Who is the Greatest #23 in Nashville Predators history?

After what has been the closest poll in this series, we pick up with a list of five Nashville Predators who wore the #23 over the years. We have a collection of stay-at-home defensemen, industrious wingers, and a heavyweight enforcer who isn't shy about bringing the crowd into the action...

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Blair Atcheynum

A late-blooming winger who didn't earn steady NHL work until he was 28, Atcheynum was claimed from St. Louis in the 1998 Expansion Draft and played 53 games for Nashville during their initial season of 1998-1999, before being traded back to the Blues for a 6th-round draft pick. He scored 8 goals and added six assists during his time with the Preds.

Bill Houlder

Houlder showed up in our #3 poll earlier in this series, but he only wore that for one game as a Predator. For the remaining 301, he bore the #23 (longer than anyone else), and served as a steadying physical presence on the Nashville blueline. Over the course of four seasons in Nashville (1999-2000 to 2002-2003) he scored 8 goals and chipped in with 36 assists.

Jamie Allison

Another stay-at-home defenseman, Allison was signed as a free agent in the summer of 2003 and played 47 games that year as a depth blueliner. After the lockout he played 20 more games as a Pred before being placed on waivers in February 2006 and getting claimed by Florida.

Martin Gelinas

Gelinas only played one season in Nashville, scoring 9 goals and providing 11 assists in 57 games during 2007-2008 (a knee injury ended his season in March). He was credited with providing a strong leadership presence to some of the younger players in the lineup, in particular Jordin Tootoo.

Following his retirement, he transitioned into a Player Development role with the Preds, travelling around and advising prospects in various leagues for three seasons. This summer, however, he joined Calgary as an assistant coach under Bob Hartley.

Brian McGrattan

"Big Ern" has made a name for himself after one season in Nashville, charming fans with his fisticuffs, his exploits on Twitter, and the story of his continuing recovery from alcoholism. He's already signed up for next season at a modest $600,000, and hopes for a larger role beyond chucking knuckles and playing to the crowd.

Will he "Ern" it?

Poll

Who is the Greatest #23 in Nashville Predators history?

• Jamie Allison
• Blair Atcheynum
• Martin Gelinas
• Bill Houlder
• Brian McGrattan

  258 votes | Results

On The Forecheck takes 3rd for Best Blog in Toast of Music City 2012

The Tennessean's Toast of Music City winners for 2012 have been announced, and I'm happy to say that OTF made the top 3 in the Best Blog category, finishing right behind Hear The Raven's Call (no, not a Baltimore football blog) and the fashionable Style Blueprint.

I think it's pretty impressive for a blog in Nashville to rank among the top 3 overall due to hockey coverage, so thank you to all who voted. Section303.com made the top 3 for the last two years, so it's nice to keep Preds talk up there near the top. In related Preds news, Pekka Rinne took the "Best Local Pro Athlete" award, and a Preds game topped the list of "Best Place to Take the Kids".

Honestly, however, I can't help but accept this with a grain of salt. The Toast of Music City often looks like a lazy, haphazard effort by a newspaper which considers itself the city's best in class. For example, the list of nominees was largely a copy & paste job from years past (the Sports Reporter category included Eric Yutzy, who left for Indianapolis in 2010). Patten Fuqua is pointing out other such silliness on Twitter this afternoon.

In addition, during the voting period the Tennessean encourages nominees to put banners on their sites allowing users to click right over to their category and cast a vote. The problem, however, is that users also need to sign into Tennessean.com in order for that vote to count, and once you did that, it kicked you back out to the front page of the ballot, after which you'd have to find your way back to the category in question. Just an ugly, ugly user experience there, it shouldn't be an issue to redirect people back to where they had intended to vote.

And lastly, even though the finalists are supposed to be invited to a celebration downtown to receive their accolades, we never heard a peep from them. Trust me, the Bride of Forechecker & I were pretty disappointed to hear we had missed out on a chance for a night on the town!

In short, if this event is truly about toasting Nashville's best & brightest, you'd think the Tennessean would put more effort into it. Instead, it comes off as an annual exercise in motivating the local community to drive web traffic to their site.

OK, enough venting.

I'm honored for OTF to place in the Top 3, and thanks again to those of you who voted. Stay tuned to this channel for news coming soon on a good way in which we can celebrate all of this.

And remember, even though the Toast of Music City is in the books, the Nashville Scene's Best Of Nashville voting is open through September 12th, and they have both a Best Local Blog and Best Sports Blog category, so I'd appreciate your support there if you're up for it!

