- The NHLPA has filed a grievance against the NHL on Ilya Kovalchuk’s behalf. The NHLPA and the NHL must now agree on a “system” arbitrator to rule the case. Once an arbitrator has been agreed upon, he/she will have 48 hours to make a ruling. Kovalchuk’s status will swing one of two ways once the still-to-be-determined arbitrator hears the case: His contract with the Devils will either be upheld so he can play under it, or he will become an UFA again if the arbitrator rules in favor of the NHL.

- Sean Avery’s acting career gets another boost. He’ll be jetting to Oakland for a part in the new Billy Beane flick about the Athletics’ G.M. and subject of the best seller “Moneyball.”

- One knowledgeable insider believes that an alliance between Nassau (New York) County Executive, Edward Mangano – and the Shinnecock Indian Tribe supporting a casino complex and a new hockey arena – is the logical course for Isles owner Charles Wang. It now appears that Wang’s War with the Town of Hempstead – which rejected his massive Lighthouse Project – is irrevocable.

- In an interview with The St. Paul Pioneer Press’ John Shipley, Derek Boogaard warns that his presence will fortify the Rangers. “There were some teams taking advantage of guys in New York; you could see that just watching the highlights,” says Boogaard. “That probably won’t be happening as much now.” As a Wild, Derek was nurtured by Doug Risebrough, who’s now a special assistant and advanced scout for the Blueshirts. “I know a lot about him,” says Risebrough, “but the ultimate decision to bring him was left to the Rangers’ people. My information was on what kind of person he is, how he is to deal with, and what kind of player he is. I call him arguably the second-most popular player the Wild ever had.”

- New Jersey native and actor Kevin Smith (“Cop Out”) is making a movie about Hockey Town USA. Smith’s movie will be based on a song The Detroit Free Press sports columnist Mitch Albom wrote for Warren Zevon, “Hit Somebody,” which is about a Canadian farm boy who desperately wants to play hockey, but is good for nothing but fighting. “When I talk hockey, it becomes evident that I’m passionate about it, and even if I can’t tell you every player’s name on a roster or even what their assist record was last year, I can do circles around people,” boasts Smith.

- Recovered from the eye and face injury he suffered in the Montreal playoff series, Tom Poti, entering the final year of his contract, will start working out this week when he hits the ice with fellow NHLers Chris Drury, Paul Mara, Marty Reasoner, and others for some informal workouts as a tune-up for training camp.

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