Smashville News:
A look at the Nashville Predators’ new defense after David Poile’s moves | A to Z Sports
Alex takes a look at what the comings and goings will mean to the blue line next year.
Nashville Predators sign UFA forward Brad Richardson to one-year, $1M contract | On the Forecheck
At this rate, only about nine more signings to go!
Preds Thank Season-Ticket Citizens by Eliminating November Payment | NHL.com
Uh-huh. Good news if you’re a season ticket holder.
2019-20 Nashville Predators Player Report Cards: Juuse Saros | On the Forecheck
“How did the younger Finnish netminder perform this season?”
More good doggos leaving Nashville. Tula Smith and also June and Willow Weber. Pabla Rinne needs to get an Instagram account.
Central Division News:
Blackhawks’ rebuild ‘comes as a shock’ to Jonathan Toews per report – Chicago Sun-Times
“Toews, in an interview Sunday with The Athletic, said Hawks management never conveyed their plans to rebuild to him or the team’s other core players.” How can this be a surprise? What did the four of them think would happen down the road when they used up all of that cap space with full no movement/trade protection?
Doctors Recommend Bryan Little Not Play In 2020-21 | Pro Hockey Rumors
I must have missed this earlier. All the best to Bryan Little as he attempts to recover from last fall’s slapshot to the head. Apparently this makes Paul Stastny the number two center. Hmmm.
Chambers: Avalanche victorious in Nikita Zadorov-for-Brandon Saad trade | Denver Post
I’ve always coveted Brandon Saad for the Nashville Predators (imagine the boost to Handsome/60) but was resigned that he wouldn’t be traded to us. Who knew the Chicago Blackhawks would also retain salary? If he clicks in Colorado, the strong just got stronger. (Also on Monday they traded two second round picks to the New York Islanders for Devon Toews. The Colorado Avalanche are seriously coming next year.)
Other Hockey News:
New York Rangers sign No. 1 pick Alexis Lafreniere to entry-level contract | ESPN
“The Rangers signed No. 1 pick Alexis Lafreniere to an entry-level deal for $925,000 annually, the rookie max.” That was fast.
Crawford brings stability to goalie tandem for Devils, Brodeur says | NHL.com
This was one of the more surprising developments of the UFA period for me. First, Corey Crawford being available, and then, Corey Crawford signing with the New Jersey Devils.
NHL Power Rankings: Best free agent signings so far this offseason | NBC Sports
Surprise, surprise, the Nashville Predators don’t appear in this top 22 list. Craig Smith to Boston for just over $3 million a year is ranked number 2—yes, 2!
Winners and losers of Day 1 of NHL Free Agency | Yahoo.com
Annnddd…here the Kyle Turris signing is considered a win. I’m thinking we must have lost somewhere between these two.
NHL All-Decade Team: A Superstar Squad 10 Years in the Making | The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated
Sigh. Thank goodness for Roman Josi. Shea Weber, P.K. Subban and Pekka Rinne do appear in the honorable mentions.
Washington Capitals Open New Street Hockey Rink in Kensington | Montgomery Community Media
Cool!