a better idea. Justin Schultz, Magnus Paajarvi and Anton Lander were also present Friday, and they're eager to get back in action with the AHL's Oklahoma City Barons.

For Schultz, it will be a stepstool to the NHL as he gets his feet wet at the pro level.

"It's exciting regardless of where I'm going to be," said the 22-year-old, who'd spent the previous three seasons with the WCHA's University of Wisconsin Badgers. "I'd like to be up here but it's another step [in my career] to be playing in Oklahoma. I'm excited to get down there and play.

"It's a tough league. I know guys that have played there and they've told me how tough it us, and how good of players are there, too. It's going to be aif I go to the American League, there are a couple weeks until camp starts. The AHL's not a bad league; Europe's not a bad league. There are places to go play, so there are options."

Last year, both Paajarvi and Lander began the 2011-12 campaign in Edmonton. By season's end, both were stationed in Oklahoma City and were pivotal cogs in the Barons' deep post-season run.

"Right now it seems like I'll be playing in OKC," said Paajarvi, who collected a two goals and 11 points during the club's 14-game playoff drive. "That's a positive. It could be a real good team down there, too."

No. 91 (although he wears 16 in OKC) had a tough start to his sophomore NHL season. He went 34 games without a goal, eventually