Predators trade Anders Lindback to Tampa Bay

David Poile has found his way back into the upper reaches of the upcoming NHL draft, by sending backup goalie Anders Lindback to the Tampa Bay Lightning. This comes on the heels of the announcement that goaltending prospect Magnus Hellberg is coming over from Sweden. There has been some urgency to get back into the first two rounds after so many top draft picks were given up in the trades for Paul Gaustad and Andrei Kostitsyn at this year's trade deadline.

So here's the deal:

To Tampa Bay: Anders Lindback, Kyle Wilson, 7th round pick this year.

To Nashville: Sebastion Caron, two 2nd-round picks (#37 & 50) in this year's draft, and a 3rd rounder in 2013.

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Anders Lindback

#39 / Goalie / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-6

Weight: 203

Born: May 03, 1988

Fake Twitter: @FakeLindback

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	GP	MIN	W	L	OTL	GA	GAA	SA	SV	SV%	SO
2011 - Anders Lindback	16	792	5	8		32	2.42	364	332	.912	0

Lindback was incredibly popular as the Preds' backup goalie over the last two seasons, and as a 7th-round pick from 2008, you'd have to look at his time in the organization as a major win (another feather in the cap of Mitch Korn).

As a backup he's shown potential in spots, but his numbers don't scream DOMINANT so far, and the question of how well he can handle a starter's workload over the course of several months is still very much open. The most games he's played in any one season is 42, posted in 2009-2010 during his last season in the Swedish Elite League.

Farewell, Anders. We'll always have Costco:

Go to People & Places -> Best Blog & cast your daily vote for OTF in the Toast of Music City 2012!

The Preds' press release follows:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has acquired two second-round draft selections (37th and 50th overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, a 2013 third-round selection and goaltender Sebastien Caron in exchange for goaltender Anders Lindback, forward Kyle Wilson and a 2012 seventh-round selection (202nd overall).

The Predators now have nine selections in next week's Entry Draft at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. In addition to Tampa's two picks, and three picks of its own, Nashville previously acquired Toronto's third-round pick (66th overall), Phoenix's fourth-round pick (118th overall), Dallas' sixth-round pick (164th overall) and the New York Rangers' sixth-round pick (179th overall).

Lindback was a seventh-round choice of the Predators (207th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Wilson, Minnesota's ninth-round selection (272nd overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, was signed as a free agent prior to the 2011-12 season.

The 2012 NHL Draft will take place at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh. The first round is Friday, June 22 starting at 6 p.m. CST and the subsequent rounds (two through seven) will begin at 9 a.m. CST on Saturday, June 23.

Magnus Hellberg is coming to America

The Nashville Predators' goaltending situation just got a little more interesting, with news that 2011 2nd-round draft pick Magnus Hellberg (the first goalie taken, at #38 overall) will come over to North America for the 2012-2013 season.

Will this mean the end of Anders Lindback as the Predators backup?

This report, translated via Google, comes from the Gothenberg Post:

Ice hockey goalkeeper announced the club on Friday that he uses his NHL clause and sign a contract with the Nashville Predators.

21-year-old acted as backup to the Danish Frederik Andersen during parts of last year's season.

"When the situation with the goalkeepers in Frölunda being what it is, I feel that I need to move me to not stay in the development," says Hellberg said in a statement.

Last season, the Predators had five goalies in their system over here - Pekka Rinne & Lindback in Nashville, Jeremy Smith & Atte Engren in Milwaukee, and Chet Pickard in Cincinnati. Engren may well head back to Europe this summer, while Pickard continues to spin his wheels in the ECHL, so it shouldn't be too hard to find playing time for Hellberg either as Milwaukee's starter or Nashville's backup. One would presume there will be a battle in training camp with Jeremy Smith for the opportunity to earn NHL vs. AHL pay.

According to this report, Hellberg has one more year left on his contract with Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League, but has an out-clause for coming over here which had to be exercised by today.

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Suter saga still looms over Nashville: Saturday's notes

Yesterday's trade of Anders Lindback to the Tampa Bay Lightning is drawing widespread approval from Preds fans - in spite of Lindback's popularity, it's obvious that he wasn't going to be a starter here and in exchange for giving him that opportunity somewhere else, at least David Poile got back a couple 2nd-round draft picks for next week.

Unfortunately, that sort of pragmatism has been much more difficult to apply to the Ryan Suter situation. Despite every indication that Suter will test the free agency market on July 1, Poile has gamely kept negotiating, hoping to get Sutes locked up long-term by selling hard on what it means to stay here. Just listen to the second half of his interview yesterday on 102.5's Sports Revolution, and you'll hear a GM who is in full-on recruiting mode - for a player who has already been here seven years.