Nashville Predators announce 4 winners of #MySmashville contest

The results of the #MySmashville contest are in, as the following was released by the Nashville Predators:

Recently, we asked the citizens of Smashville to tell us just what Smashville meant to them with the #MySmashville fan challenge. Hundreds of entries came in fast and furious for the inaugural fan challenge, with fans submitting taglines, artwork and videos through social media. With so many terrific entries we couldn't pick just one, so today we are proud to announce our four winners of the 2012 #MySmashville Fan Challenge.

#MySmashville Winners:

Ryan Vircik with Hear Our Roar

Kevin Crozier with Smashville: Rise

Scott Howard with Our Team, Our Town

Jill Jones with Bleed Gold

"We handed the creative reins over to the fans and the response was incredible," Nashville Predators President/COO Sean Henry said. "We asked the fans to tell us and show us what Smashville meant to them. We realized that Smashville meant something different to everyone and there was no way we could choose just one winner. There were so many wonderfully creative entries, but we felt like these winning taglines could be woven seamlessly into our existing creative endeavors throughout the season.

"Hear Our Roar embodies our infamously loud game experiences. Smashville: Rise plays into the chill-inducing emotion of our spontaneous standing ovations. Our Team, Our Town resonates with fans who feel like Smashville is more than just a place - it's home and it's distinctly Nashville. Bleed Gold embodies every citizen of Smashville who lives and breathes Nashville Predators hockey. They all feed into our playoff efforts when we ask everyone to Stand With Us!"

"We were overwhelmed by the amount of social media buzz that this promotion generated over the summer," Nashville Predators Marketing Director Danny Shaklan said. "Together, the Smashville faithful and the creative minds of Nashville combined to bring this contest to life through the 2012-13 season."

The winners will receive a bounty of prizes including a pair of 2012-13 Season Tickets each, TV broadcast segments with Pete Weber and Terry Crisp, radio segments on 102.5 The Game and more. Look for the winning taglines throughout the season!

Really? They couldn't pick a winner? I'll confess to being a tad confused as to how this will work this season, but congrats to the four on winning free season tickets and all the rest, and kudos to the Preds for going the crowd-sourcing route like this.

But for the record, I still prefer my entry, "MATCH THIS".

Bettman "we have the greatest fans in the world": Friday's notes

Normally when you hear a hockey player or coach say they have the greatest fans, it's just another tired cliche, simple pandering for the local audience. When the Commissioner says it in the context of how well the league recovered from the Great Lockout of 2004-2005, however? That spells trouble, and our around-the-league hockey notes today start off with some dire updates from the latest round of NHL/NHLPA talks...

Best of Nashville 2012 - The Nashville Scene

This year they have a reader poll for "Best Sports Blog". Can you help us defend our title from 2011? Vote daily!

Nashville Predators News

2012 NHLPA Rookie Showcase Will Feature 30 NHL Prospects - NHLPA
Austin Watson will represent the Preds at this year's event.

The bobblehead movement… | Section 303
The masses are nodding their heads in approval.

Smashville 24/7 - Players react to eventful summer
A smattering of comments from various players, mostly about how glad they are that Shea Weber's offer sheet was matched.

Brian McGrattan - LockerDome
Big Ern's got himself a video collection, where you can take in some of his favorite bouts over the years.

Based on Donations, N.H.L.'s American Owners Prefer Republican Candidates - NYTimes.com
According to this study, the Preds' owners are the league's second-biggest backers of the GOP.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

NHL and NHLPA argue over the fundamentals of surrendering players’ salary to owners | Puck Daddy
It's getting ugly, folks. We've reached the point where Gary Bettman no longer feels the need to sugercoat the owners' naked desire for a massive player salary rollback.

Bettman: We can lockout because you'll be back -- and he's right - Broad Street Hockey
Hockey, we just can't quit you.

Imposing Again : Tom Benjamin's NHL Blog :: CanucksCorner.com
Dangit, I knew Tom's optimism was too good to last.

The Cup is ours: a manifesto - Colby Cosh - Macleans.ca
Colby attempts to stoke the fires of Canadian pride to make sure the Stanley Cup has a 2013 champion no matter what.

KuklasKorner : The Malik Report : Swedish Eliteserien prohibits teams from signing NHL’ers not willing to play full year in SEL
In the event of a lockout, don't expect to see guys head over to Sweden.

Why Limiting Term Is A Bad Idea | Overtime
Richard ignores one reason why it's a very good idea for owners - limiting the liability they're taking on that a player gets hurt and can't perform at his expected level for the duration of a long-term deal.

15 Years Gone: Remembering the Hartford Whalers | Backhand Shelf
Some of the best uniforms in hockey history... and now they're long gone.

Former Blue Jacket Huselius: "They Acted Wrong Against Me" | BlueJackets Xtra
It sounds like Kristian Huselius is not at all happy with the Columbus Blue Jackets, saying they rushed him back into the lineup, which led to a groin injury.

