Random Thoughts / Notes

- While negotiations continue, Pred Nation is getting nervous about the signing status of Patric Hornqvist. The comparables are coming in and they seem fairly reasonable. Hornqvist picked a very good year to break out and the Predators certainly want to hold on to him... the sticking point may be that the team wants to see a bit more from him before locking him down to a long term big money deal. This one could get interesting.

- Lots of chatter this week about the ESPN report on arena concessions. Nashville area venues did not exactly show well but I certainly wouldn’t want to get something at the Verizon Center in DC… YIKES! 100% of their vendors reported violations… personally, I like the Chicago venues, they are inspected when they are closed... I wonder how they got perfect scores??? Hmmmm...

- It looks like the battle is joined in Edmonton for a new arena. This should be an interesting one to watch… I wonder if anyone north of the border will begin the “move the Oilers” talk?

- It looks like the New Jersey Devils front office is backing the NHLPA in their grievance against the league over the whole Kovalchuk affair… strange bedfellows indeed.

- I am completely loving the NHL Networks “Raising the Cup” series…

- The Prodigal Winger is back in the news. According to an interview translated by russianhockeyfans.com, Alexander Radulov is talking return to the NHL, after his contract with the KHL is completed. (insert wisecrack here)

- The news of Dennis Grebeshkov going to the KHL was a little surprising… I didn’t expect him back in Nashville, but I did expect him to stay ion the NHL. Perhaps the late season injury scared GM’s off… or maybe his salary demands were just a tad too high.

- For the third consecutive year, the Nashville Predators rookies will have a couple of games against a Southeast Division team. The Baby Preds will travel to Florida for a couple of games against the Panthers on 9/15 & 16. It is expected that Florida will return the favor next season. The connection with former Preds Asst. GM and new Cats GM Mike Santos probably had a role in this agreement… ya think?

- Keep an eye on this one… Chicago goaltender Antii Niemi is scheduled for his arbitration hearing today… This one could be ugly for the Blackhawks, they may have to walk away if the arbitrator awards high.

- Interesting to see the back and forth going on between Ice Edge Holdings, the NHL and the city of Glendale. This one has more twists that an Agatha Christie story…

- A moment of silence… Condolences to the family of John Barbero, the longtime PA voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins who passed on Tuesday. In the obituaries I have been reading Barbero was quoted as saying that the PA role with the Penguins was his dream job… I know that feeling. Godspeed John, thanks for paving the way for those that have come after you.

---------------------------------------

You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates… I’ll also be updating with starting lineups and scratches during Pred home games, also I’ll be supplying information and explanations from the PA box.

--------------------------------------

COMING UP ON THE NEXT SLAPSHOT RADIO…

SlapShot Radio is on hiatus until September… however, pre-season advertising specials are available. Join our returning advertisers who already know, advertising on SlapShot Radio is a cost-effective way to reach out to hockey fans all over North America. Send me an email at [email protected] and I’ll get you information on joining the SlapShot Radio family.

For the most updated guest information go to the SlapShot Radio website. Our special season finale edition of SlapShot Radio from 7/1/10 is now posted at SlapShotRadio.com.

Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment

» The time has come

» Whining through Game 3

» Playoff Picks

» Waiting for he playoffs

» A special night in Smashville