As I wrote six months ago, the Predators' leverage in this situation has dwindled away over the course of time, and is now almost entirely gone. Perhaps they can trade his rights to a team which covets some one-on-one time enough to part with a draft pick over the next few days, but again, given his apparent intent to hit the market on July 1 (and why wouldn't he?), that doesn't even make much sense.

While many might characterize the trades for Hal Gill, Andrei Kostitsyn and Paul Gaustad as playoff-rental gambles by the Predators that went bust, perhaps the biggest bet of all was holding on to #20 until the bitter end.

Your Saturday hockey notes begin with more on yesterday's happenings, before taking you for a spin around the league...

Go to People & Places -> Best Blog & cast your daily vote for OTF in the Toast of Music City 2012!

Nashville Predators News

What the Lindback trade means - Predators Insider
It means that Mitch Korn deserves a pat on the back.

Tampa Bay Lightning resolves its goaltending issue with acquisition of Anders Lindback - Lightning Strikes | Tampa Bay Times
Maybe the nice return that the Preds got for Lindback is a case of "seen him good" by Yzerman.

Predators Ship Out Lindback and Wilson | Admirals Roundtable
Jason highlights the fact that this trade makes for a great opportunity for Kyle Wilson as well as Lindback, since Wilson is looking forward to a one-way contract next season, which will likely keep him at the NHL level.

Our favorite Anders Lindback moments: #5 | Section 303
You know a backup goalie is popular when he gets his own tribute series.

Predators want to bring Colin Wilson back in 2012-13 - Nashville Predators Examiner
...but does Colin want to stay?

Nashville Predators hold out hope of retaining Ryan Suter | The Tennessean
Josh Cooper sums up yesterday's media call. The key word in that title is "hope".

Suter's agent: No list of teams he will or won't go to | StarTribune.com
I agree with Russo about this - "if you're another team, how do you give up any assets for Suter's rights unless you're given permission to have a conversation with the guy first to see if he's even interested in signing prior to July 1? ...If Suter's waited this long, why wouldn't he just wait until July 1 to sign with a team?"

A few thoughts on Suter - Predators Insider
The other danger to consider here is how the Predators have let the Suter drama hold up progress pretty much everywhere else on the roster.

10,000 bees swarm outside of Bridgestone Arena - WSMV Channel 4
WTF? These were supposed to be delivered to the visiting locker room six weeks ago!

Top 15 moments of the 2011-12 Preds season: #10 | Section 303
49 million candles on a birthday cake.

Count Martin Gelinas as Another Committed Non-Admirals Coach | Admirals Roundtable
What's with all these Admirals coaches heading to Alberta?

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

NHL free agents, 2012 awards, lockout and more news - NHL - SI.com
Take a thorough trip around the league (including CBA negotiation talk) with Adrian Dater & Allan Muir.

Michael Arace commentary: Nash trade will happen, and soon | BlueJackets Xtra
Get ready for the Rick Nash sweepstakes to kick into high gear.

Down Goes Brown: Behind the scenes at the auditions for the 2012 NHL Awards Show hosting job
Someone needs to film this, it's that good.

How much money would the Edmonton Oilers pay if they signed Hall and Eberle to contract extensions this summer? | Edmonton Journal
That's the thing about loading up on high draft choices. Eventually those players start getting expensive.

Can Anaheim Duck GM Bob Murray Survive Another Slow Start? - The Hockey Writers
If not, look out for flying chairs.

Report: Sheldon Souray Turns Down One-Year, $3 Million Offer From Stars? - Defending Big D
You know, there's an interesting name...

Cox: Maple Leafs likely to pass on Rick Nash, pitch for Roberto Luongo - thestar.com
You know, that's not a bad idea on their part, not bad at all.

HockeyAnalysis.com " Alexander Semin and elite unrestricted free agent
Look at these charts and you'll say wowy, what a player.

The Perfect Stick | Backhand Shelf
Ellen now knows how I felt when I first played with an Easton EQ50. Goosebumps, I tell ya.

Referee Stephane Auger retires; embellishers everywhere breathe a sigh of relief | Puck Daddy
Yeah, he wasn't the most popular ref in the league.

Your favourite team should draft forwards, not defencemen | Backhand Shelf
Heresy!

2012 Stanley Cup Final Zone Exits | NHLNumbers.com
Getting reliable data like this for all games & all teams would be a tremendous boost to the hockey analytics. I'd bet that many (most?) teams do something like this already, but only for their own players.

Source indicates Ryan Suter wants to stay in the West: Thursday afternoon notes

Maybe he just really, really likes airplanes?

Our afternoon hockey notes kick off with a report out of Philadelphia saying that Nashville Predators defenseman (and soon to be free agent) Ryan Suter has pretty much crossed half the league off his list of potential destinations...

Go to People & Places -> Best Blog & cast your daily vote for OTF in the Toast of Music City 2012!

Nashville Predators News

Source: Suter doesn't want to come to Philly - CSN Philly
A "source" says Ryan Suter wants to stay in the Western Conference. Sorry, Winnipeg.

Voices of the Kings' past, and their present disposition still of disbelief - Farther Off the Wall
For Pete Weber, who used to broadcast L.A. Kings games, this Stanley Cup championship brought back memories of his early career.

Pro hockey's progressive anti-bullying campaign sends a message: Straight or gay, You Can Play | Sports | Nashville Scene
Kudos to Shea Weber for supporting the You Can Play project.

Top 15 moments of the 2011-12 Preds season: #11 | Section 303
Jeremy continues to go for the obscure.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Difficult to side with owners in new labor war - The Hockey News
I usually disagree with Adam Proteau, but I'm with him on this one.

Chris Stewart signs 1-year, $3 million extension with Blues | Puck Daddy
Can the goal scorer find his touch again?

Capitals GM McPhee: New coach likely after draft, NHL experience not necessary | Puck Daddy
Get your application in quickly!

David Quinn Named Assistant Coach - Mile High Hockey
The coaching market continues to percolate...

Habs To Hire Gallant and Sign Steve Quailer. - Habs Eyes On The Prize
You can't make poutine without Spuds, right?

Is Craig MacTavish the Edmonton Oilers’ G.M. In Waiting? | Edmonton Journal
There are a lot of Oilers fans who sure hope so.

Tampa Bay Lightning moves its AHL affiliation to Syracuse from Norfolk - Lightning Strikes | Tampa Bay Times
Awkward...

Defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen rejects Nashville Predators contract

While most of our attention has been on the top of the Nashville Predators defensive depth chart, a move to shore up the bottom end hasn't panned out, as reports out of Sweden indicate that Norwegian defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen has rejected a contract offer by the Preds and will stay in Sweden's Elitserien, playing for Farjestad.

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Ole-Kristian Tollefsen

Height: 6-2

Weight: 211

Born: Mar 29, 1984

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From the translated report:

Do you remember last year? When Ole-Kristian Tollefsen was offered a contract by Nashville and wanted to, but was stopped by Modo because the actual release date had passed. He has gotten even stronger bid from the club this summer. But this time it is he and not the club who choose to put an end to the transition.

A veteran of five rather forgettable NHL seasons with Columbus and Philadelphia, Tollefsen would have perhaps added a bit of beef to the 3rd pair, but this isn't a huge loss for the Preds. It sounds like personal reasons played a big role in this decision, as he and his wife have a baby on the way in August.

Kings On Parade: Friday's notes

Yesterday was a day for Los Angeles to celebrate their new Stanley Cup champions, with a parade and rally at the Staples Center. Meanwhile in New York, one fan paid tribute to two members of the organization who were robbed of the chance to take part in this triumph...

Go to People & Places -> Best Blog & cast your daily vote for OTF in the Toast of Music City 2012!

Nashville Predators News

The Must Signs – Defense and Goaltending | The Predatorial
I think Jeremy's a bit optimistic about what it might take to keep Shea Weber & Ryan Suter.

Goaltending camp keeps Nashville Predators assistant Mitch Korn busy in offseason | The Tennessean
Also included here is a note about the Preds talking contract with Paul Gaustad.

Preds in review: David Legwand - Predators Insider
Let's just hope he gets those hands taken care of over the summer, OK?

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Our six favorite things about the Kings’ Stanley Cup parade | Puck Daddy
You gotta love Darryl Sutter.

LA Kings Championship Hat Left at World Trade Center: The Hockey Family Never Forgets - Hockey Wilderness
The two Kings scouts who perished on 9/11 are remembered, too.

Penner indicates he wants to stay with Kings - NHL.com
Someone schedule a recruiting visit for July 1 at the Pancake Pantry.

Russian coach celebrates Scuderi's second Cup - NHL.com
Now this is a nice story.

Kontinental Hockey League - Official Website - Forum shows the future
Can the KHL take a leading role in European hockey? It sounds like that's Alexander Medvedev's plan.

Jets re-sign assistant coaches and add Pearn to staff - TSN
The deposed Montreal assistant (who was let go in poor fashion by the Canadiens) lands in Winnipeg.

Alex Kovalev would love to wear Canadiens jersey again - Montreal Gazette
The old dangler is pretty much campaigning for an NHL job.

My favorite Nashville Predators highlight: The 2 Goals in 9 Seconds

While the uncertainty of free agency looms over the horizon, and we see another team celebrate with the Stanley Cup, it's worth recalling some of the great Nashville Predators moments we've enjoyed in the past. These are the highlights which unite a fan base, and serve as cultural milestones as the history of a team is recorded and introduced to new generations of fans. Samsung is sponsoring a series of "Favorite Sports Highlights" articles here at SB Nation, so it's time for the Preds to take their turn.

For me, one of the absolute greatest moments I've seen in sports came during the 2008 playoffs, when the Preds were battling the Detroit Red Wings in the first round. Down two game to none heading into Game Three, the Predators were looking for a win to keep hope alive, but as they entered the final minutes of the third period they trailed 3-2. Facing a star-studded Red Wings lineup backed the legendary Dominik Hasek in goal, things were looking pretty bleak for the Preds.

Keep in mind, the threat here wasn't just one of playoff elimination. Given all the drama which began with Craig Leipold selling the team the previous spring, Jim Balsillie almost spiriting it away to Hamilton, and the new local group's campaign to achieve crucial attendance benchmarks, the team's very survival in Nashville was at stake.

Until... this:

The energy at Bridgestone Arena is already well-known for being among the best in the league, but that Arnott winner came like a bolt from the blue while the fans were still on their feet celebrating Suter's goal, and took things to an entirely different level. You could hardly communicate with the person right next to you during those moments, it was so loud, and it was then that my youngest son (then 4 years old), who was beside me at the time up in section 312, got the thrill of being a sports fan seared into his DNA.

Yes, we all know the fallout which came from the on-ice celebration. Radulov's jump into Arnott resulted in a concussion which left the team brutally shorthanded, particularly in Games 5 & 6, and the Predators fell to another first-round defeat. The memories made in the late stages of during Game Three, however, rallied the fans to the cause and helped sow the seeds for the continued growth of Nashville as a hockey market. Moments like that serve as the best "word of mouth" advertising a team can hope for.

This is a discussion we've had in years past, but it's worth rekindling. What's your all-time favorite Nashville Predators highlight?

Preds' Martin Gelinas heads to Calgary: Thursday's notes

The immediate aftermath of an NHL season is a busy time for personnel moves, and while the Nashville Predators inch closer to hiring a new head coach for the Milwaukee Admirals, word comes that player development coach Martin Gelinas is leaving the organization for an assistant coaching spot in Calgary.

Meanwhile, on the free agency front, the spotlight turns to New Jersey Devils captain Zach Parise, who has at least told us the one team he won't be signing with this summer...

Go to People & Places -> Best Blog & cast your daily vote for OTF in the Toast of Music City 2012!

Nashville Predators News

Gelinas to rejoin Flames as assistant coach - Calgary Herald
Martin Gelinas leaves his player development role with the Predators to join Bob Hartley's staff in Calgary.

Post Mortem: Part III "Sergei and Colin" - Predlines
Can Colin Wilson capitalize on the departure of AK46 and Radulov?

Preds On The Glass: NHL Awards adds more star power to this year's show
Check out the cavalcade of personalities coming to Buddy's YouTube channel soon.

Elite Edge Hockey | Elite Edge all-stars announced
Check out the list of top players from this week's showcase event over at A-Game Sportsplex.

Thang To Play In Europe Next Season | Admirals Roundtable
Ryan Thang is off to Germany.

Predators ‘close’ to hiring a Milwaukee coach - Predators Insider
This sounds like Luke Skywalker's trench run at the end of Star Wars. "almost there... almost there...

Preds in review: Ryan Suter - Predators Insider
This kid's got a future, I tell ya.

Off-Season Game Plan: Nashville Predators - TSN
A nice overview of the Preds' situation from an outside observer.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

‘No one is going to outbid the Wild’ on Parise, according to former Minnesota GM Lou Nanne | Puck Daddy
Craig Leipold apparently has his heart set on Zach Parise.

2012 Free Agency: Zach Parise Says "No Way" To Signing With Rangers - Blueshirt Banter
Quick, someone ask Ryan Suter what he thinks of Detroit.

Kings go out to the ballgame " LA Kings Insider
The Stanley Cup takes in a Dodgers game... but check out the final photo here. Yowza!

Tribute: Remembering the 2011-12 Los Angeles Kings (in what we swear isn’t a Eulogy) | Puck Daddy
There can be only one... tribute.

Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New Jersey Devils | Puck Daddy
The final entry in the eulogy series highlights the Eastern champs.

Who won the Dustin Penner trade? | Edmonton Journal
Los Angeles-area IHOP restaurants?

The Kings’ Peace | Backhand Shelf
Alternative title: Pax Los Angeles.

Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and the Kings winning Stanley Cup changes nothing for Flyers - Broad Street Hockey
Philly fans can't help but think back to last summer's trades while watching the Kings hoist the Cup.

Washington Capitals coaching search: Craig Berube out, Jon Cooper a candidate - NHL - Sporting News
The really interesting name in the mix for Washington? Adam Oates.

Yzerman’s Opening Goalie Gambit? Bring Back a Familiar Face | Hockey Independent
So much for one potential trade destination for Anders Lindback.

