The consequences of the Shea Weber contract: Monday's notes

Today's hockey notes consider the broader impact of Shea Weber's contract on the future of the Nashville Predators, and the league at large. Will this usher in a new era for the Preds as a destination franchise for free agents?

That question, and a look back at Rick Nash's time in Columbus, follow after the jump...

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Nashville Predators News

Hockey Night in Nashville: Weber's long-term presence extends beyond his on-ice play
Does his new contract make Weber the iconic sports figure in Nashville? I wouldn't go that far yet, but it's a step in the right direction.

Boclair: Beating the system | Nashville City Paper
Weber's deal put a bow on the old CBA, but perhaps that won't work in the players' favor after all, if the owners point to it as an example of what must change.

The View from 111: Perceptions and Expectations
I wonder if expectations will indeed rise among the local fans.

Pressing issues keep NHL offseason busy – USATODAY.com
Kevin Allen sees the need for a veteran on the Nashville blueline. Just like the last couple years there will be talk of having the kids fill several key roles, but there's still plenty of time to bring in a more experienced hand.

Chet Pickard to the park? | HockeyExpressen.se
It sounds like Chet Pickard might take his talents to the Swedish Elite League. Djurgarden would represent a step up from Cincinnati, at least.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

61 Thoughts | BlueJackets Xtra
Aaron Portzline sums up the Rick Nash era in Columbus with a monster column reflecting on the big star's time with the Blue Jackets from beginning to end, including the highs and the lows.

Was Jordan Eberle’s success last season something of a mirage? | Edmonton Journal
This is one of the key questions in Edmonton, whether Eberle's season was a flash in the pan or a sign of things to come.

Forwards and NHLE - 2011 Draft | NHLNumbers.com
Preds prospects Josh Shalla and Chase Balisy show up well here, but apply a grain of salt due to the fact that they're a year older than most of the other guys.

2012 NHL Rumors: New York Rangers Are Interested In Joe Thornton? Probably not. - Blueshirt Banter
Yeah, I'm not buying this one, either.

Who is your #1 #2 in Nashville Predators history?

The 2012-2013 NHL season is still a long ways off, so to keep us occupied until then we're kicking off a new series of articles intending to stir conversation and bring back some memories of former Nashville Predators. We'll take a look at all the jersey numbers which have been worn by multiple players over the years, and ask you to decide who which has done each number the

Let's take a look at the contenders for our first number to consider, #2...

Looking for a Preds jersey? Ice Jerseys has a deal to save 10-30% on your order, but only until July 31!

Rob Zettler (1999)

Zettler had a long NHL career as a rugged defenseman, playing 569 games for 6 teams. Only two of those games came in a Nashville Predators jersey, however, after he was claimed from Toronto in the Preds' expansion draft in 1998. He spent most of the 1998-99 season with the IHL's Utah Grizzlies, but got called up for a couple contests with the Preds in February of '99, a pair of losses to Detroit and Pittsburgh. He recorded no points, 2 penalty minutes, and was a -2.

That summer he moved on to the Washington Capitals as a free agent, playing parts of three seasons before retiring. Just this month, he was hired as an assistant coach with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch.

Dan Keczmer (1999-2000)

Another journeyman blueliner, Keczmer played 235 games over the course of 10 seasons for 5 different NHL teams. Late in the Predators inaugural season of 1998-99, Nashville claimed Keczmer off waivers from the Dallas Stars, suiting up for 16 games with the Preds down the stretch, and 24 the next season. On February 9, 2000, Keczmer was traded to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman Rory Fitzpatrick, but Keczmer never played in the NHL again.

Through 40 games as a Predator, Keczmer recorded 5 assists, 40 penalty minutes, and a -5 rating.

In an interesting sidenote, back in 1991 he was traded by San Jose to Hartford for our new Milwaukee Admirals head coach, Dean Evason.

Dan Hamhuis (2004-2010)

A prototypical example of Nashville's reputation for drafting and developing quality defensemen, Hammer was a 1st-round pick (12th overall) in the 2001 NHL Draft. He played one more year of junior hockey and one in Milwaukee before making his NHL debut with an 80-game rookie season in 2003-4. During the lockout he went back to the AHL, but picked right up where he left up once NHL play resumed, solidifying his role as a Top 4 defender and versatile contributor on special teams.

