NHL Blog Beat – Fourth of July edition.

It’s the Independence Day holiday in the United States, so here’s a holiday sampling of the latest notable posts kicking around the NHL blogosphere.

IN LOU WE TRUST: John Fischer on the impact losing Zach Parise to free agency and the Minnesota Wild will have upon the Devils.

THE HOCKEY WRITERS: Derek Neumeier on the bold move by Dallas Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk by signing Jaromir Jagr.

Stars fans bid farewell to Ott.

DEFENDING BIG D: Brad Gardner offers up his take of the Jagr signing, and bids farewell to Steve Ott, who was dealt to Buffalo in the Derek Roy trade.

BACKHAND SHELF: Ryan Lambert suggests the reasons additions of toughness to the respective rosters of Buffalo and Montreal suggests they’re trying to keep up with Boston.

THE LEAFS NATION: Cam Charron on the things Phil Kessel cannot be for the Maple Leafs.

FEAR THE FIN: Should the Sharks target Islanders forward Michael Grabner?

GREATEST HOCKEY LEGENDS: Joe Pelletier on the post-NHL life of Brantt Myhres.