Monday's news: Summertime means hockey talk heats up

Just because it's the first day of summer doesn't mean that hockey fades into the background. This is going to be a huge week for the NHL, with the 2010-11 schedule coming out tomorrow (stay tuned for my Super Schedule as well), the NHL Awards Wednesday evening from Las Vegas, and the NHL Entry Draft on Friday & Saturday in Los Angeles. In the lead-up to the draft, don't be surprised if David Poile makes another trade or two along the way.

Radio Alert: Preds assistant GM Paul Fenton will join the Thom Abraham Show this afternoon around 4:45. You can listen at 560-AM or online at WNSR.com.

Follow after the jump for video of Miley Cyrus alongside one of the Chicago Blackhawks last night, along with further reaction to last weekend's trades...

Predators News

What The Puck: A Change Is Gonna Come
Rachel looks forward to Shea Weber being named captain, but will miss Arnott leading the charge up front.

The winds of change blow through Nashville " Big Kev On Hockey
Like many of us, Big Kev is looking forward to what comes next from David Poile.

Captain my Captain: What trading Arnott does for/to the Predators " FanHuddle.com
Amanda is concerned that unless David Poile has another acquisition lined up, the Preds may have taken a major step backwards by trading Jason Arnott.

Poile denied other teams the opportunity to talk to Hamhuis prior to trade - Nashville Predators Examiner
Many teams wanted to open negotiations with Dan Hamhuis before making a trade with Nashville, but David Poile knew that this would undermine his ability to get anything in return for him, writes Jim Diamond (you gotta love the caption on the lead picture, too).

Weber and Suter now are in charge of the Predators - USATODAY.com
Kevin Allen writes that it's time for the dynamic defensive duo to assume command of this franchise and take it to the next level.

Around the NHL

Stanley Cup: How clean is it? - chicagotribune.com
Given all the hugging, kissing, and whatever else is going on with the Stanley Cup, just how nasty is that thing? (hat tip to Kukla's Korner)

What gives in search for defenceman? - TheProvince.com
Vancouver was interested in acquiring Dan Hamhuis at the trade deadline, but didn't want to give up prize prospect Cody Hodgson and a 1st-round draft pick. Now, they'll have to look elsewhere.

Blues are stockpiling young defensemen - STLtoday.com
Is St. Louis trying to follow the Nashville model to build their team?

Hits and misses at the Draft by Central Division teams - NHL.com
John Kreiser reviews the best and worst draft picks throughout the Central Division teams' histories. Don't worry, I'm sure Brian Finley will work out eventually, right?

The case for the Tampa Bay Lightning to keep Antero Niittymaki - Raw Charge
Tampa has been discussed as a possible destination for Dan Ellis, but Cassie makes a case for sticking with the Finn who took over the starter's job last season.

UFA Hamhuis traded for Parent; what might we get for Volchenkov? - Silver Seven
Up in Ottawa, they're wondering if Bryan Murray might try to get some value in return for their upcoming free agent, as well.

Rolling newsletter: Who would the Stars trade? - The Dallas Morning News
Mike Heika muses over trade possibilities in Dallas as Joe Nieuwendyk looks to put his stamp on the Stars.

Danton Cole named NTDP head coach - USA Hockey
The University of Alabama-Huntsville loses their head coach, who transfers to Ann Arbor to lead the US National Team Development Program, which Ryan Suter attended as a teenager.

Remembering the late Manute Bol's moment of hockey stardom - Puck Daddy
I lived in Indianapolis for several years, and remember when Manute Bol came to town to suit up for the Indianapolis Ice...

And lastly, thanks to a tip from Puck Daddy, here's Nashville's own Miley Cyrus at last night's MuchMusic Awards, sharing an awkward moment with Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews: