You know about the whole depth-down-the-middle thing going on in Pittsburgh nowadays, right? Crosby, Malkin, Staal. But how about Eric Tangradi, Nick Johnson and Dustin Jeffrey -- three prospects within the organization looking to make Pittsburgh their permanent home? The Pens' recent prospect development camp served as a sort of first step in the process of earning an opening-night roster spot.

Buddies Corey Perry, Adam Perry and Danny Syvret almost always have something to say to each other, ranging from golf to hockey to the good old days. "It's easy to push the other guy's button," Syvret said. It will be even easier this coming season, since they could be in close proximity. Adam, who signed an AHL deal with Syracuse, is the younger brother of Ducks star Corey. And Syvret signed a two-way deal with the Ducks last week.

American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews has announced that the league has named the 2009-10 recipients of several awards for excellence and service to the league, as well as the winners of its annual Team Business Services awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in a variety of categories including ticket sales, community service and fan experience.