Friday's Dump & Chase: Characteristics
Coming into hockey as a Nashville Predators fan gives you certain blind spots. You assume arenas are in great, easily-accessible locations. You are surprised that developing defensemen seems to be difficult for most teams. Puck-moving defensemen are coveted around the league: who knew?
Around Hockey
The value of a forward with net-front presence - TSN
Travis Yost pokes at quantifying net-front presence.
Puck drops for third annual Hockey Classic Saturday at Maple Ridge's Planet Ice - Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Times
Nashville alum Victor Bartley will be in attendance.
Cult of Hockey: Chiarelli has failed to bring in puck-moving specialist on defence | Edmonton Journal
But they did get defenseman, so that has to count for something.
Remaining free agents who could make a difference | ESPN
While I wouldn't object against giving the Poile special to a player like Sam Gagner, it's probably more cost effective to just give the spot to someone already under an ELC.
Erik Karlsson joins Brad Paisley on stage | NHL.com
Can we get some Erik Karlsson to Nashville rumors?
Former Canadiens analyst Matt Pfeffer clarifies on Subban trade - Sportsnet.ca
Sorry, he'll forever be known as "that one dude who got fired because he didn't want to trade P.K. Subban".
Jamie McGinn eager to join Coyotes as scorer, leader | AZ Central
To complement the young playmakers already on the roster – and the ones lingering in the pipeline – the Coyotes added winger Jamie McGinn on the first day of free agency.
The Care and Feeding of Eight Defensemen, or How Development is a Two-Way Street - Defending Big D
Some interesting observations here, although Nashville fans don't generally angst over our eighth defenseman.
Owner says Las Vegas NHL team having trademark issues with name – The Denver Post
It turns out you can't just name a new team anything you want.
NHL can’t crack Top 50 most valuable sports franchises | Puck Daddy
This isn't particularly surprising, but it is worth pointing out that NHL teams are still increasing in value.
Report: Ben Scrivens To Sign In KHL - TSS
I wish him good luck (and to actually get paid).
Florida Panthers overhaul defense after losing in NHL Playoffs | Miami Herald
While I don't think the four exiting defensemen were the cause of the Panthers' early exit, their defense should be better this upcoming season.