Tim Erixon among 8 cuts in Europe, battle for 13th F

Just spoke with coach John Tortorella from Sweden. The cuts: Erixon, Ryan Bourque, Carl Hagelin, John Mitchell, Kris Newbury, Dale Weise, Blake Parlett. all assigned to Connecticut. Dylan McIlrath headed back to Moose Jaw, no surprise.

What you need to know:

14 Fs left. Torts said he wants to be down to 13 forwards and Sean Avery and Erik Christensen are battling for that spot. My opinion: Good news for Mats Zuccarello

8 D. Del Zotto, Brendan Bell and Stu Bickel survive. Torts was impressed by Bickel and how he instinctually stood up for Andre Deveaux after Tom Sestito hit in Philly

The coach says Erixon has "a very bright future" and hopes he follows the path of Ryan McDonagh, one of the last trims last October who improved in the AHL, was recalled, and stuck.

Mike Sauer (shoulder) getting better, will not play tomorrow in Slovakia, but could play in Zug on Monday

Marc Staal is practicing for the second consecutive day in Connecticut (so presumably has had no headcahes) and is considered day to day. Torts did not rule out Staal's joining  the team for openers in Stockholm Oct. 7-8. I remain skeptical that he'll be in there.

More later....Thanks for stopping by