Wednesday's notes: Nashville welcomes SOB

There's nothing like a trade right before the start of the season to get the Nashville Predators fan base fired up, is there?

After the jump, we have a boatload of reaction to yesterday's acquisition of defenseman Shane O'Brien, along with a couple updates on the Milwaukee Admirals, and a detailed look at one of Nashville's divisional rivals...

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Nashville Predators News

Preds On The Glass: Predators Set For Deep Run This Season and Wednesday Wrap-Up
Buddy is chomping at the bit for the season to start... comparing this Predators team to the 1991 Atlanta Braves.

Preds On The Glass: Predators Make a Statement with O'Brien Acquisition
Buddy sees the Shane O'Brien acquisition as being a key step towards making a deep playoff run.

O'Brien fires parting shot at Vigneault - Vancouver Sun
On his way out of town, Shane O'Brien blasts Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault for making him a public whipping boy for the team.

Preds Trade Jonas Andersson and Ryan Parent to Vancouver For Shane O’Brien and Dan Gendur | PredsBlog
Sam's happy with yesterday's deal... but a Hamhuis replacement? That's a bit much. I look at O'Brien as more of a Greg Zanon replacement.

Predators Finalize Top 6 Defensemen With A Trade - Predlines
Amanda writes "f he stays out of the penalty box, O’Brien makes Nashville a tougher team to beat. That's a mighty big "if", though.

News Aplenty | Admirals Roundtable
If you think Preds fans saw a shuffle on defense yesterday, the impact on the Milwaukee Admirals will be just as large.

Five Preseason Questions with Coach Lane Lambert | Admirals Roundtable
Jason gets the scoop from Milwaukee's head coach on how the Admirals look.

Hockey Night in Nashville: Dub's hockey story
Dub shares his path to hockey fandom, starting with the minor-league Nashville Knights.

The View from 111: Central Division Preview
Mark makes a bold pick, calling for Detroit's worst divisional finish in 20 years.

USA Today’s Kevin Allen calls Preds a ‘Cup contender’… | Section 303
Jeremy's excited to see nationally known writers sparing some kind words for the Preds.

Paul McCann - Random Notes from Pred Nation
Paul touches on a few items, and reminds us that SlapShot Radio returns tonight at 6:00 p.m. on WNSR 560-AM in Nashville.

Predators focus on the present with trade for veteran defenseman | Nashville City Paper
David Poile's comments on yesterday's trade focus on the present-day value of Shane O'Brien as compared to the potential (as yet unfulfilled) with Ryan Parent.

The Nashville Predators stay busy off the ice - The Tennessean
Besides getting ready for the season opener on Saturday, the Preds have a lot of community events going on this week, such as the Meet the Team party Monday night, and the luncheon at the Wildhorse Saloon yesterday.

On the O'Brien trade - Predators Insider
Josh walks through the transition from Dan Hamhuis to Shane O'Brien on the Nashville blueline.

And while we're at it, how about a little Don Cherry love for your newest Predator, Shane O'Brien (hat tip to Nucks Misconduct):

Around the NHL

My primer for the 2010-11 NHL season - USATODAY.com
Kevin Allen thinks Matthew Lombardi will make a big impact here, and calls the Preds a "legitimate Cup contender."

The 11 burning questions puckheads are asking about new season - Puck Daddy
Why are questions always "burning"? Can't they smolder or simmer?

Blackhawks put ads on practice jerseys; game gear next for NHL? - Puck Daddy
Chicago steps into some murky waters in a bid to generate revenue.

Boatless Booze Cruise - A Trip Around The NHL As We Ready For The Regular Season - Second City Hockey
When you cover the defending Cup champs, the view from the top looks pretty good.

And Then There Were 23 - Winging It In Motown
Longtime grinder Kirk Maltby was waived in Detroit, ending an incredibly long run as a 4th-line/PK specialist.

Meet Your 2010 / 2011 Columbus Blue Jackets! - The Cannon
Get an up-close view of a division rival.

...Vernon Fiddler Named Alternate Captain As Well - Five For Howling
Kudos to the former Predator for earning a nice honor in Phoenix.

Montreal Canadiens Season Preview: Is it Price's time? - Habs Eyes On The Prize
The pressure on Carey Price is enormous in Montreal... I just don't see this working out well at all.

The two sides of Dion Phaneuf - The Globe and Mail
Remember when we hoped that Shea Weber would develop into the next Dion Phaneuf? Whew... now people in Toronto hope that Phaneuf can become the next Weber.

Q & A with Kirill Kabanov - Buzzing The Net
The Islanders' wacky rookie (just check out the picture) talks about his NHL camp, and how maturity will play a role in his moving forward as a player.

NHL Premiere Series Closes in Riga as Coyotes come to town - Puck Worlds
In the last European exhibition match prior to the regular season opening tomorrow, Phoenix takes on the KHL's Dinamo Riga.

NHL Top 100 Prospect Rankings (Part 4: 1 to 25) | The Hockey Writers
Ryan Ellis checks in at #15...

No need for fourth line - The Globe and Mail
Roy MacGregor wants to eliminate a few roster spots from every team, eliminating the fourth line. It's pretty much a nonsense piece, as there's no way the NHLPA would go for such a thing.

Waiver wire getting a workout - The Globe and Mail
Eric Duhatschek points out two forwards snatched out of the bargain bin, and draws out the transition from Dan Hamhuis to Shane O'Brien on the Nashville blueline.

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