We haven’t seen pucks fired in anger for a couple weeks now, but July 1 is always one of the most exciting days on the hockey calendar, as NHL general managers enter the demolition derby known as the Free Agency market. Some will tweak their rosters, others will stand aside, but a few will make bold, decisive moves in a bid to set themselves up for a run at the 2013 Stanley Cup.
It all starts at 11:00 a.m. Central, and we’ll have an open thread posted here for folks to follow along with all the fun. Until then, here are your morning hockey notes…
Nashville Predators News
Gaustad: “We have a chance of winning the Stanley Cup” – Predators Insider
You have to like Gaustad’s endorsement of the team here – of course he’s getting a juicy contract, but if he didn’t believe in a legitimate chance to win, I highly doubt he’d skip hitting the market.
Nashville Predators wait on Ryan Suter | The Tennessean
Josh Cooper sets the table for what the Preds face.
David Poile confident he has done all he can to this point with Ryan Suter – Nashville Predators Examiner
He has indeed, but the decision rests with Suter.
Why the Preds could be a major player tomorrow… | Section 303
Jeremy sees a scenario where the Big Three are kept intact, and the Preds bring in a superstar, too.
Smashville 24/7 – Dev. Camp notebook: Watson aims for NHL spot
Let’s just see him make the jump to the AHL, first.
Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey
He Went Where? Charting Why NHL Free Agents Sign Where They Sign – Lighthouse Hockey
Here’s a chart even you hockey stats haters will enjoy.
Prized UFA Justin Schultz chooses Edmonton Oilers | Edmonton Journal
I love the fact that the Oilers trotted out Gretzky & Coffey to help make the pitch.
Hidden gems to hit the UFA market tomorrow | Backhand Shelf
Will we look back at some of these guys a year or two from now and call them tremendous acquisitions?
Why Brandon Sutter Makes Sense for the Pittsburgh Penguins – The Hockey Writers
He’s stepping into an ideal situation, in a supporting role behind Crosby & Malkin.
Pens Re-sign Matt Niskanen to to two year, $2.3 million cap hit – PensBurgh
The defenseman has seemingly found a home in Pittsburgh.
Blue Jackets re-sign F Boll; agree to terms with D Holden – TSN
LOL.
A History of the NHL’s Current Logos – Blog – icethetics.info
Droppin’ a little history lesson on you this morning.
The Peter Principle Alive and Well in the NHL – Hockey Rants
The Grand Master of Hockey Rants returns with a classic shot at 3 roundly derided general managers.