Tuesday's news: Get out of the heat and into the rink

While the hockey world awaits word of Ilya Kovalchuk's chosen team (at this point, how can it be anyone but New Jersey?), we also mourn the untimely passing of Bob Probert yesterday at the all-too-young age of 45.

This week, however, is a big one for hockey fans here in Nashville. The Predators' Development Camp hits the ice tomorrow at Centennial Sportsplex, and the "Skate of the Union" event is Thursday evening at Bridgestone Arena.

Follow after the jump for your morning hockey news, which looks at how free agency is shaping teams for the 2010-11 season, and some video of the hardest hitters of all time...

Predators News

Preds On The Glass: POTG Returns Home After 16 Day Journey
The Oakes gang returns to Tennessee after a triumphant tour out west...

The genius that is David Poile… | Section 303
Jeremy's a big fan of what the Preds GM has accomplished over the last few weeks.

The Predators Find Jason Arnott’s Replacement - DailyFaceoff.com
Between the Lombardi signing and Kostitsyn trade, one outside observer is pleasantly surprised at the amount of talent Nashville will have up front.

Around the NHL

Remembering Bob Probert as the 'teddy bear', the 'heavyweight champ' and 'one of the toughest guys ever' - Puck Daddy
Greg Wyshynski takes a look back at the career of the greatest NHL fighter I've ever seen. Be sure to check out the video of his rematch with Troy Crowder from 1991.

Chicago's Niemi among NHL arbitration filings before deadline - Puck Daddy
Many restricted free agents filed for arbitration, but the vast majority will work out a new deal with their team before a hearing takes place. Recall that if a guy wins his arbitration hearing, the team can walk away from the deal and make him an unrestricted free agent. That's how the Preds landed J.P. Dumont several years ago.

Meet the New CBJ Coaching Staff - The Cannon
The guys taking over behind the bench in Columbus boast a great deal of NHL playing experience, including Bob Boughner, who was previously the head coach for the Windsor Spitfires (where Preds prospect Ryan Ellis plays). Will that help turn the team around? I, for one, am highly skeptical.

The Filatov Pipedream | CANUCKS HOCKEY BLOG
Vancouver has a logjam on defense, Columbus needs help. Might that make for a win-win trade for both sides?

Detroit Red Wings Continue Pursuit Of Mike Modano - The Grinder
Might the former Stars center end up with his hometown team for a year or two?

A statistical look at Dan Boyle, and why Doug Wilson must improve the defense - Fear The Fin
Thanks to the retirement of Rob Blake, the Sharks have some work to do in order to patch up their blueline.

The Worthwhile Gamble That Is Alex Tanguay - Hockey or Die
Is the Tanguay deal for Calgary the best bargain in free agency so far?

mc79hockey.com - Khabibulin’s back not healing?
Buried in the legal documents surrounding his DUI case, there is reason to believe that Edmonton's pricey goaltender is still suffering from chronic back trouble.

How much is Drew Doughty worth? - From The Rink
The Kings were constrained in their talks with Ilya Kovalchuk by the fact that soon they'll need to lock up their superstar defenseman with a new contract.

Are Ilya Kovalchuk's contract demands self-sabotaging? - From The Rink
Is Kovy pricing himself out of the NHL market? And if he does get what he wants, will that team be able to acquire enough talent to play alongside him?

The Hockey News: Adam Proteau's Blog - More cockamamie clichés
Adam highlights a few of the inane catchphrases that pop up consistently when discussing the NHL.

Why not Canada? - The Globe and Mail
A report from the Globe & Mail looks at the feasibility of the four most often-discussed locations for a future NHL franchise.

And lastly, to get your Tuesday started right, let's look at a pair of videos that have been making the rounds lately - the Top 10 Hitters of All-Time from TSN... Personally I think the list is a little heavy on guys who went for the knees or led with their elbows rather than truly solid body checkers, but here you go!