After taking a few days off to visit family and friends here's a look at some recent player news which occurred over that time.

Brendan Shanahan's NHL career might be coming to a close after the New Jersey Devils recently released him. 

Management approached him over a week ago indicating their desire to part ways with Shanahan, whom they signed in August to a one-year, million contract, to make way for younger talent to move up into the second and third line winger roles. 

The club recently waived Shanahan and have released him from his contract, which will no longer count against the Devils salary cap. In turn this will allow Shanahan to become an unrestricted free agent. 

The market for Shanahan is quite limited as he only wants to play in the New York area. Neither the Rangers, Islanders or Buffalo Sabres are interested and he could be facing retirement.  The Detroit Red Wings, with whom Shanahan starred for nine seasons winning three Stanley Cups, have also passed. 

- Speaking of the Red Wings, they recently signed tough guy forward Brad May to a one-year contract worth 0K. 

While the move elicited scorn from many observers GM Ken Holland defended the move, pointing out his club was pushed around by the St. Louis Blues in their back-to-back season opening series, adding May will bring back swagger to the roster. 

- The Nashville Predators signed veteran forward Dave Scatchard to a one-year contract. Scatchard had been released from the Vancouver Canucks after attempting to make that club on a tryout. 

Scatchard's deal is for one-year and is a two-way contract worth over 0K at the NHL level. He's obviously a depth signing who can be called up when required throughout the season should injuries strike the Predators lineup. 

- The Calgary Flames recently acquired another defenseman, trading away forward Kyle Greentree to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for blueliner Aaron Johnson. 

This move comes as veteran Flames d-man Cory Sarich remains sidelined with a foot injury suffered during pre-season, which would suggest Sarich may be out for longer than anticipated thus Johnson would be worthwhile insurance. 

The move also cleared a little bit of cap space for the Blackhawks, dumping Johnson's 0K salary as Greentree was sent to the minors. This could be the first in what could be several salary dumping deals for the cash-strapped Blackhawks between now and July 1st as the club has to re-sign key stars Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith.