. Even worse, Byfuglien was apparently cuffed at a weight of 286 pounds, a 40 pound increase from his playing weight in Atlanta. After the jump, you can dig in to a hearty helping of news and notes the same way Kyle Wellwood likes to.. you know what? It's a fat joke. This was funny in 2002. Anyhow, check the jump, will you?

The Tennessean: Josh Cooper gives his thoughts on the untimely death of Wade Belak. By all accounts, Belak, who played 3 years with the Nashville Predators and two with the Florida Panthers, easily ranked in the top five of nicest guys to ever lace up a pair of skates.

Y!Sports: Nicholas Cotsonika throws in his hat to the ever-growing pile: something has to be done as to protecting the mental health of not just NHL players, but athletes everywhere.

The Huntsville Times: A plea to keep the UAH hockey program alive and well. 

Raw Charge: Tina Robinson extends a heartfelt message to Atlanta Thrashers fans without a team.

Alabama-Huntsville Chargers: Two Georgia natives are members of the 2011 recruiting class.

News Observer: Luke DeCock announces that the Nashville Predators and the Carolina Hurricanes will have 40 games each broadcasted in Atlanta homes for the upcoming NHL season.

NHL.com: Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne is the #1 fantasy goaltender in the upcoming season.