1.   A big question now is whether talented defenseman Aki Berg will be with the Kings, and early indications are far from promising.

2.   Don Waddell, then a talented defenseman from Northern Michigan, drew Herb Brooks.

3.   Lemaire said he spoke to Niedermayer after the talented young defenseman decided not to report to camp.

4.   Scott Niedermayer is usually the first player teams seek in trade talks with the Devils, and Lamoriello is apparently determined not to part ways with the talented defenseman.

5.   The deals were consummated for a talented young defenseman, Anders Eriksson, and a bunch of high draft choices.

6.   The talented defenseman is producing nothing from the point and the locals are turning up the heat.

7.   The year-long contract dispute between the Los Angeles Kings and talented young defenseman Aki Berg might be close to a resolution.

8.   Kiprusoff, a talented defenseman, also signed recently with Montreal, which certainly needs the two Finns.