Counting down. We’ve all been guilty of doing it. With August approaching, hockey is just around the corner. October isn’t that far off. After today, it’s 63 days until Opening Night. Even if it’s not the Battle clubs, every pucker can’t wait.

There’s still an interesting month coming up with teams assessing where they are in relation to the cap. Rosters aren’t set. The Rangers still must re-sign Derek Stepan and go to arbitration with Mats Zuccarello. They have less than $3.5 million left to spend. Can they fit both and assuming they don’t walk away from Zuccarello, what other move(s) does Glen Sather make?

The Devils have yet to re-sign Adam Henrique. They have plenty of room but might be deciding if they want to add Damien Brunner. His asking price might be out of their price range. Especially if he thinks he’s worth more than $2.5 million a season Detroit offered. Meanwhile, Jaromir Jagr jerseys are already available. It still is a little odd seeing that No.68 on black and red. Get used to it.

The closer we get to training camps, the closer to analyzing rosters. Who improved the most? Who is in trouble? In the first year of realignment, expect the unexpected. How will an Olympic schedule impact 2013-14? All this and more will get answered.