Tuesday afternoon notes: Confident Craig Smith addresses the Nashville media

by Dirk Hoag on Jul 26, 2011 5:30 PM EDT in Nashville Predators News

Following up on this morning's contract announcement, the Nashville Predators held a conference call for Craig Smith with the Nashville media, and it certainly sounds like the Preds have a prospect here who is brimming with confidence coming off a big season of college hockey and a breakout performance at the World Championships for Team USA.

Could we see a young player like Smith, Gabriel Bourque, or Taylor Beck make the jump up to the NHL at the start of the season? Given the history of guys like Joel Ward, Dan Ellis, and most recently Anders Lindback who have jumped the queue based on a strong training camp, it's entirely possible.

After the jump, we have two accounts of that media call along with your assortment of afternoon hockey news...

Nashville Predators News

The 303:30 — The Craig Smith press conference | Section 303
Craig Smith was part of a teleconference with the Nashville media, and Jeremy recorded the proceedings for you.

Smashville 24/7: Smith comfortable with decision to turn pro
And if you can't listen to the 303:30 right now, Ryan wrote up the quotes from that presser.

Some solutions to NHL Network’s boring summer programming… | Section 303
Solid suggestions here for a network that's pretty much an afterthought during this time of year (but doesn't have to be).

The Fourth Period - Clock is ticking on Weber
Ryan walks through possible reasons why the Shea Weber negotiations have dragged on.

Around the NHL

Who's still out there? Top remaining free agents - NHL.com
Scan the group of defensemen here, and wonder if one of these might plug a hole if Francis Bouillon is unable to go at the start of the year. Scott Hannan and Brent Sopel jump out as veteran stay-at-home types, while Bryan McCabe and Chris Campoli could lend an experienced hand on the power play.

Looking ahead to 2011-12: Ranking the NHL’s top right wingers - Puck Daddy
Martin Erat pops up at #24, but this appraisal makes us sad: "He scores in the 25-goal range for the Preds, which is like potting 40 anywhere else." You know how many times Marty has scored 25 goals? 0. His career best is 23, set 3 years ago.

Posters on a Fence - Battle of California
There are two Great 8's in California who fans are waiting on...

Kris Draper Retires - Winging It In Motown
A reflection on the last of the Grind Line.

Pens sign forward Jason Williams to two-way deal - PensBurgh
When healthy, Williams can be a productive sniper, but all sorts of injuries have sidelined him in recent years.

Coming Down the Pipe!: Broncos Hire Andy Murray
Western Michigan, which is among those teams scrambling for position as the CCHA prepares to lose schools like Michigan and Michigan State, lands a big name for its head coaching job in former NHL head coach Andy Murray.

Bourne Blog: Three reasons to avoid killing penalties - Puck Daddy
I'd throw in another reason here - there are lots of guys who would kill for your job, so the prospects of making a big payday as an NHL penalty killer are pretty slim.

Meet the NHL's shootout kings - NHL.com
Pekka Rinne ranks high on the list of goalies here.

How to clean your hockey equipment | Hockey Gear HQ - news, reviews & deals
Besides the need to fight The Stench, that foul, uniquely characteristic odor which emanates from nasty hockey gear, there are also safety issues to consider.

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Comments

just like the other arbitrate-es, Weber’s negotiations will go to the 11th hour before anything is signed prior to arbitration.

by Shawn Kehoe on Jul 26, 2011 5:52 PM EDT reply actions

I’d take Hannan over Bouillon anyway, and Sopel would be a good option if Bouillon looks to start the season on the IR.

by Shawn Kehoe on Jul 26, 2011 6:08 PM EDT reply actions

i would like to add a veteran who is a stay at home defenseman. i think we need to keep a pk like last year instead of the season before.

by predwheels on Jul 27, 2011 9:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Why, we have those in spades? Laasko can do that job.

