Before I get to today’s column, I would like to ask for your vote in the Tennessean’s Toast of Music City as Best Blog… I really appreciate the support and as always, thank you for reading.
Click here to vote. … balloting is open until 11:00pm central time on 8/1.
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Arbitration season is done… the Predators managed to avoid the hearing room, resigning Viktor Arvidsson, Marek Mazanec and Austin Watson. Interesting that there was a mini-controversy about the Arvidsson deal, some taking extreme issue with the term awarded. I get it, Arvy had one good season, took advantage of the timing and got paid. I have no issue with the term or the dollars, frankly, when we look back a few seasons from now, this contract will look and feel like Roman Josi’s contract. Saying that, I also recognize the risk involved in the term given, especially for a player that play how Arvy does.
The Austin Watson contract is another solid one, three years for just over $3 million is a good one for both sides.
So, the last two remaining questions for the Predators, at least as far as contract status, have to do with a couple of centers. Ryan Johansen’s contract is continuing to be worked on. I can imagine that both term and dollars are on the table. Johansen turns 25 on Monday, young in years however, RyJo has played 433 career games thus far, assuming he is fully healthy, he will cross the 500 game threshold this season. That’s a few miles on a player Johansen’s age, that being said, he has been a fairly durable player over his career and the prospect of having the JOFA line locked up for six+ years is a tantalizing one.
The Johansen question will get answered fairly soon… UPDATE... heck, I didn't realize how soon... Johansen is signed for the next eight seasons at an AAV of $8 million a year. It's more term than I thought he would get and less cash than I thought he would get... win/win on both sides. His rehab continues ahead of schedule and RyJo will be ready for camp come Sept. 14.
So, this means the JOFA line is together for at least the next five years... good news for Pred fans.
Now we have one last question to answer… will Mike Fisher return for one more season, his 18th in the league. A decision is expected within the next week or so. Fisher could really help complete the leadership transition with well managed games played… making sure he is fresh for the playoffs.
With back-to-school in Tennessee just a couple of weeks away, the players will begin to filter back and activity around Centennial and Ford Ice Center will ramp up. The shortened offseason may impact this team a bit, but its relative youth should help mitigate the impact.
47 days until training camp opens
52 days until the first preseason game
67 days until the season opener
72 days until the home opener.
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Big doings in Nashville tomorrow as the ICC hits town with a match at Nissan Stadium between Manchester City and Tottenham, two of the best teams in the EPL. If you are coming downtown for the game, please stop in to The George Jones on 2nd Ave. for a Man City party between Noon and 4pm. I will be hosting the festivities with plenty of games, giveaways and fun. We will also have legendary members of Man City as there will be a Q&A with Paul Dickov and Mike Summerbee at about 1pm.
Come on out and say hi!!!
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Offseason Notes
- You have to figure, if Fisher does not return, it opens up a spot for either Vladislav Kamanev or Yakov Trenin… that will be a battle to watch in training camp.
- A couple of interesting names left out there on the UFA front, Jaromir Jagr, Thomas Vanek, Jarome Iginla, Cody Franson… if unsigned, I bet you see several of them on their respective countries Olympic team.
- Nice article on Dante Fabbro on nhl.com. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Fabbro play one more year of NCAA before signing with the team.
- The Preds have added a new section to their website in advance of their 20th season. It’s dedicated to the history of the franchise.
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SSR’s ninth season finale is in the books and we are already planning season ten. SlapShot Radio is the longest running hockey show in the region and we have some awesome stuff planned for next season.
SlapShot Radio has been delivering great hockey talk to the most energetic and engaged fans in radio and advertising with us drives results. Our premier sponsors include day one sponsor
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