There are two things we rather enjoy here at Puck Daddy: Munching on popcorn at the local movie house and vicariously living through Sean Avery's exploits and adventures.

So imagine our unbridled joy this morning when The Hollywood Reporter announced that New Line Cinema is developing and producing a big-screen romantic comedy based on the Dallas Stars agitator's time as an intern for Vogue magazine. They've hired Stan Chervin to write the screenplay; allegedly, he's also written a treatment for a "Moneyball" movie. Hopefully that movie comes out around the same time as "The History of Paint Drying," so we have a comparison for tedium.

Obviously, outside of "Batman" movies, films sink or swim on the strength of their protagonist. So who will play Sean Avery? New Line is working with the producers of this summer's "Journey to the Center of the Earth," so commence with the Brendan Fraser speculation (and, god willing, the speculation that Avery's film will also be in 3-D ... sweet). But we have a few suggestions of our own for the star of "The Devil Wears CCM," or whatever the hell they decide to call it

The Blackhawks solved their salary cap issues and shifted focus onto younger players Friday when they traded veteran center Robert Lang.

The Hawks sent Lang and his $4 million salary to the Montreal Canadiens for a second-round draft pick in 2010.

The 37-year-old, entering the final season of his contract, had 21 goals and 33 assists in 76 games last season.

Lang's departure puts the onus on youngsters, most notably Dave Bolland and Petri Kontiola, to develop into contributing centers.

"We're very happy with the direction we're headed," Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said. "Our young guys have taken great steps this off-season conditioning-wise. We have so many young players that sooner or later we have to open the door for them."

The Hawks had been above the salary cap by more than $2 million after the July free agent signings of defenseman Brian Campbell and goaltender Cristobal Huet. The team is now about $1.5 million below the cap and is likely to use that money to sign a veteran forward.

Center Kevyn Adams, who played 27 games with the Hawks last season, and left wing Geoff Sanderson, who appeared in 41 games with the Edmonton Oilers, have been invited to training camp, which begins Sept. 20. Tallon said "there's a good possibility" Adams will be re-signed to add leadership and strong defense as a fourth-line center.

"It's time to give our kids a good opportunity," Tallon said. "We have Kontiola, Bolland and we can put [ Patrick] Sharp [at center]. We have a lot of depth [and] we feel we wanted to go younger. Lang was good for us, but I'm confident those kids are ready."

The departure of Lang, who has recorded at least 50 points in eight consecutive seasons, puts a dent in the Hawks' offense, which will be counting on the healthy return of winger Martin Havlat from shoulder surgery. He played just 35 games in '07-08.

The Hawks were 10th in the league with 234 goals last season and Tallon believes there won't be a drop-off in offense.

"We're going to get those points from some of the younger guys and Campbell on the back end," Tallon said. "And our power play is going to be much better."

Lang, who will be joining his seventh team in his 15th season in the NHL, was a plus-9 and served 50 penalty minutes in his one season with the Hawks.

"[Montreal] is a young team with a lot of talent and I'm looking forward to bringing some added experience," Lang said on NHL.com. "This is an exciting group with plenty of skill."

The Canadiens were thought to be interested in free agent center Mats Sundin, who is weighing whether to return to the league or retire after spending the last 13 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With the Hawks and other NHL teams a week away from opening training camp, Tallon believes trading Lang will prompt movement around the league—possibly even more from the Hawks.

"This will start opening things up a bit," Tallon said. "I think you'll see some action."

When you thumb your nose at Bob Gainey and the Montreal Canadiens, who are legitimate Stanley Cup contenders and will be celebrating their 100th anniversary season this year, it says a lot about your desire to win.