Video: Sports Fans Digest Their Own Mistakes after Loss - Lighthouse Hockey
We've all been here, I think.

Pot, Heroin, and Playing Hockey - Battle of California
Megalodon brings you an important Public Service Announcement.

Gordie Howe on TV has a 100% success rate | Backhand Shelf
You've got to love "Mr. Hockey".

Journalizm | mc79hockey.com
Few can tear into a mainstream columnist for their lazy writing like Tyler.

Odor Gladiator keeps your game (and your hockey bag) fresh | Hockey Gear HQ
This little wonder fights for you against that signature smell that comes from your hockey equipment bag.

And lastly... courtesy of The Triple Deke, here's a creative way of describing how each team approaches the salary cap (warning, it gets pretty gross halfway through when they hit the Maple Leafs):

NHL CBA Negotiations skip a day: Wednesday's notes

Observers around the hockey world were looking for news out of Toronto today with another round of talks between the NHL owners and players, but the session was called off instead. Our hockey notes (admittedly belated today) cover this and a whole lot more...

Best of Nashville 2012 - The Nashville Scene

This year they have a reader poll for "Best Sports Blog". Can you help us defend our title from 2011? Vote daily!

Nashville Predators News

The View from 111: The Predators Play a Pivotal Role In Our City
Mark touts the ever-growing amounts of money which the Predators Foundation has been able to raise and then distribute to charitable efforts around Nashville.

The View from 111: One Timers
Mark opens up a number of topics for discussion, focusing mostly on the CBA situation.

Paul McCann - It is not so easy to "split the difference"
Paul pleads for reason between the owners & players.

Battle Royale: 8 Defenseman, 1 Press Box | The Predatorial
Jeremy wonders how the blueline will shake out.

Nashville Predators On Brink Of An Identity Crisis? - SBNation.com
I'm not sure I buy the "identity crisis" angle. If anything, locking up guys like Gill, Gaustad & Fisher seems to be right in line with "Predators hockey".

NHL JerseyWatch 2012 - Blog - icethetics.info
Amidst a host of jersey-related updates, there's this: "The PREDATORS might add a third jersey, though it would be very soon after their rebranding this season." I agree, it's awfully quick to introduce yet another jersey.

Uni Watch Power Rankings rates NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL uniforms from 1-122 - ESPN
Well, it looks like the Predators beat the Ducks... again.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

NHL CBA Talks 2012: Wednesday's Discussions Canceled After Fehr, Bettman Meet - Defending Big D
Today was not a very good day.

NHL will get its NBC rights fees even if lockout cancels 2012-13 season | Puck Daddy
Well, there's $200 million for the owners' war chest.

Bettman, Fehr and the Idea of an Industry Growth Fund - NYTimes.com
Will Bettman bite at the $100 million carrot Fehr dangled in the NHLPA's offer?

Down Goes Brown: What NHL negotiators can learn from the NBA and NFL lockouts
Oh, if only DGB were allowed at the negotiating table...

Taylor Hall Agrees To A Seven Year Extension - The Copper & Blue
7 years, $42 million for the 2010 1st-overall draft pick.

Buffalo Sabres still have 4-year, $30-million deal on table for Shane Doan | Puck Daddy
I know some folks would love to see the Preds sign Doan, but at these prices? Insanity.

CHLPA names Georges Laraque executive director, Laraque misses media appearance - Buzzing The Net
Well, this is off to a roaring start.

Mysterious CHLPA’s goals include managing players’ education packages - Buzzing The Net - Junior Hockey Blog
...and here is what the CHLPA proposes to achieve.

NHL rules summit tackling embellishment? Yes, please | Puck Daddy
Can we leave the diving in London?

10 of the worst acting performances by NHL players in commercials | Backhand Shelf
Yes, we're desperate for entertainment! This stuff is funny, though.

Top 10 Dallas Stars Regular Season Games #4: Modano Breaks Record In Controversial Game Against Predators - Defending Big D
Take a trip back in time to a night that stoked the flames of the Predators/Stars rivalry.

The glory of hockey stick art | Backhand Shelf
WANT.

Nashville Predators Town Hall videos posted

For those of you who couldn't make it down to Bridgestone Arena Monday night, the Nashville Predators have posted video of the event, including the question-and-answer sessions featuring several current players, along with representatives from management and ownership of the team. You've seen some written recaps of what they had to say in recent days, but seeing the real thing allows you to digest the information more easily...

