4th of July notes: Poile clears the decks

by Dirk Hoag on Jul 4, 2011 9:47 AM EDT in Nashville Predators News

Over the weekend the Nashville Predators got moving on their off-season roster shuffling, pulling off a bit of financial maneuvering with the Matthew Lombardi/Cody Franson trade, and acquiring a potentially productive sniper for a hair over the NHL minimum salary in Niclas Bergfors (who ranked highly on my list of potential acquisitions). What lies ahead, however, is really interesting; David Poile likely has close to $20 million to spend on this year's team, leaving room for top-drawer talent even after re-signing Shea Weber and the RFA's.

I'd be surprised to see anything further go down today, so follow after the jump for a Ryan Ellis TV interview, along with the rest of your morning hockey notes. Happy Independence Day, everyone!

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Nashville Predators

To start things off, Preds prospect Ryan Ellis joined WKRN's Sports Extra last night to talk with Cory Curtis:

The Dexshow Hits The Road | PuckScene.com
Patten may well have been Mark Dekanich's most vocal supporter in Nashville... but now he'll play for Columbus.

Smashville 24/7: Hellberg the latest highly-rated goalie prospect in Preds system
A nice play on words when writing about the 6'5" Swede.

Nashville Predators prospect Craig Smith learns vs. NHL's best - The Tennessean
The college prospect got a taste of the bigs when playing for Team USA at the World Championships, and heads back to college this year as a potential Hobey Baker candidate.

Franson trade opens door for Predators prospects - Nashville Predators Examiner
Guys like Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, and Mattias Ekholm all sense an NHL opportunity this fall. That competition is going to be one of the best things to watch during training camp.

Yesterday’s News: Andreas Thuresson Traded To Rangers | Admirals Roundtable
Ryan sees Andreas Thuresson as having been passed on the depth chart, so isn't surprised at his trade.

Nashville Predators bolster future in trade with Toronto Maple Leafs - The Tennessean
Josh shares David Poile's explanation of yesterday's moves.

Around the NHL

Cox: Steal of a Leaf deal with Nashville - thestar.com
They're applauding in Toronto, where the acquisition of Cody Franson leveraged the Leafs' big strength; finance.

What’s Next For The Leafs? | Hockey Independent
Picking up Matthew Lombardi means that Toronto will assuredly want to put him on LTIR, and in order to gain the benefit from that, they'll need to spend up near the salary cap.

As dust settles, are the Philadelphia Flyers a better team? - Puck Daddy
I'll go with a big NO.

Capitals Sign Tomas Vokoun - Japers' Rink
One year, $1.5 million? Vokoun and his agent blew this big time, but boy are the Capitals having a great off-season.

Tomas Vokoun signs with Caps for $4.166 million less than Ilya Bryzgalov - Broad Street Hockey
...and fans in Philadelphia aren't feeling so great about that mega-deal that was handed to Ilya Bryzgalov.

Who made who? Ehrhoff and the Sedins - Nucks Misconduct
One reason to believe Buffalo massively overpaid for Christian Erhoff? The guy played a ton with the Sedin twins, who contributed in large part to his success.

Raffi Torres Speaks About Why He Left Vancouver Plus A Raffi Tribute - Nucks Misconduct
He played like a cruise missile for the Canucks, and they'll miss him.

Time to Poach Our Rivals - Habs Eyes On The Prize
Fun to think about, but almost never a reality - making an offer sheet while another team is close to the salary cap.

Sharks acquire Martin Havlat from Minnesota Wild in exchange for Dany Heatley - Fear The Fin
The Sharks may have given up the better player, but they got a little wiggle room under the cap in exchange.

Ian White Joins the Red Wings, Does not Suck - Winging It In Motown
He's no Brian Rafalski, but he'll help the Red Wings.

Fantasy Hockey Scouts: Free Agent Fallout 2011 Day 2 - Fantasy Hockey Scouts
Start thinking ahead to this fall's fantasy draft as Jay breaks down the implications of recent moves.

Fantasy Hockey Scouts: Free Agent Fallout 2011 Day 3 - Fantasy Hockey Scouts
Both Cody Franson and Niclas Bergfors look like big winners here.

Report: Max Talbot contract with Flyers violates NHL CBA - Puck Daddy
Whoops, it looks like they made the same mistake the Preds once did with Martin Erat.

July 4th weekend offers extra savings on hockey equipment | Hockey Gear HQ - news, reviews & deals
Special discounts are available this weekend make it easier to get some fresh hockey gear ahead of next season, whether you're looking for skates, sticks, or anything else (including UnderArmour for you non-hockey players).

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Comments

I would LOVE IT if Dekanich could steal Mason’s job! Even though it would mean Columbus would have an actual goalie in the net when we play them. Still. I would LOVE IT!! Go Dex!