Hockeymetricians, they're ever so pious. Are they doing real science or confirming their bias?

by DonBorvio on Jul 27, 2011 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Another rookie!

predwheels wants a veteran. I agree with him/her/it/other.

by djzielin on Jul 27, 2011 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions

him

by predwheels on Jul 27, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions

I didn't see this posted:

http://nhl-red-light.si.com/2011/07/25/rfa-system-leaves-much-to-be-desired/?sct=nhl_wr_a1

by musamonster on Jul 26, 2011 6:30 PM EDT reply actions

I wouldn’t mind seeing McCabe. Yeah, he’s pushing towards 37, but a veteran guy to anchor the second powerplay unit could be valuable. Then again it would be nice to have that veteran shutdown D. Choices, choices.

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by 3DLink on Jul 26, 2011 6:33 PM EDT reply actions

I wouldn't say...

…Ward and Ellis jumped the queue as both had 3 seasons in the AHL before getting a fulltime ride.

Lindback is the one I would compare him with.

Will be interesting to see if Nashville gives him a go at the beginning of the year, if they actually throw him in the fire with the 1st or 2nd line or bury him with short minutes.

Gabby could make that jump because he actually got better the second half of the season in Milwaukee. Having Mueller and Thang as linemates most of the season definately helped his scoring continuity. Bourque is all effort. Love the guy.

Unless Beck has a MONSTER camp, I see him with the Ads.

What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...

by BrianAdsFan on Jul 26, 2011 7:28 PM EDT reply actions

I wouldn't discount Mueller either.

He played his best and really shined when Lambert moved him to center. Has a bit of snarl too.

What happens on the ice...stays on the ice...

by BrianAdsFan on Jul 26, 2011 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions

the mueller mullet. that kid has some hair, not sure of a mullet though.

by predwheels on Jul 27, 2011 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Alright, if no one else wants to post...........

All that work by Dirk and we get 6 posts……..shame! :D

I hope Smith makes the team out of training camp, but at the expense of a Halischuk or Geoffrion (or Bergfors for that matter), not at the expense of adding a proven 20+ goal scorer (more on that in a minute). I do find it interesting that there was much talk at this past draft of “these kids are 3 to 5 year projects” but we’re now pinning hopes on kids drafted just two summers ago. As Arte Johnson used to say, “very interesting”.

I’m keeping my eye on tomorrow and Thursday to see what the Rangers do after they re-sign Callahan, before or after the arbitration hearing with him. If they buyout Wolski, as many seem to think they will, that will be the best chance we’ll likely get to sign a proven 20 goal guy at probably a pretty low cost and not have to give up any assets to get him. If we don’t make a play for him, you’ll get a pretty good idea that we’re not making any other moves this off-season, at least as far as forwards are concerned.

Shadows only exist when something of substance appears first.......

by Grizzledbear on Jul 26, 2011 10:26 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I agree with Geoffrion starting in Milwaukee. Halischuck maybe too, but I really liked him when he was called up. So all of a sudden we’re gonna have a logjam at decent young forwards? What are we to do with this problem? Package some for trades for a bigger time scorer? :)

by kypredsfan on Jul 27, 2011 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions

If we don’t make a play for him, you’ll get a pretty good idea that we’re not making any other moves this off-season, at least as far as forwards are concerned.

I’m already resigned to the fact that no more moves are planned. Nothing’s gonna happen unless it falls out of the sky into Poile’s lap, and even that’s no guarantee he’ll pull the trigger.

The truth is neither libelous nor slanderous.
Reason and logic instead of hope and faith.
Pro athletes--it's not what they say, it's what they do.

by shoot the puck on Jul 26, 2011 10:55 PM EDT reply actions

Very true. This is about as close to something falling into Poile’s lap as can be, if the Rangers do buy Wolski out. If we don’t move on this potential opportunity, that will speak volumns.

Shadows only exist when something of substance appears first.......

by Grizzledbear on Jul 26, 2011 11:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

So only plausible acquisition at forward that we’re looking forward to is a 20 goal scorer?

Ring the freakin’ joy bells, it’s party time in Smashville…

Gonna miss you Joel Ward...