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First up, the players took the stage:

Next, it was management & ownership's turn:

So what were the highlights for you? Here are a couple of mine:

• I thought it interesting that Peter Horachek repeatedly came back to talk about what he expected from Ryan Ellis this season. With Shea Weber & Kevin Klein able to take the tough defensive minutes on the right side, Ellis could have ample opportunity to produce offensively.
• Hal Gill is a riot, the local PHWA can start engraving that 2013 media-friendliness award in his honor right now.

In addition, I asked for reaction on Twitter, and here are some of the responses:

@forechecker The @mikefisher1212 extension was pretty cool. Somebody also asked about a caravan like the Titans. I think they should do that

— Todd Heath™ (@EastNashTodd) August 21, 2012

@forechecker The guy made the argument that @predsnhl are a regional team now and they should visit AL, MS, KY, AK, Memphis, etc. I like it.

— Todd Heath™ (@EastNashTodd) August 21, 2012

@forechecker That Colin Wilson is friends with Jonathan Toews. Who knew Willy was so cool?? :)

— Emily Baggett (@emilykate82) August 21, 2012

Now, what stuck out for you?

Could Big Ern fill a larger role with the Nashville Predators?

Jim Diamond's latest piece checks in with Brian McGrattan, who will come to training camp a married man this fall. As he looks forward to a second season with the Predators, Big Ern is also gearing up for more of an opportunity to hit the ice:

"I've had good talks with Barry and he wants to play me in some different situations next year," McGrattan said. "That kind of puts the onus on me a little bit to be in the best shape I can and to be as ready as I can for an opportunity that could be there. I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully get some more games and some different situations than I did last year."

Now, I expect a part of this is just proper messaging from Barry Trotz - you're not going to tell any player that they're only going to play a few shifts a game and are expected to simply fight. What if McGrattan is able to step up and fill a larger role, however?

---

Brian McGrattan

#23 / Right Wing / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-4

Weight: 235

Born: Sep 02, 1981

---

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	G	A	P	+/-	PIM
2011 - Brian McGrattan	0	2	2	-1	61

---

I have long said that I can't stand the way modern enforcers only engage with other heavyweights in sideshow brawls, and have little to no effect on the outcome of a given game. If I've got the toughest guy on the block, I want him out there asserting that physical dominance for more than just 2-4 minutes a game.

I want him roughing up opponents, putting them on their heels. I want him serving notice to forwards who storm Pekka Rinne's crease, even if they're pint-sized snipers. Similarly, he should mark his territory in the offensive end and let it be known whose ice it is. Rather than just scrap with the big boys, take some time to intimidate that puck-moving defenseman, and maybe he'll start passing it away a little quicker than he should.

It takes smarts and veteran savvy to do that without taking too many penalties and putting your teammates in a tough spot, but I'd be interested to see if McGrattan could pull that off.

Do you think he'll get that chance?

By the way, Jim Diamond gets my daily vote for Best Sportswriter in the 2012 Best of Nashville voting, so consider heading over and giving him yours as well.

Who is the Greatest #22 in Nashville Predators history?

Today's entry makes for an interesting debate - we have the first captain to lead the Nashville Predators to the Stanley Cup playoffs, against perhaps the most popular player in team history, who recently left town to join the Preds' arch-rival in Detroit...

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Greg Johnson

Part of the Preds' haul in the 1998 Expansion Draft, Johnson put up his best offensive totals during that 1998-1999 run, hitting the 50-point mark for the only time in his career as a speedy, defensively responsible center who exemplified the spirit of "Predators hockey". In the fall of 2002, he took over the captaincy from Tom Fitzgerald and led the team to three consecutive seasons of franchise growth, which included the Predators' first-ever playoff berth in 2004. Coming out of the Great Lockout of 2004-2005, he then led Nashville to its first 100-point season and another playoff spot during the 2005-2006 season.

A heart condition caused him to retire from playing in September 2006, however, as he was about to suit up for Detroit, the team with which he started his career. With the Predators, he still ranks 5th in Games Played (502), 9th in Assists (145), 8th in Total Points (238) and still leads the franchise with 11 Shorthanded Goals, one ahead of David Legwand.

Jordin Tootoo

If you're not familiar with Tootoo's story, I'd wonder what the heck you're doing here. The first player of Inuit descent to play in the National Hockey League, Tootoo made the transition from junior hockey to the NHL back in 2003 and endeared himself to fans with his energetic physical game and willingness to scrap with anybody. The sound of Tootoo Whistles whenever he hit the ice served as just one sign of his popularity among the fan base.

After wearing #55 and #14 early on, he switched to #22 for the 2006-2007 season. Over the last few years, he started to contribute more offensively and hinted at the potential to make an impact in a larger role, but injuries and inconsistency dogged his play. Following a stint in the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse program in 2010-2011, he put together his best offensive totals last season with six goals and 24 assists, before leaving as a free agent to join the Red Wings.

