Blake Geoffrion to Make NHL Debut With the Predators, Halischuk also Recalled

In somewhat of a surprise move, the call-ups that were deemed necessary by all of the day's prior activity by the Nashville Predators are none other than Brentwood's own Blake Geoffrion as well as Matt Halischuk who played 11 games with the Preds earlier this season.

When his skate first touches the ice, Geoffrion will become the first Tennessean to play in the National Hockey League.

He is expected to make his NHL debut in Dallas on Saturday night against the Stars. His first home game could be Sunday against Columbus.

It is somewhat surprising that the Preds would recall an untested rookie over Chris Mueller who performed well in stints in Nashville earlier this year.

Since it is doubtful that the Predators would head into the playoffs with a unseasoned player like Geoffrion centering a line, it lends further credence to David Poile being active over the next 72 hours trying to land a veteran center and possibly another forward or defenseman.

Here is the full press release from the Predators...

PREDATORS RECALL BLAKE GEOFFRION, MATT HALISCHUK FROM MILWAUKEE

Nashville, Tenn. (February 25, 2011) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forwards Blake Geoffrion (BLAYK JEHF-ree-ohn) and Matt Halischuk (mat HUH-lihs-chuhk) from Milwaukee (AHL).

Geoffrion, 23 (2/3/88), is the first Tennessee native to be selected in the NHL Entry Draft (56th overall, second round, in 2006) and this is his first career recall. He ranks second on the Admirals in points (11g-26a-37pts, 45gp) and earlier this month became the first AHLer in 16 years to be named League Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks.

The Brentwood native will become the first-ever fourth generation NHLer, following in the footsteps of Hockey Hall-of-Fame grandfather, Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion and great grandfather, Howie Morenz (a part of the Hall of Fame’s first induction class) and father, Danny, who was drafted eighth overall by the Canadiens in the 1978 Draft, and played for both Montreal and Winnipeg during his NHL career, as well as Quebec in the World Hockey Association. The University of Wisconsin product is in his first professional season after winning the 2010 Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s most outstanding player last spring.

Halischuk, 22 (6/1/88), has played 11 games for Nashville this season – all since making his club debut on Jan. 16 at Chicago – posting three points (1g-2a) and a +1 rating while averaging 9:46 per game. The Toronto, Ont., native, acquired from New Jersey in the offseason, also has 23 points (11g-12a) in 37 games for the Admirals, including four (2g-2a) in his last three outings.

With just two games remaining in February, in Dallas tomorrow at 1 p.m. (FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.9 The Buzz) and at home on Sunday against the Columbus Blue Jackets (2 p.m., 102.9 The Buzz) the Predators will begin their “March” to the playoffs with a four-game road trip that will take them through Western Canada and make a stop in California before returning home to play 12 of their 15 remaining 2010-11 games at Bridgestone Arena. With playoff hockey right around the corner, the Preds are offering a March to the Playoffs package so fans don’t have to miss a minute of the action. This special package provides fans four games for the price of three, a parking pass for each game and priority to purchase playoff tickets before the general public. Tickets for all home games are still available and may be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office, by calling (615) 770-7800 or online at nashvillepredators.com.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Blake Geoffrion Is First Player in 16 Years to Receive Back to Back AHL Player of the Week Honors

Predator prospect and Brentwood resident, Blake Geoffrion became the first player in 16 years to win the AHL player of the week honor in consecutive weeks.

Geoffrion has been on a torrid streak with two more goals in five assists in the Milwaukee Admirals two game last week.

Here is the full release from the Nashville Predators...

GEOFFRION EARNS PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONOR AGAIN

First Player in 16 Years to Win Award Back-to-Back

Milwaukee, WI--The American Hockey League announced today that Milwaukee Admirals center Blake Geoffrion has been named the Reebok/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Feb. 6, 2011. In two games, Geoffrion recorded two goals, five assists and a plus-5 rating.

Geoffrion becomes the first AHL player in more than 16 years to be named Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks, since Portland Pirates goaltender Jim Carey did so for the periods ending Oct. 30 and Nov. 6, 1994.

After turning 23 on Thursday, Geoffrion came out of the all-star break with a four-point performance on his own bobblehead night, scoring the game-winning goal and assisting on three others to lead Milwaukee to a 4-2 win over Rockford on Friday night. Then in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Geoffrion picked up a goal and two assists in a 6-2 Admirals win, keeping Milwaukee tied atop the West Division with the best record in the Western Conference at week’s end.