The Norfolk Admirals racked up a $10,000 bar tab after winning the Calder Cup | Puck Daddy
Minor league team, major league party.

Which Dallas Stars Players Are The Most Likely Trade Pieces? - Defending Big D
Anything of interest here?

Goldwater Finally Got Around To Their Lawsuit - Five For Howling
...and the gloves are off...

Fehr looks to master plan - IIHF.com
Donald Fehr says lots of interesting things about international hockey (found via Kukla's Korner).

Bauer to acquire Cascade Helmets | Hockey Gear HQ
Hockey equipment maker Bauer Performance Sports has made a move to acquire Cascade Helmet Holdings, maker of the Cascade M11 helmet promoted by Mark Messier.

Radulov's KHL rights traded to CSKA: Wednesday's nooner

As has been talked about for several days, CSKA of the KHL has made a deal with Salavet Yulaev for Alexander Radulov's KHL rights, clearing the way for what we can only assume will be a lucrative offer for Rads' return to the Russian league for the 2012-2013 season. Will he accept, or find his way with another NHL club?

That will be one of the more interesting stories to watch this summer, and it leads off your lunchtime hockey notes...

What are you doing for lunch? Go to People & Places -> Best Blog & cast your daily vote for OTF in the Toast of Music City 2012!

While reading, listen in as Pete Weber joined Hockey This Morning on satellite radio:

Pete Weber on HTM 2012-06-13 (mp3)

Nashville Predators News

CSKA Moscow acquired the rights to Radulov - Hockey - Sports.ru
The long-rumored deal has taken place, so now Sergei Fedorov has Radulov's KHL rights. That doesn't quite mean it's a done deal that he's returning there, however.

The Must Signs-Forwards: Is Poile ready for July 1st? | The Predatorial
Where did the notion come from that Paul Gaustad would be willing to take a pay cut to stay with Nashville? That makes no sense to me.

Top 15 moments of the 2011-12 Preds season: #12 | Section 303
A rather unusual choice here...

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Red Wings recall dark day in franchise history: accident that seriously injured Vladimir Konstantinov, Sergei Mnatsakanov | MLive.com
It was 15 years ago today that the career of a potential Norris Trophy winner was cut short. I used to drive by the spot where the accident occurred all the time when I grew up in that area, and all summer long the fans in Detroit wondered if Konstantinov and Mnatsakonov would even survive.

The methods to Lou Lamoriello’s draft pick madness | Puck Daddy
Maybe Lou expects the Devils to win the Cup next year?

Wayne Gretzky trade agreement between Oilers, Kings available on eBay? | Puck Daddy
OK, this is cool.

Red Light District Hockey: RLD has reached its final stop
Sometimes the best move when setting priorities is to figure out what not to do, I know I have some decisions to make as well.

Stanley Cup party just getting started in L.A.: Wednesday's notes

The immediate aftermath of the Stanley Cup Final is one of the more interesting times on the hockey calendar - there are great stories to be told about the winners, speculation begins picking up ahead of the NHL Draft coming up in nine days, and free agency looms on July 1. Take your picks, as we've got hockey stories this morning covering all those topics, and more!

Radio alert: I'll be on with 104.5's Wake Up Zone during the 9:00 hour, so if you need help getting back to sleep this morning, tune in!

The Toast of Music City voting is open... go to People & Places -> Best Blog & cast your daily vote for OTF!

Nashville Predators News

Smashville 24/7 - Which of Nashville’s awards finalists have best chance to win?
If the Preds go one-for-three, that ain't bad.

Top 15 moments of the 2011-12 Preds season: #13 | Section 303
Remember the hoopla surrounding this night?

What Do You Want In The New Admiral Coach? | Admirals Roundtable
Good questions here, as it sounds like a decision is coming soon.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Hear LA Kings legend Bob Miller’s Stanley Cup-winning call | Puck Daddy
A great idea by the Kings, having their own play-by-play man cover the clinching game for a DVD, while the national crew did the live broadcast.

How did the Kings get here? - Arctic Ice Hockey
Among the tips at the end, points #3 & #5 should be heard in Nashville.

L.A. Kings’ Stanley Cup win makes ‘20 million dreams’ come true - The Globe and Mail
Darryl Sutter as a Hollywood ingenue? That's just too funny...

Down Goes Brown: Winners and losers from the 2012 NHL playoffs
"Winner: Jack Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets - The defenceman seems to be in the best shape of his life, according to neighbors who've seen him hurl his big screen TV across three yards and into their swimming pool after every Kings' win."

This is Gratitude, Not a Goodbye - In Lou We Trust
In New Jersey, they can celebrate a remarkable run by their Devils.

NJ Devils brought in $26.2 million from playoff ticket sales, says report | Puck Daddy
Drop, meet Bucket.

Sizing Up the Zach Parise Sweepstakes - In Lou We Trust
What, no Preds?

Will Zach Parise join the newly crowned Kings? | Puck Drunk Love
Yikes. It's amazing how much of this Kings squad is locked up for 1, 2, or 3 more seasons. They'll be a force yet again.

Ted Nolan was happy to just be a proud Hockey Dad for a night | Backhand Shelf
I always wonder if he'll get one more shot as an NHL head coach, but until then, he'll have this to savor.

The Dark Blue Jacket: Bitterness, Anger, and Closure
Jeff Carter landed in a happy place, but in Columbus, the mood is quite different.

Sports Radio Interviews " Stanley Cup Finals Distracting Porn Actress: "My Boobs Might be Bigger than the Game, but I’m Not Bigger than the Game"
Now that's perspective.

You Have No Idea How Good Marcel Goc Really Is | Overtime
Great Goc Almighty!

Lowetide.ca | TRADING WITH BRIAN
Is Toronto talking about a top-of-the-draft trade with Edmonton?

Morning After: Vegas Oddsmakers Open for Business!

Los Angeles Kings players and fans are still recuperating from last night's franchise-first Stanley Cup championship victory, and the janitorial staff at the Staples Center likely have their work cut out for them in the home locker room today.

But instead of celebrating, Vegas oddsmakers spent last night working, crunching the numbers for futures bets on the 2013 Stanley Cup champ. Follow after the jump for a breakdown of the odds....

Odds to win the 2013 Stanley Cup (courtesy of Bovada)

Pittsburgh Penguins -- 7/1

Los Angeles Kings -- 11/1

St. Louis Blues -- 12/1

Vancouver Canucks -- 12/1

Chicago Blackhawks -- 12/1

Detroit Red Wings -- 12/1

New York Rangers -- 12/1

Philadelphia Flyers -- 14/1

Boston Bruins -- 14/1

Nashville Predators -- 18/1

San Jose Sharks -- 22/1

Tampa Bay Lightning -- 25/1

Washington Capitals -- 25/1

Anaheim Ducks -- 25/1

Buffalo Sabres -- 25/1

New Jersey Devils -- 30/1

Toronto Maple Leafs -- 35/1

Florida Panthers -- 35/1

Colorado Avalanche -- 40/1

Dallas Stars -- 40/1

Ottawa Senators -- 40/1

Phoenix Coyotes -- 40/1

Winnipeg Jets -- 40/1

Calgary Flames -- 50/1

Carolina Hurricanes -- 50/1

Edmonton Oilers -- 60/1

Montreal Canadiens -- 60/1

Columbus Blue Jackets -- 75/1

Minnesota Wild -- 75/1

New York Islanders -- 75/1

Given Nashville's shaky position in pending free agent world, I'm frankly surprised to see them rated as an 18/1 favorite to win. And while I don't have historical data by which to compare these numbers, I wouldn't be surprised to see that this is their highest favorability rating ever coming out of the postseason.

Follow @BovadaLV on Twitter if you're so inclined, and don't be surprised to see the Preds' odds of winning next year's Cup decrease in the coming months. If you're not a betting man (or woman), comment below on who you'd take at these odds and vote in our poll.

Poll

Are 18/1 odds too generous for the Predators?

• Yes
• No
• Unsure

  104 votes | Results

Kings Crowned: Tuesday's notes

The Los Angeles Kings finished off their 2012 Stanley Cup Championship run in grand style, with a 6-1 thumping of the New Jersey Devils that left no doubt about their rise to the top of the hockey world. Here in Nashville, we can watch and admire the Kings, while wondering what lies ahead for the Predators, starting with the big question - is "the Predator Way" really the Preds' best path to a title?

The Toast of Music City voting is open... go to People & Places -> Best Blog & cast your daily vote for OTF!

Nashville Predators News

Boclair: The Predator way | Nashville City Paper
Boclair saves the money shot for the final paragraph, adding to a chorus that has been building over time.

Top 15 moments of the 2011-12 Preds season: #14 | Section 303
Beauty!

Radulov's departure will affect Suter, Weber - FS Tennessee
In the hunt for narrative, Shea Weber's concussion gets credit for turning the Preds' season around.

Preds in review: Paul Gaustad - Predators Insider
Can the Preds afford a golden Goose?

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Champions - Jewels From The Crown
They're giddy in La-La Land over their Kings, and that's perfectly understandable.

Jonathan Quick’s dominant postseason earns him Conn Smythe Trophy | Puck Daddy
You can't argue with that pick.

Disturbances Are Few in a City Prepared to Keep Title Celebration Calm - NYTimes.com
Good news, this.

Frustrated Devils withhold criticism of Stoll hit, Bernier ejection | Puck Daddy
Bernier's hit was a textbook 5-and-a-game call, and while there should've been a penalty to Stoll for his hit seconds earlier, it wasn't in the same class at all, nor does it excuse Bernier's loss of focus.

Kings’ plan for sweet, sweet office revenge on Devils accidentally emailed to media | Puck Daddy
Ooh, even the PR folks were getting competitive.

The Flames use of Advanced Stats and PUCKS - Matchsticks and Gasoline
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet...

Keeping Crosby is risky business for Penguins | Hockey | CBC Sports
Elliotte Friedman's "30 Thoughts" include some rather different details on how contract insurance works than we've seen before.

Black Dog Hates Skunks: I Love It When A Plan Comes Together - Two Silver Foxes
Craig MacTavish returns to Edmonton as a hockey operations executive, in a move many Oilers fans are hoping means that Steve Tambellini is on notice.

A Cold Game: How Hockey Discourages Personality | Backhand Shelf
See why we can't have nice things?

HockeyAnalysis.com " 2012 NHL free agent defensemen
Here's a look at how the overall market shapes up.

L.A. Kings 2012 Stanley Cup championship gear now available! | Hockey Gear HQ
Whether it's a hat, t-shirt, jersey, or other piece of L.A. Kings gear you're looking for, here are the best ways to save on Stanley Cup championship apparel...

And lastly... if you're looking for a playoff wrapup montage, this one is pretty freaking incredible:

Stanley Cup Final Game 6 Thread

New Jersey Devils
@ Los Angeles Kings

Monday, Jun 11, 2012, 7:00 PM Central (NBC)
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Can the Devils force a Game 7? Can the Kings capture their first Stanley Cup in front of their fans in L.A.?

Are Suter & Parise planning to become teammates? - Monday's notes

One popular notion which has made the rounds over the last several weeks is that the two gems of this summer's free agent market, Ryan Suter & Zach Parise, may have a clandestine plan to meet up on the same team next season. Our morning hockey notes start off with an examination of that theory, along with news that David Poile might indeed have a trade partner interested in Alexander Radulov...

The Toast of Music City voting is open... go to People & Places -> Best Blog & cast your daily vote for OTF!

Nashville Predators News

Zach Parise Files: Is "The Great Hope" a Package Deal with Ryan Suter? - Hockey Wilderness
Is there any substance to this story? Maybe not.

New York Rangers continue to mull trade for Alexander Radulov of Nashville Predators; may also target Rick Nash of Columbus Blue Jackets, Bobby Ryan of Anaheim Ducks or Zach Parise of New Jersey Devils - NYPOST.com
Larry Brooks says that while the Rangers have other options they're considering, "there is at least one other team closer to committing to a deal for the rights to Radulov".

Nashville Predators' Austin Watson finally shows talent of first-round pick | The Tennessean
How high is the upside with the 2010 1st-round pick?

This And That | Admirals Roundtable
Ryan sums up a number of recent news items out of Milwaukee.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Early Exits by Pittsburgh and Vancouver are Not Cause For Concern - Overtime
Yeah, most teams wish they had their troubles.

What To Expect When You're Expecting (a Brad Stuart signing) - Fear The Fin
Looking at what kind of performance they can expect out of Stuart in San Jose.

Junior coach banned for season after letting teen players skip tournament to study - Buzzing The Net
Not exactly a shining moment here.

Luck and Shooting Accuracy in Los Angeles - NYTimes.com
Sooner or later, shots were due to start going in for the Kings.

Ondrej Pavelec said to have been offered deal with SKA St. Petersburg | Puck Drunk Love
Is Winnipeg about to lose their starter?

Sharks trade for Brad Stuart's rights

Sharks trade for Brad Stuart's rights

The San Jose Sharks traded Andrew Murray and a conditional 2014 7th round pick to the Detroit Red Wings for the rights to impending UFA Brad Stuart.

While this isn't directly related to the Predators and you all might think I'm posting this on the wrong blog, it could have big implications for Nashville. It thins out Detroit's blue line even more, possibly causing an even stronger push for them to get Suter. While Detroit might have let Stuart walk in free agency anyway, it's certain he won't be back now, allowing them to focus on other things.

It'll also be a story to keep an eye on if the Sharks get a deal done before the deadline. While Stuart and Suter certainly aren't on a comparable talent level at this point in their careers, it could help in determining market value for a D-man this free agency.

Well, mostly wanted to see what you all thought about this.

Give the Devils their due: Sunday's notes

The Los Angeles Kings have charged their way to the brink of a Stanley Cup championship with one of the most impressive playoff runs in recent memory, but the New Jersey Devils aren't going down without a fight. Last night, they held off elimination with a 2-1 victory in Game 5, bringing the series to within 3-2 for L.A. and forcing a Game 6 Monday night. This was the Kings' first road loss of the playoffs so far, so if the Devils can somehow take this to Game 7, who knows what might happen?