He leaves Nashville ranked 7th in Games Played (486), and 1st in Penalty Minutes (725).

Poll

Who is the Greatest #22 in Nashville Predators history?

• Greg Johnson
• Jordin Tootoo

  649 votes | Results

Town Hall strikes positive notes: Tuesday's notes

Last night's Town Hall meeting provided another chance for the Nashville Predators to lay out their vision for the upcoming season, both in terms of the on-ice product and everything which surrounds it at Bridgestone Arena. Things sure have come a long way since 2007, when we didn't know whether the team would even stay here, haven't they?

For an organization whose vision is to become the top entertainment venue in the country, centered on a Stanley Cup-winning hockey team, the fact that they've been in the Top 8 on both of those counts (6th-busiest venue, final 8 in the playoffs) for two straight years certainly makes a strong argument that they're headed in the right direction.

Now if only we can make sure the 2012-2013 season starts on time, to keep things moving forward...

Best of Nashville 2012 - The Nashville Scene

This year they have a reader poll for "Best Sports Blog". Can you help us defend our title from 2011? Vote daily!

Nashville Predators News

The View from 111: Predators Skate of the Union
Mark shares the highlights from last night's event...

Smashville 24/7 - Fisher, others offer thoughts on CBA
... while Ryan sums up the commentary on the labor situation.

Kevin Klein loves Nashville; expects to discuss new contract soon - Nashville Predators Examiner
With one year left at $1.35 million, Kleiner's due for a raise.

Monday Night Forehand 08/20 by HasBeenSports | Blog Talk Radio
Congratulations to the crew here, who are joining 102.5 The Game as they add another local podcast to their lineup.

The Predators Defense gets an Extreme Makeover - The Hockey Writers
Much depends on how Roman Josi develops in Year Two.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

NHL searches for standards on hooking, holding and interference penalties - The Globe and Mail
So this is why Barry Trotz couldn't attend last night's Town Hall. He's part of a workshop examining officiating standards.

8 Points To A Compromise: A New Model For The NHL's CBA - SBNation.com
Mike Chen attempts to find a solution which works for the owners and players.

When Gary Bettman promised lower tickets prices, and the lockout failed to deliver | Puck Daddy
A nice breakdown of a point which continues to get brought up from time to time.

NHL Stickhandles through a new media world - The Globe and Mail
The noise on Twitter serves to distract more than enlighten all too often. Seriously, why is anyone giving the Insiderr bozo any more ink? JUST STOP, PEOPLE.

1907 Stanley Cup Championship banner stolen in Kenora, Ont. - The Globe and Mail
Booooo...

No monetary damages for Ducks GM Bob Murray in chair-tossing trial, despite jurors’ desires | Puck Daddy
Anaheim GM ducks the damages, apparently due to a goof by the plaintiff's lawyers.

The Dallas Stars and the semi-shady dealings of auctioning off the role of "team doctor" | Backhand Shelf
Is it valid to worry about getting the absolute best care when a team's relationship with their medical provider involves advertising as well?

Scott Hartnell signs six-year contract extension with Flyers - Broad Street Hockey
Philadelphia inks another long-term contract, even while owner Ed Snider is part of the drive to enact strict limits on such things.

The importance of player unions | Backhand Shelf
Should junior players unionize? Now there's an interesting thought.

Who is the Greatest #21 in Nashville Predators history?

We are now moving on to #21 in our jersey series. Two candidates will forever be remembered by the Predators' faithful, while two will be more remembered for having their teammate's backs at every turn.

Tom Fitzgerald

After two successful runs to the Stanley Cup Finals with the Florida Panthers in 1996 and Colorado Avalanche in 1998, Fitzgerald joined the expansion Predators before the commencement of their inaugural season and named the veteran winger their first captain. A leader and penalty killer for the Predators, Fitzgerald recorded 32 goals and 88 points in four seasons, though he had incurred a horrendous -45 +/- rating during this time period. Due to his declining play during his last season with the Preds, Fitzgerald was dealt in the latter half of the 01-02 season to the Chicago Blackhawks for a fourth-round selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Andreas Johansson

An alum of seven NHL teams, Johansson left his mark on the Predators after being signed as free agent at the beginning of the 02-03 season. The Hofors, Sweden native had prolific first year in Music City, leading the team in goals scored (20) and shooting percentage (16.1 %). During his two seasons with Preds, Johansson scored a total of 32 goals and 64 points. He became a free agent after the 03-04 season and returned to the Swiss National League for the lockout season, though he would never end up making his way back to NHL for the remainder of his professional career.

Peter Forsberg

Arguably one of the most hyped-up trades at the Trade Deadline in recent NHL history, Forsberg was traded in 2007 to the Preds from the Philadelphia Flyers for Ryan Parent, Scottie Upshall, a first-round pick and third-round draft pick in the 2007 Entry Draft. This was the first time in the history of the fledgling franchise that the Preds made a move for such a high-profile player as Forsberg. Unfortunately, the Preds received him in the latter part of his career, and the center who had won two Stanley Cups on top of the Hart and Art Ross Trophies did not necessarily have the impact that Preds fans and upper management had counted on. That year, the Predators were beat in the first round of the playoffs by the San Jose Sharks.

Nevertheless, Forsberg's numbers were still fairly impressive, considering his age and the amount of games he played with the team. In only 17 games with the Preds in the regular season, he amassed 2 goals and 15 points, and in the playoffs, he managed 2 goals and 4 points. During the offseason, Forsberg underwent foot surgery and became a free agent, eventually being resigned by the team for whom he won two Stanley Cups, the Colorado Avalanche.

Triston Grant

Grant was acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers along with a seventh-round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft for defenseman Janne Niskala on June 24, 2008. He played 3 games with the Preds, sat in the penalty box for 9 minutes, and was thereafter reassigned to the Admirals for the remainder of the season. In 74 games with the Ads, Grant scored 12 goals and 25 points. He did not fail to maintain his tradition of sitting in the box, accumulating 236 in that time span. He became a free agent in the offseason and was eventually picked up by the Rochester Americans, farm team of the Buffalo Sabres.

Zack Stortini

Contrary to popular belief, Stortini has once crossed paths with the Predators organization, seven years ago. In the 05-06 season, he played 37 games with Milwaukee, tallying seven assists before being sent to the Edmonton Oilers organization the following season. Five years later, the Predators signed him to one-year, two-way contract. Shortly after the beginning of the season, Stortini was placed on waivers by the Preds, but he was eventually reassigned to Milwaukee. This past year, Stortini had a sub-par season, amassing 9 goals and 15 points, though he did rake in 146 PIM.

Poll

Who is the Greatest #21 in Nashville Predators history?

• Tom Fitzgerald
• Peter Forsberg
• Triston Grant
• Andreas Johansson
• Zack Stortini

  404 votes | Results

Nashville Predators & Cromwell Group extend radio agreement for 5 years

Here's one bit of news which I can expect you'll hear more about at tonight's Town Hall meeting - the Nashville Predators have extended their radio agreement with the Cromwell Group (proprietors of 102.5 The Game) for five years. In addition, it sounds like you'll be hearing a lot more of Stu Grimson as a color commentator on the radio broadcasts, as he moves into a full-time role.

Last year around this time the team and Cromwell trumpeted a "multi-year extension", but this apparently gives us a more definite timeline. The team's press release follows after the jump...

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The Nashville Predators and the Cromwell Group, Inc. today announced a new five-year extension, keeping all Nashville Predators broadcasts on their flagship station, 102.5 The Game, through the 2016-17 season. The Cromwell Group/102.5 The Game has been the home of the Nashville Predators since 2010.

Game broadcasts include a 30-minute pregame show, intermission reports and an hour-long postgame show hosted by Willy Daunic. All postgame shows following home games originate from Bridgestone Arena's Patrón Platinum Club and are open to all ticketed fans in attendance. In addition to game broadcasts, 102.5 The Game will also host significant Predators shoulder programming including player radio shows, Coffee with the Coach, Extra Crispy and much more.

"We are thrilled to have signed this five-year extension with the Nashville Predators," 102.5 The Game Station Manager Jeff Kolb said. "The Predators organization is first class and to have our team, a perennial Stanley Cup playoff contender, locked in long term is a big deal for us as we build Nashville's premiere sports station."

"102.5 The Game has been a fantastic partner and a great ambassador for hockey in Middle Tennessee," Predators Executive Vice President Chris Parker said. "Their dedicated broadcasts and shoulder programming keep the Predators on the airwaves and on people's minds on a consistent basis. We are thrilled to be extending our strong partnership with Cromwell and look forward to an even more exciting partnership in the future."

Former Preds enforcer Stu Grimson rejoins the broadcast team as the radio Color Analyst, joining radio play-by-play announcer Tom Callahan. This will be Grimson's first full-time season as a member of the Preds broadcast team. He and Callahan will call the radio action for every Nashville Predators game.

"Stu is a tremendous addition to our broadcast team," Predators Senior Director of Broadcasting Bob Kohl said. "As a former player, Stu has the ability to uniquely combine expert analysis and terrific insight with his engaging personality. His style is a perfect complement to partner Tom Callahan's sharp play-by-play. This team is yet another great addition to Nashville's thriving hockey culture."

