Monday's news: Could Dan Hamhuis leave Nashville before free agency?

by Dirk Hoag on Jun 14, 2010 7:49 AM EDT

Sure, it's a Monday in the middle of June, and here in Nashville we're pushing 95 on the thermometer just about every day. What better reason to think about hockey then, to help cool off?

After the jump we've got an update on the Predators' negotiations with Dan Hamhuis, the resignation of a Los Angeles Kings assistant coach under the cloud of sexual assault charges, and a look at Scott Arniel, the new coach of our division rival up in Columbus...

Predators News

The 303:30 – NHL Draft Preview edition | Section 303
Jeremy covers all the bases in his Draft Preview podcast, talking with Assistant GM Paul Fenton, as well as five potential selections for Nashville in the first round.

Guest Blog: Three Inches from Greatness | Section 303
A guest writer at Section 303 pens an ode to former Preds captain Kimmo Timonen's playoff run.

Getting away? | Nashville City Paper
David Boclair's piece on the upcoming free agency of Dan Hamhuis features the strongest language yet from David Poile stating that his budget can't accommodate Hamhuis' salary expectations. This isn't surprising, but once the team resigns itself to losing Hammer, the focus can turn to determining where he'd like to go, and trading him there before the Draft, so as to at least get something in return (as was done in 2007 with Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell). The Preds gave up their 2nd-round choice to obtain Denis Grebeshkov and their 4th to get Dustin Boyd at the Trade Deadline, so I'm sure Poile would like to get some draft picks back if he's going to lose guys like Hamhuis and Dan Ellis to free agency.

Around the NHL

NHL: How the Hawks got Big Buff - Grand Forks Herald
Sometimes, all it takes is one look from a scout to hit a lotto ticket in the late rounds of the NHL Entry Draft (hat tip to Lowetide on this one).

The Arniel Companion (Puck-Rakers Blog)
Get the scoop on the new head coach in Columbus.

Coyotes Re-Sign Left Winger Scottie Upshall To One Year-Deal - SBNation.com
The former Nashville Predator gets $2.25 million from Phoenix.

mc79hockey.com - On the Oilers summer plans and the salary cap
Starting tomorrow, there's a 15-day window for teams to buy players out of long-term contracts, and Tyler wonders what Edmonton might do there.

Assemble Your 2010-11 Canucks Roster - Nucks Misconduct
The Canucks may covet Dan Hamhuis, but fitting him in under the salary cap could be a challenge.

Establishing Joe Pavelski's Market Value - Fear The Fin
"Little Joe" made his name as a prime-time performer this last season, both in the Olympics and playoffs, so what will that mean for his next contract?

Hardy statement " LA Kings Insider
L.A. Kings assistant coach Mark Hardy has resigned to enter an alcohol treatment program, as well as prepare to face felony sexual assault charges (in which his adult daughter was the victim). Just a horrible story all around.

NHL free-agent market takes nosedive - Ottawa Sun
With a top end of Patrick Marleau and Ilya Kovalchuk, is this really a "down" year on the free agent market? I wouldn't think so...

NHLPA should opt for salary inflator - NYPOST.com
Larry Brooks argues that the NHLPA should vote to bump the salary cap up by 5%, following the precedent they've set every year so far. While every player will end up paying more back to the league out of their own salary in escrow, Brooks believes that doing so provides the flexibility for teams to sign free agents and make trades during the season. Should the needs of the few outweigh the needs of the many, however?

Norris Trophy: 2010 Year End Awards – Blogger Style - View From My Seats
Matt Reitz surveys a number of hockey bloggers to decide upon who was the best defenseman this season.

Stars to fall into Canadian hands - The Globe and Mail
The Dallas Stars will likely be sold to one of two businessmen from Western Canada, write David Shoalts. The group which included Mike Modano is apparently out of it.

NCAA Proposed Rule Changes - Western College Hockey Blog
Will college hockey start calling icing on shorthanded teams?

Lastly, check out this bizarre Russian video, courtesy of Japers' Rink...

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Comments

Hamhuis

Personally I’m glad to see the Hamhuis saga coming to an end. He’s not worth the money he’ll be getting on the open market. I’ve said over and over again that there are plenty of other defenseman who offer as much as he does and can be had for less. Bouillon for instance.

I hope this means that Poile will be able to start planning for re-signing Weber and Suter now. Hamhuis’ potential contract would have all but guaranteed that Weber would be gone after this upcoming season. At least now I feel like the Preds have a shot at retaining him.

by Predaceous on Jun 14, 2010 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

hammer

ditto. added to the above stated, the fact we have some very promising dman prospects and we have to sign horndog i dont see how we sign him. any trade would be better than nothing regardless of what we get in return.

by predswilrule on Jun 14, 2010 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I just want to throw in my “me too” and say that keeping Weber and Suter is a win if we have to let the Hammer drop, so to speak. He’s good but not a value at the price he’ll command, and is not irreplaceable. Would be nice to get something in trade for him, even if it’s late round picks, better than nothing.

by DonBorvio on Jun 14, 2010 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions