Even though the NHL Trade Deadline is still a month away, the trades are coming fast and furious these days. After two blockbuster deals on Sunday, last night the Calgary Flames completed a trade with the New York Rangers that sends Olli Jokinen.
After the jump we have reaction to that deal, as well as notes about other players that are likely to be on the market, and speculation as to when we'll see Colin Wilson recalled to Nashville. Will he be the Preds' big addition for the stretch run?
Predators News
Preds On The Glass: POTG Radio Podcast and Tuesday Tidbits
Buddy's morning update includes a recap of last night's podcast, which starts off with a well-deserved rant against WSMV, which decided to air a despicable bigot's telethon rather than broadcast the Red Wings/Penguins game on Sunday.
Game Night - Critical WC Showdown - Paul McCann
Paul highlights how important this week's home games are, as each brings a potential playoff opponent into town and the Preds are finally able to put together a relatively healthy lineup.
Preds 101: AOAG: Hockey Gods, Free Safeties, and Long Bombs
When defensemen wind up from the point, a blocked shot can often turn into a dangerous rush the other way.
Decision on Roman Josi’s availability for Olympics likely to come Wednesday - Nashville Predators Examiner
Keep your (non-broken) fingers crossed that Josi gets medical clearance to represent Switzerland in Vancouver.
Ward seems to be Preds' good luck charm - Nashville City Paper
Wow. "Nashville is now 18-0-0 this season when Ward scores a point and 19-2-2 since the start of last season when he has a goal."
Trade deadline preview: Why some NHL teams will covet Carolina Hurricanes forward Ray Whitney - ESPN
Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun speculate that Nashville could be interested in Ray Whitney as a trade deadline rental... he could certainly help the Preds' power play.
Predators keep eye on Colin Wilson - The Tennessean
Fresh off of winning the AHL Rookie of the Month for January, the question naturally turns to when we'll see Colin Wilson back with the Preds. My guess is that it wouldn't happen before the Olympic break, assuming injuries aren't an issue.
Around the NHL
Olli Jokinen trade finally official for Flames, Rangers - Puck Daddy
The beat goes on as Calgary makes another big trade, although this one makes little sense. While shipping the disappointing Olli Jokinen out of town, the Flames are taking on the equally enigmatic Ales Kotalik.
An In-Depth Look At Olli Jokinen - Hockey or Die
For a guy who puts up impressive scoring numbers, the big Finn draws a lot of ire from analysts and fans wherever he goes. Jonathan Willis examines why.
Down Goes Brown: Hacked: Gary Bettman's Gmail account
Dynamite stuff from the Mighty DGB.
Trying to make sense of hitting and fighting - TSN
Bob McKenzie points out the absurdity of NHL players having to answer for a clean hit by having someone come up and fight them, and the related notion that "star" players are somehow off-limits.
Is there a Canadian media conspiracy against the Capitals? - Puck Daddy
Perhaps the better question is, why does a certain portion of the Caps fan base overreact to perceived slights against them?
Jackets' Torres likely on trading block | BlueJacketsXtra
Raffi Torres is a gritty winger with 16 goals this season for Columbus, and his contract is up this summer. That makes him a candidate for the trade market...
Canucks and Kesler's Agent Cease Negotiations / Salo Probable For Tuesday - Nucks Misconduct
Is Vancouver going to be able to re-sign one of their top forwards?
KuklasKorner : Goal Line Report : An Interview with Japers’ Rink
Patrick Hoffman interviews J.P., the driving force behind one of the top hockey blogs out there.
Goal Line Report : An Interview With a Hockey Insider: Bob McKenzie
Patrick also gets an interview with one of the absolute best hockey reporters in the business.
Coyotes' stunning season gives Tippett the Jack Adams edge - Puck Daddy
Trotzy's a gem, but you have to admire what the Phoenix Coyotes have accomplished this season after a summer of turmoil.
Nick Boynton On Waivers - Hockey or Die
Hmm... might a pickup like this allow the Preds to make a trade?
Who gets the Toughest Matchups: Defensemen - Behind The Net
Hawerchuk provides some context for the Nashville masses who are sick of seeing the combo of Dan Hamhuis and Kevin Klein on the Preds' blueline.