After six seasons in Nashville, Hamhuis racked up 32 goals, 129 assists, 375 penalty minutes and a +3 rating. In the summer of 2010 he left the Preds as a free agent and signed with his hometown Vancouver Canucks. He turned off many fans here with some joking comments about attendance in Nashville, but he was always a positive influence in the community here.

Teemu Laakso (2012)

Laakso has worn a variety of numbers during occasional appearances in the NHL over the last three seasons, sporting #4 and #32 before switching things up last fall. Despite continued development in Milwaukee, he never could earn a regular job at the NHL level, and this summer took his game back across the water to the KHL.

In 9 games wearing the #2 in 2011-2012, Laakso tallied no points, 8 penalty minutes, and -1 rating.

So who gets your vote as Nashville's consummate #2?

Poll

Who is your favorite #2 in Nashville Predators history?

• Dan Hamhuis
• Dan Keczmer
• Teemu Laakso
• Rob Zettler

  326 votes | Results

Who is the greatest #3 in Nashville Predators history?

The initial installment of our jersey number series may have been a slam dunk, but things get much tougher today, as we consider the greatest players to wear the #3 in Nashville Predators history.

Follow after the jump for a list of candidates who combine toughness, skill, durability, and popularity, along with a double-dose of tragedy...

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Bill Houlder (2000)

With 846 career NHL games for 7 different franchises, Houlder is another one of those career journeymen who provided the foundation upon which a competitive team was built in Nashville in the early years. Claimed off waivers early in the 1999-2000 season, it looks like Houlder only wore the #3 for one game, his November 11 1999 debut with Nashville in which he played only 6:35. He missed almost a month after that game and came back wearing #23 afterward, so we'll get more into his time with the Preds later on in this series.

Karlis Skrastins (2000-2003)

The very model of a steady, dependable defenseman, Skrastins enjoyed a long productive career which began in Nashville as a 9th round draft pick in 1998. He still holds the franchise record for consecutive games played with 269, two spots ahead of Houlder's 245. After a two-game trial run with the Preds in the 1998-99 season, in which he wore #40, Skrastins bore the #3 for the rest of his time with Nashville, playing 305 games with that number and recording 13 goals, 40 assists, 130 penalty minutes and a -49 rating (not surprising during the early days of the team).

While known as a stout defensive presence, Skrastins holds the signature distinction of scoring the first 3-on-5 goal in Predators' history, coming on October 15, 2002 in a road game against the New York Islanders. While I can't find video of the goal, Pete Weber provided audio of his call (mp3).

Skrastins was one of the victims in last September's tragic KHL plane crash, at the age of 37.

Marek Zidlicky (2004-2008)

Zids was one of the most offensively talented blueliners in team history, but his giveaways earned the ire of many fans. He stands 4th on the franchise list in goals (35), assists (140) and points (175) among blueliners.

After the 2007-2008 season, he was traded to Minnesota in exchange for Ryan Jones and a 2nd-round draft pick in 2009 (Charles-Olivier Roussel). At the trading deadline last season we was sent to New Jersey, where he helped the Devils reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Wade Belak (2009-2011)

What can you say about Wade Belak? On the ice, he was the consummate enforcer (his 2009 fight with Donald Brashear is the stuff of legend), so his impact on wins & losses was undoubtedly less than the other members of this list. He was, however, one of the most popular players on the team, thanks to his infectious humor and outgoing manner.

His sudden, unexpected passing last summer rocked the team and the rest of the hockey world.

Like I said, this won't be an easy one to decide - who gets your nod as the greatest #3 in Nashville Predators history?

Poll

Who is your favorite #3 in Nashville Predators history?

• Wade Belak
• Bill Houlder
• Karlis Skrastins
• Marek Zidlicky

  62 votes | Results

Report says potential Coyotes owner still short on cash: Sunday's notes

Will the long saga of the Phoenix Coyotes ever come to a satisfying conclusion? Our around-the-league hockey notes begin today with news that Greg Jamison, the man trying to buy the Yotes from the NHL, still doesn't have all the money together to complete the deal.

