With the Shea Weber drama out of the way, there remains just one major Restricted Free Agent left for the Nashville Predators to re-sign, that being defenseman Jonathon Blum. Our morning hockey notes begin with two stories examining the situation on the blueline, and which approach the Preds should take ahead of the new season. Should they stick with the three veterans of Weber, Kevin Klein and Hal Gill, supported by younger players still learning their way, or do they need to bring in one more experienced hand, especially to man the top pair alongside the Captain?
That's a question which may linger over the team for a few more weeks...
He'll be a Pred for 14 years, so put a giant Shea Weber Fathead on your wall! Save 15% or more w/promo code SAVE35!
Nashville Predators News
Why Carlo Colaiacovo would make sense for Nashville… | Section 303
I'm down with this, as long as they're comfortable with his health and durability.
Predators may be eyeing trade to bolster blue line - Nashville Predators Examiner
A bit of a misleading headline here, Jim!
Predators to unveil new plan for single-game ticket sales Friday | Nashville City Paper
After making only the first half of the schedule available early on last year, the Preds trying something different this time, along with incentives to attend the Skate of the Union early next month.
Predators made Shea Weber deal 'to protect the fan base' | The Daily News Journal
Speaking of the business side, this deal does carry some risk, but it's a risk the team had to take to keep the momentum rolling.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Phoenix Coyotes sale to Greg Jamison may be on thin ice - Phoenix Business Journal
What the heck's going on out there? Today marks a critical deadline for moving the deal forward.
Clockgate: NHL says Los Angeles malfunction was human error, not ‘science’ | Puck Daddy
Oh, sure, you expect us to believe those coulombs were blameless? I've heard that they're awful quarky.
Rob Brown discusses Down Goes Brown and his fight with Sylvain Lefebvre | Backhand Shelf
Get the story behind where that blog name comes from (great video here).
Proposing a Luxury Tax for the Next Collective Bargaining Agreement | Overtime
When the players finally get around to making a proposal, might the salary cap go out the window?
NHL and NHLPA discuss pensions, ice conditions and training camp - The Globe and Mail
While we focus on the headline items, the CBA can delve into all sorts of areas.
Canes Now - Rutherford: Semin a 'good fit' for Canes | newsobserver.com blogs
Carolina should be a pretty fun team to watch, with Semin, the Staal brothers, and Jeff Skinner leading the attack.
Kings to hire Payne as assistant " LA Kings Insider
The former Blues head coach becomes an assistant King (does that make him a Prince?).
Bruins’ Tim Thomas stands with Chick-fil-A amidst anti-gay controversy | Puck Daddy
Thomas continues to burn bridges.
2012 Free Agency: New York Rangers Bring Back Anton Stralman On Two-Year Deal - Blueshirt Banter
New York gets one of their RFA's signed.
Jakub Voracek signs 4-year, $17 million contract with Flyers - Broad Street Hockey
Well, somebody's gotta get some of that Shea Weber money.
Sabres Organization Overloaded With Left-Handed Defensemen - Die By The Blade
Aye, they're a sinister bunch.
Edmonton Oilers All-Time Roster | The Hockey Writers
It's Back to the 80's!
Ryan Getzlaf suspended for kneeing incident; Jannik Hansen also gets 1-game IIHF ban | Puck Daddy
Oh, those dirty Ducks.
Kontinental Hockey League - Official Website - Transfer tales - Putin concerned
Putin be disputin' some of the big contracts being handed out in the KHL, including Alexander Radulov's.
During the Islanders’ dynasty, the men weren’t the only people collecting jewelry | Backhand Shelf
Some amazing hockey bling handed out over the years.
Hockey Movie Character MVP Bracket: Picking the Top Seeds - Hockey Wilderness
Exercise your right, and vote!
Disappointment looms in Denver - The Hockey News
No, these aren't exactly the days when guys like Kariya & Selanne would play there on the cheap.