As a very eventful month of July, one that started with losing a star and ended with keeping a few, comes to a close in Pred Nation. Adding to the franchise’s history of turbulent off-seasons, this one may take the cake, complete with plenty of intrigue, subterfuge and misdirection. In some respects it may represent the final transition of the Nashville Predators franchise from idealistic new kid on the block to experienced, “been through the wars” NHL veteran.
It is a bit sad as the inevitability of this process continues, much like a child grows up, a franchise must as well. August should bring more news and there are a few stories to follow…
- Shane Doan – This is all dependent on what happens with the sale of the Coyotes, the UFA is trying to wait out the process. Will he be available? Is he interested in coming to Music City? Is he really asking for a four-year deal? We should know something early in the month…
- What happens on the blue line? – The team has been open about wanting to pick up another veteran for the defense corps… I see one possibility on the UFA market, Carlo Colaiacovo. The 29 year old spent the last few seasons with the St. Louis Blues, his salary might be a tad high for the Preds. He is coming off a contract that paid him $2.1 million and will demand a raise. Who knows… maybe taking a flyer on a Matt Gilroy might be an idea. The 27 year old has been a bit of a disappointment so far but is still young for a d-man.
- Potential Trades? – The team continues to say that a potential trade may happen. Visions of Bobby Ryan is dancing in many Pred fans heads, however, I don’t know if Nashville would be willing to part with the kind of prospects and current players needed to make that deal.
So there’s plenty to talk about during the dog days… and we haven’t even touched on the CBA negotiations…
----------------------------------
ROAD TRIP!!!!!
SlapShot Radio has circled the date... February 9th at the Verizon Center in DC for our next SlapShot Radio Road Trip... we are working out details and will forward as we get them. Keep an eye on the SlapShot Radio page on Facebook for details.
----------------------------------
Random Notes
- Apparently, Comcast is beginning a new program to charge heavy data use customers a fee for their heavy use. Nashville is the first market chosen for this. Comcast is the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers. Coincidence? I think not…
-Outstanding two-part analysis on the whole Weber affair from AJ on his AJenda Blog… check it out
here.
- The Predators annual summer event will take place this Saturday at Bridgestone Arena, single game tickets for thye upcoming season go on sale, there will be an Open House, a used equipment sale, an open skate on Bridgestone Arena ice and more… the annual Skate of the Union will happen later in the month.
- Today’s Globe and Mail features a piece on revenue sharing… if you get by the typical David Shoalts agenda, it is a fairly good read. I do agree that there is more revenue sharing needed in the NHL.
- CBA talks continue today in New York. A player counter-proposal is expected.
--------------------------------------
You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!
Also... make sure to "like" SlapShot Radio on Facebook... here's the
link.
-------------------------------------
On the next
SlapShot Radio
We are on summer hiatus and will return in late September. Preseason advertising packages are available… if you would like to reach our large and highly engaged fan base, please reach out… email
[email protected] for more information.
Click
here to download or listen to any of our previous season’s podcasts.
-------------------------------------
KINDLE USERS: Please subscribe to Predators Buzz, a one-stop feed for all things Predators-related on HockeyBuzz. Your subscription includes a free 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month thereafter. For more information,
click here.
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • 
Join the Discussion:
»