In recognition of his achievement, Geoffrion will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Admirals home game.

In winning the consecutive awards, Geoffrion has notched 13 points and a plus-8 rating in four games over the last two weeks. A rookie out of the University of Wisconsin and the reigning Hobey Baker Award recipient as the top collegiate player in the U.S., Geoffrion now has 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points in 37 games for the Admirals this season, good for a tie for eighth place on the league’s rookie scoring list. The native of Plantation, Fla., is the grandson of former AHL coach and Hockey Hall of Famer Bernie Geoffrion and the son of former AHL forward Dan Geoffrion.

Geoffrion and the Admirals return to the Bradley Center next Wednesday for a 7:00 pm contest with the Peoria Rivermen. Fans can purchase tickets by calling Ticketmaster at or logging on to milwaukeeadmirals.com. Group discounts are available starting with just ten people and get a minimum of $2 off the face value. For more information or to purchase group tickets fans can call the Admirals office at (414) 227-0550 or visit milwaukeeadmirals.com. Don’t forget to follow the Admirals on Twitter (@mkeadmirals) and on Facebook!

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOntheGlass

Blake Geoffrion Heads to Milwaukee

The Nashville Predators announced that local hometown favorite, Blake Geoffrion, has been assigned to Milwaukee.

The move is not a surprise as Milwaukee is opening it's preseason camp today and Geoffrion is expected to be a leader on the Ads squad that should be as talented as they have seen in a few years.

He has seen limited action in the Pred's early preseason games and will receive top minutes at the Predators top farm club and possible return as a call-up at some point during the season.

Here is the full release from the Predators...

PREDATORS ASSIGN BLAKE GEOFFRION TO MILWAUKEE
-Roster now at 37 through three preseason games-

Nashville, Tenn. (September 27, 2010) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has assigned forward Blake Geoffrion to Milwaukee (AHL).

The Brentwood native appeared in two of Nashville’s first three preseason games, his first NHL games with his hometown team, and will start his rookie professional career in the same state where he won the 2010 Hobey Baker Award and played four seasons with the University of Wisconsin. He became the first Tennessee native to be selected in the NHL Entry Draft when the Predators took him in the second round, 56th overall, in 2006.

The transactions leave Nashville’s Training Camp roster at 37 players – 21 forwards, 12 defensemen and four goaltenders. An updated roster is attached.

The second annual Preds Fest, a fan-appreciation celebration to mark the start of the hockey season in Smashville, concludes tonight when the Predators take on their closest geographical rival, the Atlanta Thrashers (7 p.m., WBUZ 102.9-FM The Buzz). It is also Community Night at Bridgestone Arena, with local non-profit organizations set up around the main concourse to inform fans of the inspiring work they are doing in and around Nashville. Visit nashvillepredators.com/predsfest for more details.

The regular season in Smashville kicks off on Oct. 9 vs. the Anaheim Ducks. All fans in attendance will receive an Opening Night t-shirt courtesy of Bridgestone. Tickets may be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office, by calling (615) 770-PUCK (7825) or online via Ticketmaster.com or nashvillepredators.com.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Blake Geoffrion Officially Signs with the Predators and Wednesday Wrap-Up

Yesterday was a red letter day in Nashville Predators and NHL history. Blake Geoffrion signed a two year deal that could be worth $5 million if all bonuses are achieved. The annual base salary is $62,500 in the AHL and $765,000 at the NHL level.

When Geoffrion makes the NHL, it is believed that he will be the first fourth generation NHL player following in the footsteps of great-grandfather Howie Morenz, grandfather, Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion, and father, Dan Geoffrion. Morenz and "Boom Boom" are both in the Hockey Hall of Fame and have their jerseys retired by the Montreal Canadiens.

Geoffrion is the first Tennessean to be drafted by an NHL team and potentially will be the first player to play for their hometown team in a warm weather, non-traditional hockey market. It is a story that helps overcome the stigma associated with Southern Hockey.

Geoffrion will suit up in Pred colors for the first time as a pro at next month's Predator's Development Camp that starts on July 6 at Centennial Sportsplex.

Here is the official release from the Predators...

NASHVILLE PREDATORS SIGN BRENTWOOD NATIVE BLAKE GEOFFRION

-2010 Hobey Baker Award winner is the first Tennessee native to sign an NHL contract-

Nashville, Tenn. (June 15, 2010) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed 2010 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner and Brentwood, Tenn., native Blake Geoffrion to an entry-level contract. Geoffrion is the first Tennessee native drafted by an NHL team (56th overall by the Predators in the 2006 Entry Draft) and first to sign an NHL contract.

