Tuesday Happenings, POTG Podcast Available

Thanks to our guests on Monday night's PredsOnTheGlass Radio which is also available on podcast.

Steve Wilson of Blackstone Sports was on early and discussed new skate sharpening technology that has the potential to impact the way hockey is played. Blackstone’s revolutionary Flat Bottom V skate sharpening technique, increases the ability for players to make sharper cuts on the ice without sacrificing the speed and glide that traditional methods do not allow.

The Nashville Predators were one of the first NHL teams to have access to the equipment that Blackstone produces. Steve is Vice President and co-founder of Blackstone Sports and admitted that they can't make the equipment fast enough because so many folks want it.

I know this probably doesn't sound very exciting but it really is a breakthrough. Check out the podcast or go to their web site and you will see what I mean.

The rest of the show was an exclusive one on one with XM Home Ice's Jamie Shalley. Jamie is one of Jackson and my favorites and it was a real treat to talk to him again after meeting him in person at the award show. We covered a wide range of topics and really had a good time doing so.

Jackson found out a little secret after the show about BlogTalkRadio. For those that don't get enough in the first hour, the after show discussion is also available on the podcast. Monday's show had another 30 minutes of bonus talk.

In Pred Nation...

The big news in Nashville is the Predator's Development Camp that is hitting full stride today and runs through Saturday. Forechecker has a much better roster than the one on the Preds site.

Preds.com had a good article about Mark Dekanich, who is the lesser know of all the goalie prospects.

Mark at The View From 111 has another thoughtful piece on "When the Game Ends" for athletes that is a must read. It's not just about the untimely death of Steve McNair but goes in to the whole pro sports arena and the issues athletes face in making life choices in the midst of fame and fortune.

Paul McCann has a short piece about the prospects camp and a rumor that Tampa is interested in Dan Ellis. Jim Diamond also has a story about the camp at the Examiner.

From @cellblock303: JUST ANNOUNCED: The 303:30 will be bi-weekly throughout the season! Regular season debut = 10/3. Season preview = 9/26.

Around the NHL...

The problem with the contract mailings in Chicago, that was mentioned yesterday, has ended up being a much bigger deal than anticipated. The NHLPA did file a grievance and amazingly, all but Kris Versteeg were resigned within a couple of hours.

Several others including Francois Beauchemin (Leafs), Andrew Raycroft (Canucks), Alex Kovalev (Senators), and others were signed after a slow weekend. TSN's tracker keeps you up to the minute on signings. Ryan at the RedLightDistrict gives you all the analysis.

I took a look at an updated version of Mirtle's top 100 free agents to look for some potential affordable choices for the Preds and it was surprising that I found Radek Bonk looking pretty good if he could come back a little cheaper than the $1.475 than he made last season.

Chris Pronger met the press on Monday in Philadelphia in a fairly light-hearted interview. It's worth a look at the video. The Flyers will be a team everyone will be watching in the fall. I'm sure they will make the highlight films every night on Hockeyfights.com.

In Phoenix, a Sporting News article opens the can of worms that the NHL doesn't want to hear about Jerry Reinsdorf's bid not bringing any cash to the table. While things are quiet now, I'm sure the Balsillie bid still has another round or two to go before all is said and done. Another article in the Arizona Republic discusses if Moyes and Gretzky will be paid after the sale.

Also in Arizona, is an article about ex-Pred Vern Fiddler. We will miss him in Nashville. Another ex-Pred type, Drew MacIntyre finally has a story on his signing with the Thrashers at BlueLandBlog

Finally, another day at the office for the Brian Burke crew in Toronto. They may be investigated for tampering over remarks Ron Wilson made about the Sedins prior to July 1st.

More later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Additions...

This is about as weird as it gets from Japers' Rink on Hockey in Hawaii.

After all the hoopla, Jonas Gustavsson signs with the Leafs. It's a match made in hockey heaven. P T Barnum would approve of all the publicity generated by Burke and the goalie. Now he has to live up to his billing on the ice.

Mirtle adds the defensemen list to his remaining UFA analysis. Since David Poile says we need another one, let's go shopping.

Forechecker adds his daily roundup to the mix.

After reading John Glennon's update at Inside Predators, it sounds more and more like the Preds are done dealing for now. He also confirms pretty much the same preseason schedule with 2 games versus Columbus and Carolina in addition to the two against Atlanta that we heard about on Monday.

The Pred's pre-season schedule is officially out and includes home games on Sept 17, 19 and 26. Training camp will open Saturday Sept 12 with the first on ice workout on Sunday Sept 13.