Smashville:
Predators added tenacity at the expense of offense | Nashville Post
This remains the elephant in the room for me. They traded or let walk over 70 goals a year and got back around 30. Granted the remaining top-four forwards need to be better this year, but they also seem to be depending on some of the kids to blow the doors off. My personal theory is that David Poile and/or the owners don’t believe next season is likely to happen on the current schedule and are avoiding (at least for now) spending money they don’t need to spend.
Hockey Halloween Weekend: Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 | Nashville Predators
“Celebrate Halloween with the Nashville Predators at Hockey Halloween Weekend presented by Mars Wrigley!” Some fun stuff looks to be going on for Halloween.
It hadn’t occurred to me that the Kyle Turris trade also meant the end of the Ida + Julie Off the Ice podcast. They’ll be missed.
Central Division News:
What former Nashville Predators forward Nick Bonino can bring to the NHL’s Minnesota Wild | Hockey Wilderness
“The surprising swap sending forward Luke Kunin to the Nashville Predators.” I for one will miss Nick Bonino. He actually played “the Predator way”.
Blackhawks injury updates on Brent Seabrook, Andrew Shaw, Zack Smith | Chicago Sun-Times
Quite the range of possibilities for LTIR and cap space for the Chicago Blackhawks—and with just three players!
Avalanche reach new contracts with Tyson Jost, Hunter Miska | ESPN
“The Avalanche agreed to a one-year deal with restricted free agent Tyson Jost and a two-year extension with goaltender Hunter Miska.”
Other Hockey News:
Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick retiring as hockey play-by-play broadcaster | ESPN
Truly the end of an era. Doc Emrick is a class act.
Emrick retirement prompts outpouring of love on social media | NHL.com
I didn’t follow the link in the last paragraph—but if anyone does, please report back!
NHL Power Rankings: The best trade additions of the offseason | NBC Sports
Welp. Luke Kunin to Nashville comes in at #16. Unfortunately, Nick Bonino to Minnesota comes in at #10.
Hoffman, Granlund, Vatanen among remaining unrestricted free agents | NHL.com
Remember when we all wanted to save Alex Galchenyuk? If we’re really serious about going for the Stanley Cup this year, David Poile should sign Pat Maroon to a one year deal.
Edmonton Oilers making sizable gamble on goaltending tandem | TSN.ca
It’s too bad about their cap crunch, because they missed out on one of the best goalie markets in recent years.
P.K. Subban on NHL social change, ‘The Last Dance,’ nearly being a Pittsburgh Penguin and more | ESPN
“The Devils defenseman checks in on the league’s social justice initiatives and much more.” Remember when we had a player that got interviewed all the time? Oh…..wait…..um…yeah.
The NHL Says ‘Hockey Is For Everyone.’ Black Players Aren’t So Sure. | FiveThirtyEight
“Organizations of players and fans are trying to change the makeup and attitude of the overwhelmingly white league.” Today’s long read. More talk and analysis—still precious little concrete action.