Go Predmirals!

by Poiju on Jul 26, 2011 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve reduced my hopes downward as far as they’ll go. If we can’t even get a Wolski on the cheap (cheap meaning under 2M), then it really is WTFudge time.

Shadows only exist when something of substance appears first.......

by Grizzledbear on Jul 26, 2011 11:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

loooowwweeerrreedd expectaaatttiiionnnnsss.

Hockeymetricians, they're ever so pious. Are they doing real science or confirming their bias?

by DonBorvio on Jul 26, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s how we roll in the land of Poile (you can rap with that, LOL!). :D

Shadows only exist when something of substance appears first.......

by Grizzledbear on Jul 26, 2011 11:53 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

We got Dumont in the same type senario….Not sure why anyone believes we wouldn’t make a play on a player if it was a good fit.

Smith would benefit with a stint with the Ads, imo. He won’t get significient minutes here. Get him in a senario to play large minutes……Bring him up later in the year.

by Predator Don on Jul 27, 2011 1:00 AM EDT reply actions

ITS POSSIBLE

we could make that play on wolski and not get him. im sure we arent the only team that would have interest and we dont typically overpay unless they are already on the team.

by predswilrule on Jul 27, 2011 8:12 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah, it’s said the Jackets are interested too.

Hockeymetricians, they're ever so pious. Are they doing real science or confirming their bias?

by DonBorvio on Jul 27, 2011 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions

The way Columbus is spending sort of reminds me of Leipold’s last hurrah in Nashville. I’m wondering if the owners are making their last stand there so that if the team still fails they can sell it and say they tried.

It’s just odd that they’re spending so much this season while losing as much money as they are.

by Predaceous on Jul 27, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

They’re definitely bringing in some talent, but for a team complaining about financial losses, the solution wouldn’t appear to involve buying out a guy like Mike Commodore (who immediately got picked up by Detroit) and signing high-price veterans.

The whole “spend and win, then the fans will come” formula ends up in failure more often than not, at least as I recall.

Managing Editor of On the Forecheck, SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators, and HockeyGearHQ, a site devoted to news, reviews, and deals on hockey equipment and accessories. Catch me on Twitter, or join OTF on Facebook!

by Dirk Hoag on Jul 27, 2011 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions

The whole "spend and win, then the fans will come" formula ends up in failure more often than not, at least as I recall.

I think fans have to be built, the trust has to be there and grow like it does here. Even when they make steps here seemingly backward, they make many steps forward and try to involve us. I don’t see that happening now or in the past in Columbus.

Hockeymetricians, they're ever so pious. Are they doing real science or confirming their bias?

by DonBorvio on Jul 27, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions

The Predators need to spend...

…. and spend big if they are to get to the cap midpoint again.

Currently $7million below the cap FLOOR (Weber will take care of most if not all of this), another $8 million from floor to midpoint.

That’s just over $15 million!

Does this team lose more revenue sharing by not reaching the midpoint??

by djzielin on Jul 27, 2011 8:35 AM EDT reply actions

I don’t think so, just penalties if they don’t hit the salary floor. But, Poile has 3 big names to sign and a forward spot to address…

Hockeymetricians, they're ever so pious. Are they doing real science or confirming their bias?

by DonBorvio on Jul 27, 2011 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Rinne and Suter cap hits...

… don’t strike until next season… and after a new CBA is signed. As conservative as Poile is, he doesn’t want to lock this team up with 2 contracts that wouldn’t be so nice under a new CBA.

by djzielin on Jul 27, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions

I think we can’t spend over the midpoint to get full revenue sharing. Don’t have to spend up to it. Even though Poile did state he would spend more than last year. We got money to spend.

by kypredsfan on Jul 27, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Not sure what “overpaying” is in this instance (except for the fail safe excuse why we don’t do anything?), but the Jackets have already said they’re done make anymore moves this summer, so they won’t be one of the teams bidding on Wolski.

Shadows only exist when something of substance appears first.......

by Grizzledbear on Jul 27, 2011 11:15 AM EDT reply actions