Who knows, maybe if he's lucky he'll find a coupon in the Sunday paper...

Looking for a custom Preds jersey? Ice Jerseys has a deal to save 10-30% on your order, but only until July 31!

Nashville Predators News

Sunday AJenda | Tough Love for the Preds; Tough Luck for the Other Guys (Part 1 of 2) | Predators AJenda
AJ takes a long look at the events of this summer...

Sunday AJenda | Tough Love for the Preds; Tough Luck for the Other Guys (Part 2 of 2) | Predators AJenda
...and calls out Shea Weber's agents for the rather obvious drum-banging they did for Philadelphia.

Preds On The Glass: Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood do Disney
Buddy's on the entertainment news beat...

Checking In With Team President Jon Greenberg | Admirals Roundtable
Ryan interviews Milwaukee's top dog about the big moments from last season, and what lies ahead with new head coach Dean Evason.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Jamison $20M short in Coyotes bid, courting investors - Phoenix Business Journal
Maybe he can get Shane Doan to play for an IOU? Seriously, at what point can we say that things are looking grim?

Jessica Redfield's memory will live on forever - Denver Post
Adrian Dater was in San Antontio for the memorial service, and appreciates Jessica's life for making giving him a dose of perspective on what it means to work in sports journalism.

Forwards and NHLE - 2012 Draft | NHLNumbers.com
Take a look at how this summer's draftees would likely fare in a transition to the NHL.

Claude Julien Has Brought Stability and Success to Bruins With Longevity Rarely Seen in NHL - NESN.com
He's got a long way to go to catch up with his professed idols, Barry Trotz and Lindy Ruff, but Julien's gig in Boston is working out a lot better than his time in New Jersey.

Sales & Free Shipping get you & your gear ready for Hockey Season | Hockey Gear HQ
Whether you need to replace some equipment, or are interested in hockey training aids, this weekend's a great time to shop online.

Alexander Semin's style & substance polarizes critics: Saturday's notes

Settling in for a nice long weekend of watching the Olympics, are we? Well, that's no excuse for not keeping up with your hockey reading!

Our around-the-league notes start off with two interesting pieces about Alexander Semin, who recently signed a one-year, $7 million contract with Carolina. The Hurricanes appear to find great value in the Russian sniper, while his demeanor and playing style cause some commentators to label him as a "coach killer"...

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Nashville Predators News

The Hippodrome: Shea You, Shea Me. Shea It For Always. That's The Way It Should Be. | Pith in the Wind
J.R.'s weekly review is made all the more entertaining by a Charles Nelson Reilly appearance.

Smashville 24/7 - Smashville On The Glass podcast – Preds CEO Jeff Cogen featured
Ryan chats up the Preds' chief salesman.

Smashville 24/7 - Weber willing to take on role of ‘recruiter’
Anything to lure the college football fans, eh?

Calling for Back-up: The Predators Defensive Concerns | The Predatorial
Another vote is tallied for Carlo Colaiacovo. Just watch, now that I've had enough practice that I can spell his name correctly on the first try, he'll sign somewhere else.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Jim Rutherford "Analytics Show Semin A Different Player Than What Critics Think" - Canes Country
I would be very interested to see an analysis of exactly how persistent this notion of measuring performance in "pressure situations" is.

Holding Nash to the same standard as Semin | Backhand Shelf
I love this article, I really do. Good Canadian boys like Rick Nash are praised by all parties, while Alexander Semin catches every cheap shot in the book from TV analysts. But who has actually done more to help their team in recent years?

Down Goes Brown: Great Obscure Moments in Leafs History - That time Pat Quinn screwed up the lineup card during a playoff game
Just when you thought one of the funniest moments in NHL history couldn't be made any funnier...

Trending Topics: Let’s make offer sheets a regular thing | Puck Daddy
I'm totally down with this. I want owners & GM's to compete hard just like the players do.

NHL 13′s GM Connected mode to take your dynasty worldwide | Puck Daddy
More sneak previews of what NHL13 will bring to the table.

Apparently Scott Howson’s asking price for Rick Nash came down a touch this summer | Backhand Shelf
To dream... the impossible dream...

