Nashville Predators News & Notes
Great Friends Haula, Granlund Reunite in Nashville with Preds | Nashville Predators
So shortly after officially announcing the Mikael Granlund re-signing, the Preds immediately turned around and signed another former Minnesota Wild forward in Erik Haula. The deal is only for one year, and is certainly a bargain when it comes to price, but it came out of seemingly nowhere. This also leaves things rather crowded in the forward department.
So… what will the lines look like to start this season? I’m glad you asked. Here’s my stab at how things will likely shake out.
Forsberg – Johansen – Arvidsson
Granlund – Duchene – Kunin(?)
Grimaldi – Haula(?) – Sissons/Järnkrok
Järnkrok/Sissons – Cousins – Trenin
Josi – Ellis
Ekholm – Fabbro
Borowiecki – Benning
Saros
Rinne
Extras: Richardson, Tinordi
(Rogue) Taxi Squad(ron) – Tolvanen, Tomasino, Allard, Carrier, Ingram, Pitlick
Preds, NHL Announce Schedule for 2020-21 Season | Nashville Predators
Break out those 2021 planners. The official schedule for the upcoming season has been revealed.
Other Hockey News & Notes
NHL will be aggressive in trying new initiatives amid hunt to grow revenues | Sportsnet
In the hunt to grow revenues as COVID vaccines are distributed through North America, the NHL is going to be aggressive in trying new things, including advertisements on helmets and virtual on-ice advertisements.
Lightning’s Kucherov to have hip surgery, will miss regular season | Sportsnet
Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov will undergo hip surgery and will miss the 2020-21 regular season, general manager Julien BriseBois announced Wednesday. This is obviously a significant blow for the Lightning, but it could help alleviate some of the current cap issues.
Chicago Blackhawks’ Alex Nylander (knee) out four-to-six months | TSN
Chicago Blackhawks forward Alex Nylander is expected to miss four-to-six months after undergoing knee surgery to repair a meniscus tear.
The Blues announce new team leadership | St. Louis Game Time
In a move that should shock no one, Ryan O’Reilly has been named the 23rd captain of the St. Louis Blues.
Devils re-sign goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood to three-year deal | Sportsnet
The New Jersey Devils have locked up goaltender MacKenzie Blackwood to a three-year deal with a $2.8 million AAV.
Montreal Canadiens sign forward Michael Frolik to a one-year, $750,000 contract | TSN
The Montreal Canadiens have signed forward Michael Frolik to a one-year, $750,000 contract. Frolik had six goals and 14 points in 47 games with the Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres last season.
NHL postpones February outdoor game in North Carolina | ESPN
In a move that we all knew was likely coming, the NHL has postponed the outdoor Stadium Series game in North Carolina that was expected to be played in February.