Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy

For the most part, I try to give NHL players -- especially the veterans -- the benefit of a doubt when it comes to the quality of their autograph. Over the course of a player's career, it's not unreasonable to guess they'll easily sign thousands of autographs.

What I can't understand, though, is some of today's younger players and the assorted scribbles and squiggles that somehow are supposed to represent their name.

Take these two pieces signed by Toronto's rookie defenseman Luke Schenn, the fifth overall pick in the 2008 draft. You're telling me either one says Luke Schenn? Sorry, buddy, but I don't think so.

In fact, our cat Bella could do a better job with a paint pen.

Now, I don't expect a letter-perfect autograph from each and every NHL player. But, a little differentiation between a first and last name would be appreciated. I don't think it's too much to ask, is it?

Don't stop at one

Never let it be said that Atlanta's Zach Bogosian is a strict one-per signer. Nope, not after he signed five autographs yesterday before the Thrashers game against the Lightning.

Not only did he sign these three pucks -- including one from prep school Cushing Academy, where Hall of Famer Ray Bourque was a mentor -- but he also signed this card and the 2008 NHL Entry Draft program.

It's like I say: Get the young players early and often. You never know when their signing habits are going to change.

Halfway home?

Thanks to the NHL schedule makers and Atlanta's rookie defenseman Zach Bogosian, the No. 3 overall pick last June, I just might finish the front of this 2008 NHL Entry Draft handout program tomorrow.

Toronto's Luke Schenn, shown at right, will be in Hockey Bay tomorrowe as the Loafs take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was the fifth overall pick.

Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos, the No. 1 overall pick, was the first to sign the program.

Oh, really?

Every time I hear that Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos is getting more difficult about signing, I watch the young man quickly dispel what is becoming nothing more than a urban legend here in Hockey Bay.

Sure, I suppose he might decline an offer to sign an inch-thick stack of bootleg 8x10s, but he certainly had no problem signing this 2008 NHL Draft program handout for Colin after Wednesday's morning skate.

A project piece, we hope to add Atlanta's Zach Bogosian (hopefully, he'll have recovered from a broken leg when the Thrashers visit in February ) and Toronto's Luke Schenn (on the right side of the program) later this season.