Cromwell Group, Inc. affiliate WYCQ, Inc owns three stations in WPRT 102.5 The Game, 102.9 WBUZ The Buzz and WQZQ 102.1 The Light. This season, 102.5 The Game will carry select preseason, all regular season and postseason Predators games. This marks the third consecutive season that all Predators regular season and playoff contests will be aired on the same station.

Several regional affiliates complete the broadcast radio network of the Nashville Predators during the hockey season, as games are broadcast throughout the state of Tennessee, as well as parts of Kentucky, Alabama and Georgia. In all, the Predators radio network covers more than 50,000 sq. miles. These affiliates are as follows:

WPTN Cookeville, TN 106.1FM

WMSR Manchester, TN 1320AM

WHOP Hopkinsville, KY 1230AM/95.3FM

WCDS Glasgow, KY 1230AM

WAKI McMinnville, TN 1230AM

WBGN Bowling Green, KY 1340AM

WMLR Hohenwald, TN 1230AM

WMRB Columbia, TN 98.5FM/910AM

WKRO Paducah, KY 1490AM

WNTC Drakesboro, KY 103.9FM

WALV Chattanooga, TN 105.1FM

WLME Lewisport, KY 102.7FM

WWIC Scottsboro, AL 1050AM

Carrie Underwood's husband signs contract extension with Nashville Predators

A nice bit of news comes today at the Town Hall as the Nashville Predators have locked up center Mike Fisher for 2 more years for a total of $8.4 million. Together with the year remaining on his current deal, this keeps Fisher with Nashville through 2014-2015. The guy has fit like a glove with this team since coming over from Ottawa in a February 2011 trade, and serves well both as an on- and off-ice leader for the Preds.

---

Mike Fisher

#12 / Center / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-1

Weight: 208

Born: Jun 05, 1980

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The Preds issued the following:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed forward Mike Fisher to a two-year, $8.4 million contract that will pay him $4.2 million in both 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Fisher, 32 (6/5/80), ranked second on the Predators in goals (24) and third in points (51) in 2011-12, in addition to ranking 11th in the NHL in game-winning goals (7). His offensive numbers - coupled with his solid defensive play (he posted a +11 and tied for eighth among NHL forwards in blocked shots with 76) - earned him the seventh-most votes for the Selke Trophy. The Peterborough, Ont., native also became the franchise's second-ever award winner as the recipient of the 2012 NHL Foundation Award, which recognizes a player who applies the core values of hockey - commitment, perseverance and teamwork - to enrich the lives of people in his community. In 774 career regular-season NHL games with Ottawa and Nashville since 1999, Fisher has amassed 411 points (196g-215a). In 97 playoff contests, he has 39 points (18g-21a) and advanced to the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals.

Ottawa's second selection, 44th overall (second round), in the 1998 Entry Draft was acquired by the Predators on Feb. 10, 2011 and proceeded to pace the club in points (3g-3a-6pts) during the franchise's first-ever series victory over Anaheim in the 2011 Western Conference Quarterfinals. He has twice represented Canada at the World Championships (2005 and 2009), earning a silver medal on both occasions.

The dynamic to watch over the next few seasons is to what extent any of the young centers can work their way past Fisher and David Legwand into leading roles on the team. Do you think Nick Spaling, Craig Smith, or Colin Wilson can take that step this season?

What can be done to improve Nashville Predators TV ratings?

Clay Travis of 104.5's 3HL got Nashville Predators fans stirred up this morning with an observation tied to Goodlettsville's outstanding run so far at the Little League World Series:

Goodlettsville's LLWS game yesterday does a 5.9 in Nashville. Higher rating than any Predators game in 14 years. Really.

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravisBGID) August 20, 2012

This, of course, elicited a spirited response from many Preds fans, which allowed Travis to reply with this:

I need to start doing a column with Pred fan excuses for why no one watches the Preds on TV. Even Bama fans think logic is worthless.

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravisBGID) August 20, 2012

But my thinking is, rather than complain about Travis kicking hockey fans around, why not ask what can possibly be done to improve the team's local TV ratings? We all know that some ideas may be impractical, but let's get 'em out there at least. Here are a few which occurred to me:

1. Get all games on a single channel, no more bouncing around from Fox Sports Tennessee to SportSouth (and alternates)
2. Even better, partner with a local station (i.e. 2, 4, 7, 17) as Kevin Ingram suggested on Twitter.
3. What's Heather Locklear doing these days? She sure seemed to boost ratings for every show she joined.

Seriously, rather than moan & groan about perceptions, what constructive ideas can people come up with to improve ratings? We all know that establishing a culture which tunes into hockey on a regular basis is a long-term challenge in the South, and it seems like things are headed in the right direction, but how can the team build upon that momentum?

