Thursday's notes: Celebrating the NHL CBA, and a goaltending mess on Long Island

This morning's news includes a look at the negotiations between the Nashville Predators and some of their restricted free agents, an unusual goaltending situation for the New York Islanders, and a special look at what free agent signee Ben Eaves can bring to the Preds.

All this and more after the jump...

Preds' recent signings could offer leverage - Tennessean.com 

John Glennon wonders out loud whether the recent signings of guys like Ben Guite and Peter Olvecky might put pressure on Cal O'Reilly and Ryan Jones to get their deals done.

The NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement turns four - Nashville Predators Examiner

Break out the cupcakes and candles, the NHL's CBA is four years old today! You'd think potty training would be a done deal by now, but no...

Biron signing proof DP ain’t close | The Battle of New York

Yesterday, the NY Islanders signed goaltender Martin Biron to a one-year contract, despite already having signed Dwayne Roloson for 2 years, and having Rick DiPietro under an absurd 15-year contract. The implication drawn from Biron's signing is that DiPietro's health is still a major concern.

I MEAN, WE GOT GUYS...: Olie and Stu's Desert Bash

Olaf Kolzig recently hosted a golf tournament to benefit the Carson Kolzig Foundation, a charity dedicated to assisting families affected by autism, and Nashville prospect Chet Pickard was among many past, present, and future NHL'ers to take part.

How KHL clubs woo NHL free agents - From The Rink

James Mirtle gets some insight as to why the KHL is proving so attractive to many marginal NHL players (like Radek Bonk). In an uncertain market, some of the offerings of Russian hockey, like tax-free status, become difference-makers. The timing of the KHL season, which has some training camps opening this week, also plays a role as players vie for a limited number of available roster spots.

Nashville Predators: The Official Web Site

The Preds have launched a redesign of their official website, so stop by and take a look.

Hockey > Baseball | Pucks Gone Wild

Just in case you ever doubted, we have "10 Reasons Why Hockey Is Better Than Baseball".

Lastly, we have a look at what Ben Eaves, who signed with the team recently after playing the last few years in Finland, might be able to add to the Predators organization. This is Music City we're talking about, after all...

Ok, there are some on-ice highlights available for him, too.