According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, Tuesday is "likely" the decision day for Alex Kerfoot to choose his NHL team.

As I've mentioned a couple of times before, the New York Rangers have had success wooing past NCAA free agents like Kevin Hayes and Jimmy Vesey—who, like Kerfoot, is a graduate of Harvard. The Rangers are also short on depth down the middle going into the new season, so Brooks figures Kerfoot "would certainly be in the mix for an opening-night roster spot" if he decides to take the Blueshirts up on their offer.

In Vancouver, the Canucks already have plenty of players fighting for roster spots, including a bunch who can play centre. Henrik Sedin and Bo Horvat (when he signs) should have the top two spots locked up. Brandon Sutter is probably the third-line pivot, although even he spent some time on the Sedins' wing last season. Other forwards who have played at least some centre include Markus Granlund, Sam Gagner, Alex Burmistrov, Brendan Gaunce and Michael Chaput. Prospects Zack MacEwen, Griffen Molino and Jonathan Dahlen could also make things interesting at camp.

The Rangers and the Canucks seem to be the front-runners for Kerfoot's services. I have also seen the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens mentioned in passing.

We'll find out soon enough where the West Vancouver native will land. My guess is that the Canucks have about a 40 percent chance of being the winning suitor.

Speaking of NCAA products, Brock Boeser continues to make headlines back home in Minnesota.

Though his team didn't advance to the playoffs of Da Beauty League after the regular season, he was drafted by Team Velocity, which advanced to Wednesday's final after two late goals for a 5-3 semifinal win over BiC on Monday.

Team @VelocityTC wins 5-3!! See you Wednesday! @BBoeser16 @Canucks pic.twitter.com/xdEwkUOFRj

— DaBeautyLeague (@DaBeautyLeague) August 22, 2017

Apparently the game had some bite to it, too!

Tense final minutes in semifinal at @DaBeautyLeague. Big Buff just hammered Brock Boeser pic.twitter.com/xWmhQyk974

— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) August 22, 2017

Boeser also played in the exhibition game between the two semifinals, where he got a chance to face off against his older sister Jessica.

Pretty cool moment in @DaBeautyLeague last night when Da Boeser’s went head-to-head https://t.co/Ke6wrk9kum

— Evan Sporer (@ev_sporer) August 22, 2017

Jess got past none other than Dustin Byfuglien to score her goal!

A little sibling rivalry tonight when @BBoeser16 and his sister Jess square off in a special game at @DaBeautyLeague w/ @MNSpecialHockey! pic.twitter.com/d1rH8DkTx7

— FOX 9 Sports (@Fox9Sports) August 22, 2017

If you missed it, new radio colourman Corey Hirsch shared his thoughts on Boeser and all things Canucks in this Q&A with Sportsnet's Luke Fox last week:

New @canucks voice @coreyhirsch on Sedins, Boeser, Markstrom, Tanev @Sportsnet https://t.co/syTnKwNtWo

— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) August 17, 2017

Interesting to hear that Hirsch is friends with Ulf Dahlen. He says he saw Vancouver prospect Jonathan on the ice for the first time several years ago.

I was over there [in Sweden] when he was 14, 15 years old, and he was good then. He’ll be a lot like his dad. He’s a strong skater but he has to get bigger and stronger. His skating will improve. He’s got good puck protection. Don’t let his dad know I told ya, but he’s more skilled than he is. [laughs]

To wrap up today, Michael Del Zotto is taking part in the BioSteel camp this week in Toronto.

Hard work! Great field workouts with Team Del Zotto and Team Simmonds. #CAMP pic.twitter.com/AaI2YXSpW2

— BioSteel (@BioSteelSports) August 22, 2017

Here's a new radio interview from Tuesday morning:

Michael Del Zotto says he's excited to take on a leadership role with the Canucks.https://t.co/yy3aA1DguI pic.twitter.com/5owMt4MC6x

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 22, 2017

Del Zotto has been known as a fun-loving guy during his NHL career, but he says he focused on playing a leadership role this season.

"I think the biggest thing that I’m excited for there is embracing that leadership role," he said. "It’s something I’ve taken on in the last year or two and you know I’m not old by any means, but I’m not 19 anymore, I’m going into my ninth season."

I'm very curious to see how Del Zotto's personality meshes in the Canucks locker room.

Join the Discussion: » 488 Comments » Post New Comment

» Winning Canucks send down Podkolzin, Rathbone as homestand begins

» Power-play fuels big win in Vegas as Canucks look to sweep 3-game road trip

» The Canucks' position at U.S. Thanksgiving, following a big win in Denver

» Trade winds blow as the Canucks kick off road trip against the Avalanche

» Podkolzin returns as Canucks host Vegas amidst Horvat, Myers trade rumours