Hang in there, folks, we're getting close to September, when training camps open and we all have a chance to get into the rink to see how the latest version of the Nashville Predators shapes up. Of course, that means the players and owners need to agree on a new CBA within the next three weeks... but a guy can hope, right?

Best of Nashville 2012 - The Nashville Scene

This year they have a reader poll for "Best Sports Blog". Can you help us defend our title from 2011? Vote daily!

Nashville Predators News

Hockey Night in Nashville: Blum motivated to make NHL squad
This is a make-or-break year for Jonathon Blum, and it's good to hear how he's been spending his summer here getting ready for camp, whenever it opens.

The Hippodrome: We're Playing For Nothin' | Pith in the Wind
I do like the way J.R. leverages the multiple #MySmashville winners.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Russia’s Dynamo Targets Ovechkin | Sports | RIA Novosti
The Swedish Elite League has sworn off NHL players in the event of a lockout, but might the KHL make a run at some?

Sault Ste. Marie police: Three Greyhounds players charged with sexual assault | Buzzing The Net
Whoa, boy.

Police in Kenora recover stolen 1907 Stanley Cup banner, flag - The Globe and Mail
Cheers, Thistles fans!

Slap shot the weapon of hockey's hardest shooters - NHL.com
See where Shea Weber ends up on this list of all-time slap shots.

Hockey’s most arbitrary, yet mainstream, statistic | Backhand Shelf
Assists are indeed tricky territory.