Just give thanks that this series has finally given us a bit of drama, while reading this morning's hockey notes...

The Toast of Music City voting is open... go to People & Places -> Best Blog and cast your daily vote for OTF!

Nashville Predators News

Preds in review: Andrei Kostitsyn - Predators Insider
Up until the late-night episode, things were going well...

KuklasKorner : Oil Patch : Tales From The Road: Nashville
An Oilers blogger recounts her visit to Smashville from a few months ago.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Martin Brodeur Sparkles as New Jersey Devils Win 2-1 Over Los Angeles Kings - In Lou We Trust
Yeesh, this makes him sound like one of those vampires from Twilight. Still, the Devils hung on admirably down the stretch in this one.

The Los Angeles Kings have found adversity at exactly at the wrong time while losing Game 5 - ESPN
L.A. has been rolling along so far, so how will they handle the pressure heading into Game 6?

The Kings have nothing nice to say to a cut and bleeding Anton Volchenkov | Backhand Shelf
Where do you draw the line between ultra-competitiveness and a lack of class?

How have the Kings shut down Kovalchuk? By not trying to. | Backhand Shelf
I dig this line: "Funny how that works. When you think about defence exclusively, all you do is end up playing defence. When you worry about controlling the play like the Kings do, you end up getting to play more on offence."

Doubt surrounds reports of a financial saviour for Devils - The Globe and Mail
I'm shocked that David Shoalts doubts those reports of a deal that will save the Devils.

Down Goes Brown: A New Jersey Devil's guide to coming back from a 3-0 series deficit
"DO: Draw inspiration from diehard New Jersey fans who are still supporting you. Look, that one guy is even wearing a devil costume! DO NOT: Notice that the costume seems especially realistic, and the guy only seems to show up long enough to laugh evilly while watching Adam Henrique sign some sort of document every time a game reaches a crucial moment."

Hockey World: Healthy Laraque looking for another shot in NHL - Edmonton Journal
I would think he's burned a lot of bridges back to the NHL, but besides the Laraques story, Jim Matheson has a number of tales from around the league.

It’s a great year to be a middling free agent | Edmonton Journal
Between the paper-thin market and the skyrocketing salary structure, some guys are going to cash in.

The Simmons family heirloom of living and dying for your favorite team - Grantland
A fine read here on the double-edged sword that is fandom.

Top 5 pre-draft trade possibilities - Ottawa Sun
When the Final concludes, the horse trading should commence.

City Of Glendale Approves Coyotes Lease Agreement - Five For Howling
They're not quite home yet, but it's getting closer.

Rick Jeanneret To Be Inducted Into Hockey Hall Of Fame - Die By The Blade
How was he not in there already?

Norfolk Admirals: 2012 Calder Cup Champions - Raw Charge
Norfolk was ridiculously dominant, winning 43 of their last 46 games. What do you say, bump them up to the NHL and send down Columbus?

Does hockey have a personality deficiency? | Backhand Shelf
Uh, yeah.

Lastly, take a tour around the league via last night's "Hotstove" from HNIC:

Missing the rink? Check out the Elite Edge Hockey Showcase

If you're missing some live hockey action, the future of the game will be on display over the next few days at A-Game Sportsplex in Cool Springs.

Headed up by Nashville Predators Manager of Hockey Operations Brandon Walker, the Elite Edge Hockey Showcase provides high-level training & instruction for over 200 teenage players. Not only is this their chance to learn about how to train their bodies and minds for increasingly advanced levels of hockey, but they will also get to show their stuff for a broad assortment of college and junior hockey coaches. That makes this camp an invaluable opportunity for players hoping to earn a college scholarship, get picked up by a junior team, or even perhaps draw the attention of the National Team Development Program, which has helped develop dozens of future NHL players (including Nashville Predators like Colin Wilson & Ryan Suter).

The festivities get underway Sunday through Wednesday. Sunday's on-ice action will run from 1:00-7:00 p.m., while Monday and Tuesday will go from 8:30-11:30 a.m., and 1:00-6:00 p.m. The final games will take place Wednesday morning.

So take a break from stressing out about possible free agents and trade possibilities, and appreciate the hard work of players who are just starting to make their way up through the hockey world.

After all, you never know how high some of these kids might make it - one alumnus of the program is forward Tyler Biggs, who plays for Miami (Ohio) University and was a 1st-round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs last summer (22nd overall).

Stanley Cup Final Game 5 Thread

Los Angeles Kings
@ New Jersey Devils

Saturday, Jun 9, 2012, 7:00 PM Central (NBC)
Prudential Center

Complete Coverage >

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Can the Devils keep this thing alive? Before you get excited about any potential home ice advantage, recall that the Kings are 10-0 on the road during this playoff run...