Tonight in Minnesota we’ll take in the first round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, and while the Nashville Predators don’t currently have such a pick, the wheeling and dealing gets intense these days so anything can happen. There will plenty of other items worth watching for tonight (starting at 6:00 on Versus), including the announcement of the mysterious name of Winnipeg’s hockey team (hint: it rhymes with Mets).
Follow after the jump for your draft setup, along with a bunch of afternoon hockey links!
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Nashville Predators Draft Info
First off, here’s where the Predators have selections heading into this weekend:
| Pick | Player | |
| 38 (Round 2) | From New Jersey (Jason Arnott Trade) | |
| 52 (Round 2) | Nashville Predators Own Pick | |
| 82 (Round 3) | Nashville Predators Own Pick | |
| 94 (Round 4) | From Florida (Mike Santorelli Trade) | |
| 112 (Round 4) | Nashville Predators Own Pick | |
| 142 (Round 5) | Nashville Predators Own Pick | |
| 172 (Round 6) | Nashville Predators Own Pick | |
| 202 (Round 7) | Nashville Predators Own Pick |
Notes: Nashville traded its first round pick to Ottawa in the Mike Fisher trade
Preds On The Glass: Nashville Predators Fan’s Guide for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
Buddy’s got the goods for you, and will be on the ground in Minnesota all weekend.
LIVE FROM DENVER: Some Preds “Draft Facts” | Section 303
Assorted appetizers for your brain from Jeremy, who is also there.
Preds On The Glass: David Poile Speaks to the Media at the 2010 NHL Awards Show
Get a hefty dose of DP in preparation for the draft tonight. This includes an interesting comparison between Nashville’s approach to amateur scouting and Detroit’s.
Dobber Nation – Podcast on iTunes.
DobberHockey’s latest podcast episode features Nashville Predators scout Jason Bukala, talking about draft strategy and Nashville’s approach.
Smashville 24/7: Predators Draft Primer
Ryan wouldn’t be surprised to see a goalie taken at some point.
Down Goes Brown: 2011 NHL Draft Preview
A handy guide to the kids who will take the stage tonight, such as this bit: “Johnathan Huberdeau – Raised some eyebrows during the interview portion of the combine when, on the advice of his agents, he spent his entire interview with New York Islanders management nervously denying that he had ever played hockey before. “
Nashvile Predators News
Paul McCann – Schedule Review and Random Notes
Paul picks out what he sees as the toughest stretches of the Preds’ upcoming season.
Is New Predators Schedule A Preview Of Re-alignment? – Predlines
Not really, but it’ll be neat to have a home-and-home set with Washington this season.
TGIDD, And Other Notes | Admirals Roundtable
The gang in Milwaukee should get to watch this weekend’s draftees as pros long before we will.
Around the NHL
Kings’ Smyth heading to Flames, pending ownership approval – TSN
Ryan Smyth appears headed back to Alberta, but not to Edmonton. I’m not sure he’ll be such a great help to the Flames, though.
Maple Leafs add former Thrashers GM Dudley to front office – TSN
Rick Dudley lands a job in Toronto… now where will former Thrashers head coach Craig Ramsey go?
Carter Quiet – Puck-Rakers Blog
Jeff Carter‘s none too happy about getting traded just months after signing an 11-year contract with Philadelphia. Pretty much the same thing happened with Dan Boyle in Tampa.
Beasts of the Southeast : Scratch Brewer Off the UFA List: Where Does That Leave Tampa Bay?
Eric Brewer signs an extension in Tampa.
Puck Daddy’s 10 can’t-miss dates of the 2011-12 NHL season – Puck Daddy
The title says it all…
Black Dog Hates Skunks: The Cock Of Nothing
Edmonton is walking down a long, dark tunnel, but does Steve Tambellini really know the way out?
Save money with coupon code for Warrior & UnderArmour gear | Hockey Gear HQ – news, reviews & deals
Using this special offer code will give you an extra 15% off already-discounted Warrior and UnderArmour items found at Hockey Monkey. Even if you don’t play hockey, the UnderArmour selection is pretty impressive.
3 places to buy Winnipeg Jets NHL gear | Hockey Gear HQ – news, reviews & deals
By choosing the Winnipeg Jets as their name, the relocated NHL team can tap into an existing hockey culture in Manitoba. Their new logo & colors haven’t made it onto merchandise yet, but the old stuff will be in demand.