[youtubeAlexei Cherepanov goal Omsk vs Lokomotiv]Alexei Cherepanov was drafted by the Rangers last year 17th overall. The 19 year-old Russian had a good season with Omsk of the Russian Super Elite League posting 15 goals and 13 assists for 28 points in 46 contests. That followed an impressive 2006-07 in which he tallied 18 goals and 11 assists for 29 points in 47 games. Unlike last year where Omsk made the playoffs in which the skilled right wing tallied eight points (3-5-8 in 10 GP), they didn’t qualify.

The growing question headed into the offseason is whether there’s a chance of the Blueshirts getting Cherepanov signed away from Omsk. That remains highly doubtful due to his contract status with the Russian club.

In the mean time, here are a couple of highlight reels of the 2007 Ranger first rounder to check out:

Cherepanov goal vs Lokomotiv

Alexei Cherepanov Feature

Devils sign Salmela: The Devils made some news yesterday signing Finnish defenseman Anssi Salmela. The 23 year-old notched 16 goals and 16 helpers totaling 32 points in 56 games for Tappara of the Finnish Elite League last season. The 16 markers ranked best among all blueliners. Certainly, a glaring hole on the New Jersey blueline was lack of offense. With the exception of Paul Martin who had a very good 2007-08, the Devs didn’t have enough firepower coming from the back line. This seems like a good gamble by the organization.

Blackhawks to host Winter Classic? According to a Comcast Sportsnet report, the Chicago Blackhawks could host the next Winter Classic against Original Six rival Detroit. It’s still not certain whether it would be held at Wrigley Field or Soldier Field. If so, that would put a damper on the potential final game at Yankee Stadium where there had been rumors of the Rangers taking part in it against another participant. That would be too bad.

Pens look to draw even tonight: As Hasan already noted in a good recap, Sidney Crosby and the Penguins are looking to draw even in the Stanley Cup Final later tonight against the Red Wings. After getting blanked the first two games, the Pens finally mustered some offense thanks to Crosby (2 goals) and former Ranger Adam Hall, who notched the winner as they held on for a 3-2 win Wednesday. Now comes the pivotal Game Four at Mellon Arena which can be seen on NBC.

R.I.P. Luc Bourdon: I’d also like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family of Luc Bourdon. As many already know, the Vancouver Canucks defenseman tragically passed away after a fatal motorcycle incident. Just awful news. It’s hard to even put into words how badly I feel for his family. Anytime someone is lost at such a tender age, it’s very surreal and humbling. Bourdon was a promising player who Vancouver selected 10th overall in 2005. In 27 games last season, he posted two goals and a plus-seven rating. Obviously, he was viewed as an integral part of the club’s future. A devastating blow. God bless his soul.