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Dirk Hoag is the Forechecker, churner of NHL stats & analysis, and managing editor of On the Forecheck.
Got a question or a suggestion? Feel free to email the.forechecker@gmail.com.
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Meet Josh Cooper, your new Nashville Predators beat writer
by Dirk Hoag on Sep 2, 2010 9:18 PM EDT
in Appearances & Interviews
4 comments
Earlier this week, Josh Cooper made his debut at The Tennessean as the new beat writer covering the Nashville Predators, and he's hit the ground running with multiple blog posts every day along with updates via Twitter (where you can find him at @JoshuaCooper), particularly from the informal practices which many of the Predators have been conducting out at Centennial Sportsplex.
When we got news that John Glennon was moving over to cover the Titans earlier this summer, there was concern among Preds fans as to what The Tennessean was going to do on the hockey front. To help us get familiar with him, I asked Josh to answer a few questions so we could get to know him better.
Follow after the jump to find out about this Vanderbilt grad's hockey background, which includes modeling himself after Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Murphy, and a conversation with legendary U.S. Men's Olympic coach Herb Brooks...
Preds prospect Ryan Ellis linked to possible junior trade
I'm not plugged in closely to the junior hockey circuit, but Yahoo's junior hockey blog discusses a possible trade scenario that would have Ryan Ellis traded from the Windsor Spitfires to the Mississauga St. Micheal's Majors. This wouldn't impact his situation relative to the Predators, except perhaps for the following speculation that he could play a few NHL games this fall, from Neate Seager:
"In other words, we could end up seeing Ellis do the Alex Pietrangelo Arc — 19-year-old defenceman perhaps plays some NHL games, joins Team Canada and following the world junior, joins a team with serious post-season ambitions. "
Nashville Predators complete purchase of Boots Del Biaggio shares
by Dirk Hoag on Sep 2, 2010 4:50 PM EDT
in Sports Business
2 comments
At long last, the Nashville Predators ownership group has completed the purchase of the minority share formerly held by "Boots" Del Biaggio out of bankruptcy court, solidifying the local ownership group's control of the franchise and positioning them to eventually bring in new partners. Josh Cooper of The Tennessean got the word out just a few moments ago.
Last month, the Metro Sports Authority signed off on the deal, and it was originally hoped to conclude by mid-August, but procedural delays dragged this out a little further. Ok, Mr. Wilson, it looks like money time is coming soon!
The team's press release follows...
Thursday's news: NHL puts on a power play over Kovalchuk
by Dirk Hoag on Sep 2, 2010 11:21 AM EDT
in Nashville Predators News
0 comments
The big news this morning in the hockey world is that instead of closing the Ilya Kovalchuk drama yesterday afternoon, the NHL and NHLPA continue to negotiate over the structure of long-term contracts. A report out of New York indicates that the league is taking a very aggressive stance, offering to allow the proposed contract to stand in exchange for an adjustment to the CBA involving future deals.
After the jump, we've also got a bold statement from Chet Pickard about trying to earn an NHL job this season, further assurance that Cody Franson will probably get a new contract soon, and a poll on the most over-hyped story of the summer...
Nashville Predators 2010-11 Season Preview: David Legwand
by Chris Burton on Sep 2, 2010 9:55 AM EDT
in Nashville Predators Player Profiles
14 comments
In the weeks leading up to the new season, we'll preview the Nashville Predators on a player-by-player basis, examining their role on the squad and expectations relative to capabilities. So come along for the ride as we look ahead to 2010-11, from Andersson to Wilson. Next up: David Legwand.
Today we arrive at the player who, Kevin Klein notwithstanding, probably receives the most love/hate sentiment on all the roster. The Predators' first-ever draft pick, David Legwand is constantly under the microscope. There are certain expectations for a player picked 2nd overall, and most would say that Legwand has not lived up to them. Whether he has or not is your own call. There's no doubt, though, that as goes David Legwand, so go the Predators.
We'll evaluate his upcoming season after the jump.
Sullivan, Dumont lead informal drills
From the Tennessean's Josh Cooper comes the news that JP Dumont and Steve Sullivan are leading a group of Predators who have returned to Centennial Sportsplex ice. Among those participating in the drills are Colin Wilson, Matt Lombardi, Cody Franson, and six others.
Nashville Predators trade for defenseman Grant Lewis
by Dirk Hoag on Sep 1, 2010 1:54 PM EDT
in Nashville Predators News
5 comments
The Nashville Predators made another move to bolster their organizational defensive depth, trading prospect Ian McKenzie to Atlanta for defenseman Grant Lewis.
Follow after the jump for analysis, and the press release from the Preds:
Nashville Predators 2010-11 Season Preview: Sergei Kostitsyn
by Chris Burton on Sep 1, 2010 11:58 AM EDT
in Nashville Predators Player Profiles
3 comments
In the weeks leading up to the new season, we'll preview the Nashville Predators on a player-by-player basis, examining their role on the squad and expectations relative to capabilities. So come along for the ride as we look ahead to 2010-11, from Andersson to Wilson. Next up: Sergei Kostitsyn.
In yet another example of David Poile picking through the scrap heap, the Nashville Predators traded the negotiation rights of Dustin Boyd and Dan Ellis to the Montreal Canadiens for the rights to Belarusian winger Sergei Kostitsyn. Kostitsyn, known mainly for his poor attitude in the locker room (Alexander Radulov, anyone?), has been gifted with sublime offensive skill and the potential to be a high scoring forward. That said, it's common knowledge that Barry Trotz does not accept anything less than 100% effort from his players.
Can the younger Kostitsyn brother pan out in Nashville, or will it be money wasted? We'll take a look after the jump.
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