Nashville's next great agitator? Sunday's notes

It's a lazy Sunday in middle of August, so the hockey notes are few and far between this morning! We start off with a good one, though, a bit of advanced scouting for a Nashville Predators prospect who you're probably not very familiar with...

Best of Nashville 2012 - The Nashville Scene

This year they have a reader poll for "Best Sports Blog". Can you help us defend our title from 2011? Vote daily!

Nashville Predators News

Coming Down the Pipe!: One To Watch: Nashville Predators
Guy Flaming predicts that Brendan Leipsic, drafted in the 3rd round by Nashville this summer, will develop into a crowd favorite.

Nashville Predators remain close to Central Division rivals | The Tennessean

Thanks to the Red Wings' summer of swing & miss, the Preds haven't lost much ground. St. Louis remains the favorite, though.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Lubomir Visnovsky escapes serious injury after crashing Ferrari during race in Slovakia | Puck Daddy
Whoopsie.

Melky Cabrera Cooked Up A Phony Website To Try To Beat His Suspension - Deadspin
Not hockey-related, but hilarious nonetheless.

Happy Town Hall Day: Monday's notes

Better late than never, right? Tonight at Bridgestone Arena, the Nashville Predators will host their annual Town Hall event (which, in the past, has taken place in early-mid July). Check here for the full schedule of events, which begin at 4:00 p.m., and last until 8:00 p.m. Will I see you there?

The hockey notes are few and far between today, but a good topic of discussion might be "what question do you want to see answered by the panel tonight"?

Best of Nashville 2012 - The Nashville Scene

This year they have a reader poll for "Best Sports Blog". Can you help us defend our title from 2011? Vote daily!

Today's Hockey Notes

Boclair: CBA contretemps | Nashville City Paper
Nashville benefited greatly from the previous CBA... will this one turn out as well for small-market teams?

Framing the Issue and Reasons for Optimism : Tom Benjamin's NHL Blog :: CanucksCorner.com
Whoa, Tom's optimistic?

Introducing the scariest mask in the NHL - Puck Drunk Love
Creepy!

Who is the Greatest #20 in Nashville Predators history?

Boy, this one will test some sensitivities, won't it?

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Jamie Heward

Heward signed on as a free agent for the Preds' kickoff season of 1998-1999, taking on the tough task of manning the blueline behind a first-year expansion team. It was, however, his first chance for full-time NHL work, and he chipped in with 6 goals and 12 assists (along with a team-worst -24 Plus/Minus). He moved on as a free agent in the summer of 1999, and played for five more teams over the next several years.

John Namestnikov

Picked up in trade from the New York Rangers in 2000 for Jason Dawe, this Russian defenseman spent most of his time with Milwaukee, playing just two games as a Predator in April of that year. He spent the entirety of 2000-2001 with the Admirals before heading back to his homeland.

Nathan Perrott

Perrott made his NHL debut with the Predators in the 2001-2002 season, suiting up for 22 games with one goal and two assists from the right wing. The rest of that season he played for Milwaukee, and was traded to Toronto after playing one game for Nashville in 2002-2003.

Oleg Petrov

Petrov was picked up in trade from Montreal in early March 2003, and wore the #20 for his first three games with Nashville before switching to #14 for the rest of the campaign. He didn't hit the scoresheet at all during those games.

Todd Warriner

Warriner was playing out his final NHL season in 2003 when he landed in Nashville for seven games down the stretch, having started the year with Vancouver. He was traded by the Canucks in February to Philadelphia, but the Flyers put him on waivers just a few weeks later, and the Preds claimed him. He picked up the #20 that Petrov had recently abandoned.

Simon Gamache

Gamache spent parts of two seasons with the Predators, immediately before and after the Great Lockout. He came over from Atlanta in a December 2003 trade, and wore #20 for seven games, scoring one goal. Once hockey resumed in the 2005-2006 season, he had switched to #41.

Ryan Suter

A prototypical example of the draft-and-develop model that Nashville is known for, Suter was the 7th overall draft pick in the 2003 draft held in Music City. Following the draft he spent one more year at the University of Wisconsin, spent the Lockout year with Milwaukee, and became a full-time NHL player when the league resumed in the fall of 2005.

After seven seasons for the Preds, he stands fourth on the franchise lists in career games played (542) and assists (200). He made his first All-Star Game appearance last season, but took his talents to Minnesota this summer as an unrestricted free agent.

Poll

Who is the Greatest #20 in Nashville Predators history?

• Simon Gamache
• Jamie Heward
• John Namestnikov
• Nathan Perrott
• Oleg Petrov
• Ryan Suter
• Todd Warriner

  137 votes | Results