Claude Giroux points the finger at Sidney Crosby for causing his wrist injuries | Backhand Shelf
I can't stand hacks to the hands & wrists like that, Steve Sullivan used to drive me nuts the way he'd do that once he lost position defensively.

Ex-Avalanche Steve Moore's lawsuit against Todd Bertuzzi delayed - Denver Post
Will this thing ever get to trial? Yeesh.

Fundraiser for Jack Jablonski brings out NHLers, raises over $120,000 | Puck Daddy
Encouraging stuff for the young paralyzed hockey player.

Sales & Free Shipping get you & your gear ready for Hockey Season | Hockey Gear HQ
Whether you need to replace some equipment, or are interested in hockey training aids, this weekend's a great time to shop online.

How would the Nashville Predators fare in the Olympics?

I'll admit right up-front that I am an absolute sucker for the Olympics. I can get cynical about college or professional sports at times, and I know some of you groan every time I bring the cold light of statistical analysis to the game of hockey, but when it come to the Olympics, it's a fortnight of pure sports-viewing statisfaction. I love the ceremony, the competition, the diversity of the athletes, the whole bit. I just wish I could take time off work to watch it full-time.

In a nod to J.R.R. Tolkien, I'll offer up my own suggestion for a slogan for these London Games:

Five Rings to rule them all, Five Rings to find them,

Five Rings to bring them all and in competition bind them

In the City of London where the medals lie.

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So here's a topic for conversation, Preds fans - how might various members of the Nashville Predators, or other NHL stars fare in various Olympics events?

For example:

• Craig Smith, High-jumping (he certainly knows how to put the puck over the bar, even when the net is empty)
• Martin Erat, Hammer throw (have you seen the guy spin?)
• David Legwand, Handball (remember the playoffs?)

Make your suggestions in the comments below! And no, you don't get any points for Diving jokes, that's just too easy...

Nashville Predators announce Used Equipment sale, Open house, and single-game ticket sales information

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 4th, as the Nashville Predators will hold their annual used equipment sale, along with an Open House, a public skate on the Bridgestone Arena ice, and the launch of single-game ticket sales for the 2012-2013 season. The "Skate of the Union" town hall meeting will take place later on, but hey, this means you'll have two chances to get out of the heat and into the rink during the month of August.

An excerpt from the team's press release follows after the jump...

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Nashville Predators fans can purchase select individual game tickets and premium seating inventory for the 2012-13 regular season starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4 at the Bridgestone Arena box office, through all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com,nashvillepredators.com and (615) 770-7800.

Last season, the Predators sold out 25 regular-season contests and averaged 16,690 fans a game and the on-sale event will be the very first opportunity for non-season ticketholders to take part in another exciting season of Nashville Predators hockey.

The Predators will also host an Open House on Aug, 4 that includes the team's popular used equipment sale (11 a.m. for Season Ticket Holders, 12 p.m. for the general public), an open skate on Bridgestone Arena ice (2-4 p.m., must bring own skates), a pro shop sidewalk sale (all day) and locker room tours throughout the day. Fans should arrive between 10-11 a.m. to enter to win a pair of 2012-13 season tickets.

"Our annual Skate of the Union event has grown so much over the years that we have decided to make the festivities even grander by breaking them up into two separate events," Predators Executive Vice President Chris Parker said. "Next Saturday's on-sale event will feature an Open House that includes several popular fan experiences such as a used equipment sale, locker room tours and an open skate. The festivities will culminate later in August with a Town Hall Meeting featuring Shea Weber, David Poile, Barry Trotz, Tom Cigarran and Jeff Cogen."

The Predators are also kicking off Tax Free Weekend on Saturday, Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. through Sunday, Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. Fans may purchase Nashville Predators ticket plans, select single game tickets, premium seating inventory and tickets to select Bridgestone Arena events at a 9.25 percent discount. Tickets may be purchased by calling 615-770-7800 or through nashvillepredators.com.

Season ticketholders will continue to receive the biggest savings, reserved seating and most comprehensive benefits of all fans, as this week the Preds are holding an exclusive pre-sale where season ticket holders can purchase additional game tickets prior to the public sale. Season Ticket Holders are also the only fans who have access to every home game this season; select games will not be available for individual sale and may only be acquired through the purchase of a ticket package.