Goaleez R weerd.

by CAustin on Jul 4, 2011 10:07 AM EDT reply actions

I think he will. Mason is a head case. Dex will simply be more consistent for them.

Regarding going 0-4 in the NHL Awards, I quote the great Hornqvist: "S**t's gonna happen."

by DonBorvio on Jul 4, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

My husband said, “Yeah maybe then Mason’ll get the therapy he so desperately needs.”

Goaleez R weerd.
Part Predator, part Lightning.

by CAustin on Jul 4, 2011 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I really really hope he does well. He’s got a real shot in Columbus to be really good. As long as it’s not against the Preds, I’m absolutely rooting for him.

I currently star in the new MTV3 series,
"Jersey Shore: Lake Erie Edition"
Cleveland Rocks!

by MattBen on Jul 4, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions

As a Leafs fan I am curious if Franson has experience playing the left side. We have about 11.25m tied up on the right side atm without including Schenn’s upcoming contract. As I doubt Burke will be happy paying 4.5m to Komisarek as a 7th dman I am hoping Franson plays on his off side. As a side note I’ve always had a soft spot for your team and have been pulling for you guys in the western playoffs the last few years.

As a Toronto sports fan I proudly follow the lessons of lachrymology.
"He drives that new car around town and feels really good about it." - Ron Wilson
"Vancouver, BC: A massive inferiority complex with a city." - TheOtherAndrew
"HOPE is more than a postponed disappointment" - Epica

by Redonred on Jul 4, 2011 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

Thanx

Maybe we’ll meet in the Finals, one year !

OR……..heck, maybe we’ll move to the East and see ya’ll on a more regular basis……

by LetUsPrey on Jul 4, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Not gonna lie, kinda mad at you for not crushing Vancouver. I was a very scary spring.

by Redonred on Jul 4, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions

I think that the Preds are the only NHL team that never lost a game in Maple Leaf Garden.

We’ll get the Canucks, this season !

Our hate-factor is growing towards that team.

by LetUsPrey on Jul 4, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Yes, but we didn’t win either. We tied.

World Wide Weber.
There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
~Joe Strummer

by cisar on Jul 4, 2011 5:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Franson played pretty much exclusively on the right side with the Preds. I’d recommend asking @adsroundtable on Twitter if he played on the left at all in Milwaukee.

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 4, 2011 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Cool thanks. Nice Bergfores signing btw. I want him.

by Redonred on Jul 4, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Happy 4th OtF!!!

Gonna miss you Joel Ward...

Go Predmirals!

by Poiju on Jul 4, 2011 12:25 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

The couple of years have been friendly to Ellis!

He looks about 10 years older than he did 2 years ago (given that he look 12 years old 2 years ago)…..

Ouch….all this math is making my head hurt.

by turd-ferguson on Jul 4, 2011 12:26 PM EDT reply actions

I was gonna have a similar comment.

His acne is cleared up and he’s bigger than the dude who was doing the interview.

He’s growing up so fast! LOL!

He’s gonna be a great one………….

The truth is always the right answer....

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Jul 4, 2011 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Happy 4th!!! Go America and GO PREDS!!!

60% of the time it works every time

by Creeping Death on Jul 4, 2011 1:20 PM EDT reply actions

good interview by WKRN

It’s great to see one of the local channels do a real interview with a player.

by Tim P on Jul 4, 2011 1:23 PM EDT reply actions

Was just coming here to post that

I was happily suprised to see a local channel conduct a knowledgable, well thought out, and informative interview with a player, let alone a prospect that has barely dipped his toes in professional play. Much respect for News Channel 2 and Cory Curtis.

And Ellis, as he has in other interviews, handled himself professionally. In terms of maturity, as well as determination and work-ethic, there is no doubt in my mind that Ellis is ready to make a big impact at the next level, and I strongly think he’ll put in the effort to make it happen. This Pred’s fan is excited to see him QB’ing the PP in Nashville.

"Next time someone tells you Nashville’s not a hockey town, tell ‘em to come try some of the home cookin’." - TSN Broadcaster

by Go_Titans_Preds_USC on Jul 4, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

That Ellis could help the PP is probable, but can he handle NHL forwards in his own end is the big question. He may need some time in Milwaukee first before playing up here.

by Grizzledbear on Jul 4, 2011 4:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Yeah, I know that the biggest questions about him are whether he’d be able to handle NHL forwards with his size. I think he’ll be able to after some time in Milwaukee, but I just was stating what I hope he will be able to improve the Preds in :)

"Next time someone tells you Nashville’s not a hockey town, tell ‘em to come try some of the home cookin’." - TSN Broadcaster

by Go_Titans_Preds_USC on Jul 4, 2011 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions