With the 2012 NHL Draft coming up Friday & Saturday, time is ticking away for David Poile to cash in some of his remaining short-term hockey assets in order to re-load with draft picks. Do the NHL rights to Alexander Radulov represent the team's best chance to get back into the first round? That question leads off this morning's hockey notes...

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Nashville Predators News

Smashville 24/7 - Radulov resolution could come soon
The Draft approaches, and Poile would really like to cash in this chip.

Radulov will play in Russia - NHL 2011-2012 - hockey - Eurosport
Rads' Russian agent says that, in part due to the likelihood of a lockout this fall, the soon-to-be ex-Predator will indeed go back to the KHL this summer.

Our favorite Anders Lindback moments: #3 | Section 303
Early on, he certainly made a huge impression.

Four Preds still in hunt for hardware | Nashville City Paper
Shea's got the best shot, right?

Good news for Toots...

Im very honored to receive the Diamond Jubilee Medal. from the Commissioner of Nunavut, Edna Elaias. Thank you Nunavut twitter.com/Jtootoo22/stat…

— Jordin Tootoo (@Jtootoo22) June 18, 2012

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

EXCLUSIVE: NHL plans to take Devils from Vanderbeek - NYPOST.com
Ruh roh... Coyotes East?

Jim Matheson's hockey world - Edmonton Journal
Brent Peterson gives his impression of the L.A. Kings, and hits on something discussed here before.

Mitch Albom: Exit interview with legendary Red Wing Nicklas Lidstrom | Detroit Free Press | freep.com
It's still hard to believe he's hanging up the skates.

Evander Kane wants out of Winnipeg? How a tweet set off a firestorm | Puck Drunk Love
Hearsay can spread like wildfire on Twitter, that's for sure.

Colorado Avalanche likely not vulnerable to predatory free agent offers - Denver Post
Hardly anybody plays the offer sheet game.

Are We Ready To Join The Battle? - The Cannon
Well, at least the Blue Jackets are off to a good start with sloganeering.