While fans become increasingly stressed out as the September 15 expiration of the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement approaches, the players and owners haven’t shown much interest in making significant progress towards striking a deal. Part of the problem there is that the players won’t feel the pain of a lockout for quite a while yet, so don’t be surprised to see them dig in for the long haul.
Our morning hockey notes have more on that front, while our local section touches on the Nashville Predators’ new top defensive pair of Shea Weber & Roman Josi, and how they’re starting to work together on the ice…
Nashville Predators News
Nashville Predators’ Shea Weber, Roman Josi work to develop chemistry | The Tennessean
Weber & Josi, sitting in a tree. P-A-S-S-I-N-G…
And while at a skate the other day, Josh Cooper also shot some video of the Preds…
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
Deadline? What Deadline? – The Spin
Since the players wouldn’t normally get any paychecks until the season starts in October, this weekend’s expiration of the current CBA isn’t the type of deadline that will truly apply pressure.
NHL CBA Negotiations: Some Movement Today? – Blueshirt Banter
The two sides will meet this morning apparently, but don’t expect much.
Justin Bieber gets totally legit contract offer from ECHL’s Bakersfield Condors | Puck Daddy
You have to love minor league sports teams, and their ability to draw attention to themselves.
Some Flames players decide to participate in team’s charity golf tournament – The Globe and Mail
It looked like all the Calgary players were going to ditch a charity event this week, even though not all of them were going to the NHLPA meetings in New York. Now, some have reconsidered.
Sidney Crosby’s thinking about playing overseas during NHL lockout | Puck Daddy
This makes it all the more odd to me that the Preds’ players are saying no such thing.
Wait What? Actual News? A Signing? What Do We Do Now? – Second City Hockey
The Blackhawks make a nice, solid pickup in defenseman Michal Rozsival.
Bruins Sign Tyler Seguin To Six Year Contract Extension – Stanley Cup of Chowder
Another six-year deal while the owners negotiate to limit contracts to five years. *sigh*
Here are KHL’s guidelines for signing locked-out NHL players; mandatory Stanley Cup finalist? | Puck Daddy
Hmm… why so picky?
Canes Now – Jared Staal faces ‘biggest year of career’ | newsobserver.com blogsStepping out from behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin puts a lot of pressure on Staal to deliver in a key role for Carolina. Yeah, I’m a doofus in the morning.
With Seattle Arena Deal Done, is NHL Next? – The Hockey Writers
I certainly hope so, I’ve been banging the drum for Seattle to get a team for years now.
Breakaway: From Behind the Iron Curtain to the NHL: The Untold Story of Hockey’s Great Escapes | Backhand Shelf
This book looks very, very cool.
Looking at EA Sports “NHL” series over the years (infographic) | Backhand Shelf
For those who dig infographics…
Video Game Reviews | NHL 13 | RotoRob
Our former SB Nation comrade Mike Chen has a comprehensive review.
‘NHL 13’ review: get smart | The Verge
And here’s the view from our gaming & tech colleagues over at The Verge. I feel smarter after just reading this review…
Once again, Burke’s Leafs could stick with the status quo – The Globe and Mail
You know it’s bad when some fans in Toronto would rather see the season lost than have the Leafs hit the ice.