Is it just a matter of time until Bo Horvat's new contract is announced?

Don: "A little birdie has told me early next week." - for an announcement of a Bo Horvat contract.

— Donnie & The Moj (@DonnieandTheMoj) August 28, 2017

I have seen some speculation that the Canucks might be delaying the official announcement until their new flagship station Sportsnet 650 officially launches next week. If that's the case, it would be a touch ironic if it turns out that Don Taylor of TSN1040 has broken the story.

If you have an AM radio, you can tune in now and get a taste of things to come during Sportsnet 650's 'soft launch.'

A sneak preview of our great lineup on @Sportsnet650 is running all week! Tune-in to AM 650. Full launch Sept. 4.

— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) August 28, 2017

The online stream and the app won't come online until the official launch on Labour Day Monday.

Of course, next week is when the real hockey news will start rolling out anyway. The Young Stars tournament kicks off in Penticton next Friday. We're still waiting on a complete roster announcement from the Canucks, Flames and Oilers, but it shouldn't be too much longer. The Winnipeg Jets revealed their tournament roster on Monday.

The #NHLJets have announced their roster for the 2017 #YoungStars Classic from Sept. 7-11 in Penticton, B.C. MORE > https://t.co/KI5bBbpfeK pic.twitter.com/WmGEHaQpRo

— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) August 28, 2017

They'll practice in Winnipeg next Thursday before heading to Penticton, where they'll play the late game against the Canucks on Friday night.

Here's the full game schedule:

Game 1 Edmonton vs. Calgary Sept. 8 4:00pm
Game 2 Vancouver vs. Winnipeg Sept. 8 7:30pm

Game 3 Winnipeg vs. Edmonton Sept. 9 7:30pm

Game 4 Calgary vs. Vancouver Sept. 10 2:00pm

Game 5 Winnipeg vs. Calgary Sept. 11 10:30am
Game 6 Vancouver vs. Edmonton Sept. 11 2:00pm

Since it's all about the kids these days, I will be making my way up to Penticton this year. Looking forward to taking in the tournament!

On Monday, Dobber Prospects also rolled out their depth chart for the Canucks:

August 31 in 31: Vancouver #Canucks. Updated top 20 fantasy prospects; risers, fallers, depth charts and more. https://t.co/Js2zhGpUzi

— /Cam Robinson/ (@CrazyJoeDavola3) August 28, 2017

Writer Cam Robinson IDs Jonathan Dahlen, Adam Gaudette and Jalen Chatfield as the Canucks prospects on the rise, and offers up an interesting summary of Olli Juolevi's 2016-17 campaign with the London Knights.

While simply maintaining his offensive production as a draft-plus one player, the left-handed and cerebral player was tasked with all the difficult defensive minutes while bringing along a 17-year-old draft-minus partner in Evan Bouchard. What is unmistakable when you watch Juolevi play, is his incredible decision making. He plays a style that will lend exceptionally well to the professional ranks as the systems tighten up and every player can make the right play. With a glut of left-shooting rearguards on contract, Vancouver is going to have to make some hard decisions, but don’t let the number’s game assure you that it’s back to London for the 19-year-old. Juolevi has the talent to surprise and Troy Stecher proved a year ago that even long-shots will be given a spot if they earn it.

One lefty that we know we'll be seeing on the Canucks blue line this fall is Michael Del Zotto. Who was the last Vancouver player to display this much exuberance and lust for life?

Thanks @matt_nichol @biosteelsports for another great camp. As always, I had a great time with the boys on the ice. #rapiddab #micdup @adidashockey @nhl @canucks

A post shared by Michael Del Zotto (@mdzofficial) on Aug 27, 2017 at 3:58pm PDT

MDZ has talked about wanting to take a leadership role with the Canucks this season. It certainly sounds like his chatter will fill the void in the room and at practices after the departures of talkative Alex Burrows and Jannik Hansen.

Also at BioSteel camp—a former Canuck.

Outstanding talent with a tremendous work ethic. https://t.co/XKwqatrX7J

— Matt Nichol (@M_Nichol) August 27, 2017

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