Saturday, July 9, 2011

POTG Weekend Headlines, News, and Links

It is pretty amazing that David Poile locked up Sergei Kostitsyn on a one-year deal that will give him the chance to see if he can reproduce what he did last season. It will be different for him in camp this year as he will be under more scrutiny to see if he can live up to his salary.

I'm am very surprised that the Preds were willing to part with $2.5 million to retain him. I was thinking something along the lines of $1.5 to $1.75 million would be a fair price. I'm sure the fact that teammate Joel Ward got an inflated $3 million in a multi-year deal played into the value.

This was the only deal of the five signings of the RFAs subject to the grievance hearing that I thought was a bit high but David Poile maintained his dignity and level-headedness unlike in the Chicago situation a couple of years ago when they paid crazy money to avoid losing players.

Anyway, we have a ton of news and links for you to carry you through the weekend after the jump...

In Pred Nation...

If you are interested in being a Predators Dancer, you need to get it in gear with auditions Saturday from 2-5. My daughter is itching to do that in two years when she turns 18.

Jim Diamond talked to David Poile about the Kostitsyn signing.

Josh Shalla is hoping to be able to forgo another year in the OHL and make the move to Milwaukee this fall.

Jeremy Gover had Three Minutes with Chase Balisy. as well as Anthony Bitetto.

Dirk Hoag's afternoon links seem to be growing every day. On Saturday, he asks the question of who would the Preds trade to get a top six forward.

If you have a band and want to play during intermission at a Preds game, here is your chance to apply.

Around the NHL...

The NHLPA announced the list of arbitration dates. Shea Weber is August 2 if it comes down to that.

The Red Wings filled out their coaching staff with the addition of Jeff Blashill and Bill Peters.

A day after Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs sounded like she was throwing in the towel, Matthew Hulsizer was revealed as a possible new owner of the St. Louis Blues. In Dallas Chuck Greenberg may be interested in the Stars.

Today is the hometown finale for Five Hole For Food's cross Canada tour. If you live in Vancouver check it out on Saturday afternoon.

Ryan Kennedy takes a look at what the Jets have done (or not done) to improve the on ice product during the offseason.

Stanley Cup of Chowder has the 10 worst free agent signings so far. How could you limit it to just ten?

RLD Hockey has the top 5 risk/reward free agent signings and debates if you would trade for Alex Semin.

Zach Parise could be waiting to see who the Devils' new coach might be before signing his contract.

The Islanders are still struggling to get to the cap floor. Here's more about the crazy spending from The Daily Gleaner.

Hockey Prospectus has a new feature with organizational rankings.

Mike Modano is considering is options and plans to make a decision in a few weeks.

As it turns out, Jeff Marek's move to Rogers will involve a variety of duties.

The Goalie Guild has updated their depth charts for all thirty teams after the recent flurry of activity at the draft and during free agency.

The NHL Network is getting a new host in Kathyrn Tappen from Boston.

Finally, Down Goes Brown has a history of NHL Offer Sheets.

Odds and Ends...

Interesting that the liftoff of Atlantis on Friday was used as a back drop for a scene in a new movie.

Chilies appears to be serving tequila to toddlers now.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

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