The big news this morning comes from Chicago, where, like the baseballs in last night's Home Run Derby, Chicago Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon is going, going, gone!

After the jump, we've got all the details, some reaction from various corners, along with news about a potential 2nd outdoor game on the NHL schedule, and a free agency rumor getting squashed.

Mora: Hawks Fire Tallon, Stan Bowman In as GM

Josh Mora at CSNChicago.com has the detailed report that the Blackhawks are set to fire GM Dale Tallon today and replace him with Stanley Bowman. I remember a sharp divide between Tallon and Scotty Bowman (who was brought in as an advisor) being discussed during the playoffs. Second City Hockey has reaction to this news, which is quite odd considering the rise of the Blackhawks over the last two seasons. Alex from ShorthandedBreakaway points to the signings of Cristobal Huet and Brian Campbell as the likely cause. James Mirtle looks at the steady process that has now completed in Chicago, a front-office turnover that leaves the Bowmans steering the ship.

Ovechkin vs. Canadiens at Olympic Stadium in November? - Puck Daddy

There might be a second outdoor game in the 2009-10 Regular Season schedule, which is due to be released tomorrow, with the Montreal Canadiens hosting Washington as part of their centennial celebration.

Predicting The Toughest Division In The NHL: The Central - St. Louis Game Time

SB Nation's St. Louis blog picks (who else?) the Blues to finish 3rd in the Central next year behind Detroit & Chicago.

Preds not beating down Tanguay door - Tennessean.com 

John Glennon sticks a fork in the (absurd) rumors associating the Preds with the pursuit of free agent winger Alex Tanguay. As a $5 million/year player, there was no realistic means of bringing him in without a huge salary dump, which would defeat the purpose of acquiring such a guy to begin with. Check back later today and we'll have some fun with this idea, though.