In his sophomore season at Boston University, Colin Wilson put it all together, winning a National Championship and being a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award. Is he ready to take a big step forward in his sophomore season as a pro, too? Our first update below looks at that question.
After the jump we've also got updates on NHL teams over in Europe getting ready for their season openers, a new Predators blog for you to check out, and some video awesomeness from the world of high school hockey...
Are you all set for Saturday night's opener? Readers of On the Forecheck can take advantage of a special offer to save big on Nashville Predators tickets.
Nashville Predators News
Preds On The Glass: Colin Wilson Looks For Consistency and Tuesday Tidbits
Buddy looks at whether Colin Wilson is ready to get it done night in, night out.
Hockey Night in Nashville: My Hockey History
Robby shares his background as a hockey fan, beginning with those Mighty Ducks movies.
Yarn of my Sweater: Why me, why you, and why yarn?
A new Predators blog clambers out of its egg...
Nashville Predators Projections | The Checking Line
Greg notes that making predictions for the Preds can be tough, considering the way Barry Trotz likes to switch up his lines.
HFBoards - Prospect Info Preds select JOONAS RASK - 7th round - 198th overall
An HFBoards member from Finland provides a scouting report on a Preds prospect who went up against the Minnesota Wild in an exhibition game the other day.
If Preds claim Ersberg, what’s the domino effect in the system?… | Section 303
Jeremy follows the falling dominoes if the Twitter-fueled speculation about the Preds claiming Erik Ersberg were to come true (it won't, per a direct quote from Barry Trotz).
Coming Down the Pipe!: From a Buckeye To a Cougar
The Predators' 5th-round draft choice in 2008, Taylor Stefishon, leaves Ohio State to join the Prince George Cougars of the WHL. As a Michigan alumnus, I can say that getting out of Columbus is obviously a step in the right direction.
Nashville Predators get scoring touch from healthy Joel Ward - The Tennessean
Joel Ward was hobbled by injury right from the start last year, and hopes to start quickly on fresh legs this time around.
Around the NHL
Puck Daddy’s 'Create a Sports Illustrated Cover’ Contest Gallery 1 - Puck Daddy
Wow... just... wow.
Who's on the hot seat in the West? - 2010-2011 Season Preview
John Kreiser picks one guy from each team who faces major pressure. Personally, I'd go with Pekka Rinne, but his choice isn't a bad one.
2010-11 NHL season preview: Our NHL experts make their Stanley Cup and awards predictions - ESPN
Well what do you know, there are a couple Nashville appearances in there.
Down Goes Brown: Take the Quiz: How will your team do this season?
More juicy goodness to get you ready for Opening Night...
Leafs hope new defensive shift brings progress - Elliotte Friedman
Elliotte's latest "30 thoughts" highlights a visit to Detroit's hockey training camp.
NHL Network releases its 2010-11 regular season TV schedule - ProHockeyTalk
The Preds will make just one appearance on the NHL Network this season (out of 78 games they'll broadcast), a January 16 game against Chicago.
A Case of the Mondays: Flames Sign Morrison, Pelech Waived - Matchsticks and Gasoline
After failing to reach an agreement with Vancouver, veteran center Brendan Morrison headed over to Calgary.
Malmö, Liberec host Wednesday's NHL vs. Europe games - Puck Worlds
Bruce sets the table for Columbus vs. Malmo, and HC Bili Tygri Liberec vs. Boston.
We Gotta Get Out Of This Place: SKA St. Petersburg 5, Carolina Hurricanes 3 - Canes Country
Things got chippy over in Russia, as the Hurricanes benched Eric Staal in the third period for fear of him getting hurt.
Leafs go high-tech in hunt for Stanley Cup - thestar.com
Ron Wilson has long been an advocate for using technology for analyzing the game, and he continues to develop those tools with Toronto.
What Is Zdeno Chara Worth? | The Hockey Writers
Boston's giant defenseman is ready for a contract extension, and it will be interesting to see whether this impacts the negotiations between Shea Weber & Nashville.
Cammalleri gets one-game suspension - Habs Eyes On The Prize
The Montreal winger gets a game for slashing Nino Niderreiter over the weekend.
New Jersey Devils Make First Moves, Have More to Make by October 6 - In Lou We Trust
Ilya Kovalchuk's deal with the Devils necessitates further roster changes to get under the salary cap, so keep an eye out for news from New Jersey.
Ohlund out for at least a fortnight - Raw Charge
Tampa Bay, which has been the subject of so much optimism entering this season, will have to start without their most experienced defenseman as Mattias Ohlund will sit out a couple weeks with an injured knee.
NHL, NHL Officials' Association reach tentative four-year agreement - NHL.com
Just in time, the league strikes a deal with the referees and linesmen to avoid some serious labor nastiness.
NHL Could Start Bidding War in Next Rights Deal " Puck The Media
This is the final season of the NHL's current contract with Versus, and by getting ESPN & Fox Sports into the bidding, the league might be able to secure a more lucrative deal moving forward.
Lastly, courtesy of Puck Daddy, here's some seriously cool stuff (be sure to hang in there until the very end):
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