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	Will 44-year-old Mark Messier lace up his skates for another season? Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

According to Rangers team spokesman John Rosasco, Mark Messier "has not decided what his plans are regarding the upcoming season and has not said when he will announce his decision, or where, or how." With training camp opening Monday, one would expect Messier, 44, to announce this week whether he intends to report. He is a free agent, so he could sign with any team in the NHL. The Edmonton Oilers have expressed interest in signing him for his final NHL season.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

Even as they signed defensemen to replace him, the Devils were hopeful that Scott Stevens would come back. The door is open, Lou Lamoriello repeatedly said. But yesterday, the Captain finally closed it.
-- New York Daily News

A leading candidate to be named the Devils' sixth captain is left winger Patrik Elias even though he will miss at least the first 10 games of the season as he recovers from hepatitis A. In order to cut Elias' $4.18 million salary from the payroll to get under the $39 million cap, the Devils must make a call by Oct. 1 on whether to disable their top scorer. That seems certain and new NHL rules will force Elias to miss at least the first 10 games. But Elias could still be captain.
-- Newark Star-Ledger

There's much jocularity among the NHL's small-revenue markets over a Russian Super League team outbidding Mike Ilitch for Pavel Datsyuk's services. That's got to be a scream for them, seeing the deep-pocketed Wings suddenly helpless in a new system where all 30 teams work from equally revenue-challenged wallets.
-- Detroit Free Press

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ed Belfour whined to his heart's content, calling the National Hockey League's new goalie equipment standards and limiting goaltenders' handling of the puck to a small zone behind the net "a joke."
-- The Globe and Mail

Physically, Blackhawks rookie Cam Barker appears ready for the rigors of the NHL. A solid 6 feet 3 inches and 213 pounds, Barker won't look out of place with more seasoned NHL players. But there is a big difference between junior hockey and the NHL. Whether Barker's play will be consistent enough will be the question the Hawks need to answer. One thing the Hawks won't hold against Barker is his age.
-- Chicago Tribune

Henrik Lundqvist had the chance to compare himself to NHL goalies last season in the Swedish Elite League. By his own reckoning, he did all right. Veteran Kevin Weekes will open the season as the Rangers' starter and Lundqvist likely has the inside track to be his backup.
-- New York Journal News

A year more developed, a year more experienced, and a year older, center Brad Boyes, 23, feels prepared to make the jump to the NHL. When training camp opens Monday, he'll be fighting for a spot on the Bruins roster.
-- Boston Globe

Anze Kopitar, the 11th overall selection in the 2005 NHL draft, agreed to terms on a multiyear contract with the Kings on Tuesday. Kopitar, 18, took part in a rookies training camp Monday and Tuesday and is expected to play in this week's Pacific Division Shootout, a four-team rookie event in San Jose.
-- Los Angeles Times

SOCCER

David Beckham last night branded Terry Butcher "sad" as he launched a bitter attack on the former England captain. Butcher claimed Beckham's "legs had gone" as he slaughtered his performance in his new central role during England's win over Wales last Saturday. But England captain Beckham angrily hit back yesterday ahead of tonight's World Cup qualifier in Northern Ireland and challenged Butcher to have the guts to say it to his face.
-- The Mirror

In the giddy aftermath of the U.S. soccer team's World Cup-clinching victory over Mexico on Saturday, coach Bruce Arena cautioned much work remains to be done. Arena said he doubted the U.S. would be considered for one of the top eight seeded positions in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, although he conceded it could happen.
-- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Ireland's players refused to talk to the media ahead of their showdown with France after reports of a fallout between Brian Kerr and Roy Keane.
-- The Guardian

Joe Cole is facing the axe for tonight's World Cup qualifier in Northern Ireland despite being England's hero against Wales last Saturday. The Chelsea midfielder is expected to make way for Michael Owen who is back after suspension as coach Sven Goran Eriksson prepares to stick with his new 4-5-1 formation.
-- The Mirror

Rio Ferdinand last night revealed the pain of missing Euro 2004 has made him even more determined to enjoy World Cup success with England. The Manchester United defender was forced out of last summer's Championship during his eight month ban for failing to take a drugs test. But Ferdinand insists it has helped him appreciate the importance of playing for his country - and he is determined to make up for lost time.
-- The Mirror

Walter Smith declared himself as "optimistic as ever" as he contemplated the game that could determine Scotland's World Cup fate tonight, though the national coach's preparations have been severely hampered by the uncertainty still surrounding Nigel Quashie's availability to face Norway.
-- The Guardian

Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle have sacked manager Bobby Williamson just six matches into the season. Coach Jocky Scott will take temporary charge.
-- The Guardian

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