The latest on Lysacek, Kim...and Joubert

Lysacek - back for Nationals?

Olympic champion Evan Lysacek told us his schedule was too full to compete this fall on the Grand Prix Series, but he was not closing the book on competing again.

"I'm definitely looking at Sochi as a possibility and thinking about maybe coming back into competition next year," Lysacek told friend and fellow Olympic champion, gymnast Nastia Liukin.

He went on to clarify his competition plans with the Chicago Tribune.

"I am training and am happy to get back on the ice on a consistent basis, and I am slowly getting back on my strict diet, trying to get in shape to compete at Nationals,'' Lysacek said. ``I've left a lot of time at the end of December and January so I can go to Nationals if I am ready.''

Lysacek has been busy with the whirlwind of media and performance opportunities since claiming gold in Vancouver, including a successful run on Dancing with the Stars.

When his name was left off the Grand Prix assignment document released in June, it was assumed he would take the season off.

Now, we may see Lysacek back on competitive ice in January, where he would challenge for a third national title.

Kim changes rinks?

According to The Chosun Ilbo, Kim Yu-Na is now training at The Granite Club in Toronto.

Kim trained at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club until her recent split with (now former) coach Brian Orser.

On Aug. 24, Orser announced that Kim's management had fired him in early August. He explained that despite no longer coaching the Olympic champion, she was still skating at the club where he is the skating director.

"I think it would be better for her to leave the club. I don't think she can train on her own at this level," Orser told the Chicago Tribune.

It is unclear if Kim has left the Cricket Club permanently, or if she is simply skating at the Granite Club to work on her short program with choreographer Shae-Lynn Bourne, who coaches there.

Joubert comes full circle

When we think of coaching changes, 2007 world champion Brian Joubert comes to mind.

La Nouvelle Republique reported that Joubert has resumed working with former coach Veronique Guyon.

Guyon recently began coaching Joubert in his hometown of Poitiers, France, but the duo have yet to make an official announcement. (Joubert left coach Laurent Depouilly after Worlds in March.)

Should he continue working with her for the upcoming season, it would be Joubert's third stint with Guyon.

Check out this rough outline of Joubert's coaching cycle-

Veronique Guyon - Beginning of career - 2003
Laurent Depouilly - 2003-2005 (almost two seasons)
Veronique Guyon - Five months in 2005
Andrei Berezintsev - 2005/06 Olympic season
Jean-Christophe Simond - 2006-April 2009
Laruent Depouilly - April 2009 - May 2010
Veronique Guyon - Summer 2010 (?)

Do you see a pattern here?

Also of note, however, was Joubert's session in Toronto this summer with who else, but Brian Orser.

The former coach of Kim Yu-Na told icenetwork.com, "He came and got his programs done with David Wilson at another rink, and worked with us [Orser and Tracy Wilson] for two weeks. We did get a lot of work done; he loved the environment here. He's a nice, nice guy, and he worked hard. I was very impressed."

While Orser coaches American up-and-comer Adam Rippon, there is a significant opening in Orser's schedule with Kim gone. However, Joubert has always preferred to stay close to home. Really close - as in his hometown of Poitiers for his entire career.

And thus, enter Guyon. But Berezintsev be ready?