October 15, 2007 Nine 2007-08 NHL Debuts for Lesser-Known Ex-Collegians • Brian Elliott, Ottawa: Elliott wasn't expected to see much — if any — NHL action this season. But he was thrust into a role as Martin Gerber's backup after Ray Emery, last year's no. 1 goalie, injured his wrist. Making his first career start last week against Atlanta, Elliott stopped 29 of 30 shots in a 4-1 win over the Thrashers. • Mike Lundin, Tampa Bay: We last saw Lundin at the Frozen Four in St. Louis with Maine. Now, we can see him with Martin St. Louis and the rest of the Lightning, a team coached by former Black Bear John Tortorella. • Torrey Mitchell, San Jose: After three terrific seasons at Vermont, Mitchell was the surprise of the Sharks' preseason camp. He has yet to score a goal, but he may not have to wait much longer. In an effort to shake up his goal-starved club, coach Ron Wilson has put Mitchell on a line with center Joe Thornton. • Cory Murphy, Florida: Panthers coach/general manager (and ex-St. Lawrence Saint) Jacques Martin gave Murphy his first shot at an NHL job this season. The former Colgate defenseman spent six seasons in Europe, five of them in the Finnish Elite League. • Brady Murray, Los Angeles: The 2004 WCHA Rookie of the Year scored 46 points in 37 games for North Dakota and added 25 points in 20 games as a sophomore. The son of current St. Louis coach Andy Murray then bolted for two seasons in the Swiss Elite League. He's got one goal in four games for the Kings. • Matt Niskanen, Dallas: Niskanen, who played in 13 games for the Stars' American Hockey League affiliate in Des Moines last season after jumping from Minnesota Duluth, has now made the leap to the parent club. He's got two assists in six games. • Brett Sterling, Atlanta: After scoring 55 goals for the Chicago Wolves last season in his rookie season in the AHL, the erstwhile Colorado College winger has yet to light the lamp in five outings with the Thrash this season. • Steve Wagner, St. Louis: The free-agent pickup from Minnesota State has three assists in four games, averages nearly 20 minutes of ice time, and owns a plus-minus rating of +3. • Daniel Winnik, Phoenix: A former New Hampshire star, Winnik scored the game-winning goal in his first NHL regular-season appearance. He's got a goal and an assist in five contests.