from the Preds PR staff...

NASHVILLE PREDATORS ACQUIRE A CONDITIONAL FIFTH-ROUND PICK FROM FLORIDA
- Send forward Michael Santorelli to the Panthers -

Nashville, Tenn. (August 5, 2010) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has acquired a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft in exchange for restricted free agent forward Michael Santorelli.

The Predators now have nine selections in next summer’s Entry Draft at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. In addition to Florida’s pick, and seven picks of its own, Nashville acquired a second-round pick from New Jersey in June.

Santorelli was a sixth-round choice of the Predators (178th overall) in the 2004 Draft.

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The ownership mess in Phoenix is now dragging into a second season, impacting season ticket sales and firing up the “hockey doesn’t belong” crowd once again. A report on sportsnet.ca has more potential owners (Jerry Reinsdorf) jumping into the fray, Ice Edge Holdings potentially not having the financial backing to get the purchase done and a report of only 1800 season ticket holders. With all of the mess, I’m surprised the number is that high.

… and before my traditional friends begin… remember, when the ownership situation became unstable in Winnipeg, fans stayed away in droves, over multiple seasons. No team with ownership issues can ask for a market to emotionally invest in them until it can be reasonably assured that they will be there. That has been proven both north and south of the border.

Delays by the city, the league and by potential buyers are causing the situation to look even more unstable, if that was possible. Piled on by a gleeful mainstream hockey media that jumps on every move made with unprecedented venom designed to further their elitist agenda, the situation has spun out of control for way too long.

Coyote fans came out in droves during a stirring run to the playoffs and a very entertaining playoff series. By not resolving the ownership situation quickly, fans in the desert cannot be blamed for not ponying up big money for season tickets when no one seems to know what is going on.

If there is any chance for the Coyotes to get off the endangered franchise list, the ownership situation in Phoenix has to be resolved quickly, it’s a simple as that. Alas for Coyotes fans, that does not appear to be in the cards.

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UPDATE

The University of Alabama Huntsville has scheduled a couple of games in Nashville this season. The Chargers, fresh off a NCAA Tournament appearence will take on Merrimack at Bridgestone arena on Friday January 15th at 7:05pm and again at 1:05pm on Staurday January 16th.

UAH is entering their first year of independent play after the collapse of their conference at the end of last season. There will be two more Geoffrions on Bridgestone Arena ice as Blake's younger brothers Sebastian and Brice are members of the Charger hockey team.

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Random Notes

- The Predators are replacing the “Drive For Five” with “Score for Four” … Wendy’s continues to sponsor the popular giveaway and looks to be giving away even more free Frostys as the giveaway triggers at one less goal this year.

- How can you take a great looking sweater and make it look like a McDonald’s uniform? The Calgary Heritage Classic jersey is hideous.

- Detailed analysis of the Antii Niemi situation from Steven Hindle… great read.

- Speaking of great reads… check out Dirk Hoag’s “Five Reasons” piece on Puck Daddy. Dirk does an outstanding job on his On the Forecheck blog, covering all things Pred.

- Lots of good reading material as Preds Radio Voice Tom Callahan weighs in with another of his Preds Prowl posts.

- Welcome back Nikita Filatov… the Blue Jackets are taking one more shot with the enigmatic winger.

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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.

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