Thursday's news: Cody Franson in the fold, Dan Ellis quits Twitter

Nashville Predators fans were relieved to see yesterday's news that Cody Franson had finally signed a new contract (for two years, no less), but were then surprised to see former goaltender Dan Ellis close down his sometimes-entertaining, sometimes-infuriating Twitter account.

Follow after the jump for plenty of reaction to both of those stories, along with the opening of the KHL season, a signing in Detroit, and a terrifying review of Glen Sather's time in New York...

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Predators News

Preds On The Glass: Predator's Training Camp Details, Good-Bye Dan, and Thursday Thoughts
Buddy's morning links includes the details around training camp, including links to the schedule and roster.

Let The Fighting For The Final Defense Pairing Begin: Franson Signs - Predlines | A Nashville Predators blog
Amanda sees plenty of competition ahead for Cody Franson despite his new deal.

Preds On The Glass: What Will the Predators Do With An Abundance of Defensemen?
Buddy counts the numbers and wonders if the Preds will lose a defenseman to waivers by the time the season starts. I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen, but it's all about having an open competition for those final spots.

Cody Franson to wear jersey number four for Predators - Nashville Predators Examiner
I have openly worried about Franson following in Ville Koistinen's footsteps, and now he does this? *facepalm*

Deal with defenseman wraps up Predators' offseason business - Nashville City Paper
Even David Poile says that Franson could end up anywhere from the 2nd pairing to the press box depending on how things shake out.

Most Likely to Succeed: Nashville Predators - DailyFaceoff.com
A pretty obvious choice is made here.

The View from 111: The Tempest that is a Tampa Bay 'Tenders Tweets
Mark defends Dan Ellis' right to tweet, even if he strays into murky waters.

Around the NHL

Dan Ellis (33dellis) on Twitter
Dan hangs up his keyboard after his second online controversy of the summer. Twitter's just not for everybody, and I don't think he handled the interaction very well at all. It's common for someone to write something that's misunderstood, but his reaction to people afterwards really didn't help.

Tampa goalie Dan Ellis leaves Twitter, and it's for the better - Puck Daddy
Greg Wyshynski responds to charges that he "ran off" Ellis from Twitter by airing the dirty laundry this week. I'm 100% with Puck Daddy on this one, Ellis can be an engaging guy but he just needs to find a different outlet.

Meech waived, Maltby signs two-way deal - Winging It In Motown
One Red Wing his the waiver wire, while Kirk Maltby hangs on for one more year.

Updates on sale of team, free agents - The Dallas Morning News
It sounds like the sale of the Dallas Stars is going pretty slowly, but the selling parties want to bring in more interested buyers to help drive up the price.

Reports: Former Flyers Captain Jason Smith Charged With Assault - Broad Street Hockey
Sad news as defenseman Jason Smith is charged with assaulting his wife and daughter.

Sather's greatest hits - Blueshirt Banter
Wow, it's gotta be hard to be a Rangers fan after wading through this mess.

2010 New Jersey Devils Roster Purge: Zubrus or Rolston...one will probably go. - In Lou We Trust
Who's going to walk the plank in New Jersey, so they can fit Ilya Kovalchuk's contract under the salary cap?

Ovechkin, Kovalchuk, Malkin Headline Charity Game in Moscow | The Hockey Writers
Pretty cool stuff from the Sports Palace in Moscow.

KHL kicks off 3rd season with Opening Cup - Puck Worlds
Bruce looks at the start of the KHL season, and the NHL exhibition matches against European teams coming up early next month.

NHL Takes LEED In Promoting Renewable Energy | The Hockey Writers
Interesting stuff about the NHL taking steps to increase the use of solar power at its facilities, in order to reduce energy costs and the impact on the environment.

Bourne Blog: At contract time, players roll dice on hockey future - Puck Daddy
Former minor league pro Justin Bourne joins the Puck Daddy crew, and writes about how players' lives are often turned upside down over the summer.

Suggestions For NBC’s Presentation of Hockey Day in America " Puck The Media
Steve Lepore has some good ideas to share with NBC here. Will they listen?

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