Geoffrion, 22 (2/3/88), won the Hobey Baker, award given to college hockey’s most outstanding player, after tying for second in the nation in goals (28) and finishing first in Division I hockey in power-play tallies (15). A tri-captain of the University of Wisconsin Badgers in 2009-10, Geoffrion posted 50 points (28g-22a) in 40 games, helping the school reach the NCAA National Championship Game. In addition to recently being named USA Hockey’s College Player of the Year, the 6-1, 196-pound right wing was a First-Team West All-American, and a First-Team WCHA selection in his senior season. Geoffrion was also the Most Valuable Player of the West Regional after leading UW to victories over Vermont and St. Cloud State with five points (2g-3a) in the two games.

During his four-season collegiate career, Geoffrion amassed 114 points (55g-59a) and 243 penalty minutes in 146 games. The Nashville Youth Hockey League product is a fourth generation player – his grandfather, Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion is a Hockey Hall-of-Famer and was an 11-time All-Star, and great grandfather, Howie Morenz, was part of the Hall of Fame’s first induction class, and was a three-time Hart Trophy winner. The two won a combined nine Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens. His father, Danny, was drafted eighth overall by the Canadiens in the 1978 Draft, and played for both Montreal and Winnipeg during his NHL career, as well as Quebec in the World Hockey Association. His two younger brothers, Brice and Sebastien, both worked their way through the Nashville youth hockey system, and now play for the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

Jim Diamond attended the signing ceremony and presents his story and pictures.

Here is Bryan Mullen's Tennessean story, blog post, and video from the signing event.

From the blog world comes stories from Forechecker, Section 303, and What the Puck.

Mark Wheeler at the City Paper also filed a report.

NHL.com got into the mix with a "Hockey Royalty to Nashville Post" that is very similar to Forechecker's from the day before.

Finally, fans got a big thanks from the man himself @BlakeGeoffrion: Thank you to everyone who came today.

Programming Note...

I was a co-host along with Anthony Curatolo on Ryan Porth's RLD Radio yesterday. It was a good show that featured Jeff Marek of the CBC and Adam Jahns, Blackhawks beat writer for the Chicago Sun Times.

It was a good show with a variety of topics including the Entry Draft, Free Agency and the Stanly Cup Finals. It was a good show that is worth a listen.

Listen to internet radio with Ryan Porth on Blog Talk Radio

In Pred Nation...

Hockey's Future has their look at the Preds at this year's Entry Draft.

The 13th Annual First Tennessee Nashville Predators Foundation Dr. Mac Memorial Golf Tournament is set for September 14th at the Legends Golf course. All Predators players will be in attendance. Go here for details or to sign up.

Around the NHL...

Matt Reitz continues his blogger awards today with the announcement of the Selke Trophy.

After the four Hawks players visited the tonight show on Monday night, TMZ video caught Patrick Kane out pimping the cup and heading in to a club with his team mates.

The Boston Bruins will hold a press conference later today to announce that Cam Neely will be named the team's president.

From @BlueJacketsBuzz: Blue Jackets cleaning house as they sack all assistant coaches & strength & cond. coach. The Zamboni driver is nervous.

It was no surprise that Montreal bought out the contract of Georges Laraque.

Puck Daddy is in the odds making mood it appears as he comes up with numbers for next weeks Hockey Hall of Fame prospects.

Hockey's Future ranks the top prospects from the WHL that are draft eligible.

The proposed Silver State Arena, which is set to be built near the strip in Las Vegas, is still looking to land an NHL team as discussed in this article from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Ken Campbell does the math and shows that all the teams in the Stanley Cup finals the past four years spent to at least 95% of the cap.

Ryan at the RLD has the third version of his mock draft. He also has a list of potential buy out candidates.

Mirtle takes a look at last season's NHL attendance figures and labels the Predators as a success. He ususally gives Nashville a fair shake as he is one of the frew from the GTA that understands they dynamics of hockey in Nashville.

Even while Charles Wang is waiting for a Lighthouse deal, he has found a way to boost ticket sales at the Coliseum. Chris Botta has the story.

Michael Langlois has an article and an audio interview with Hall of Famer Andy Bathgate at Vintage Leaf Memories. The audio has a nice split speaker arrangement to make it a more listenable interview.

After being announced as the new captiain of the Leafs on Monday, Dion Phaneuf announced 40% more truculence next year as the Leafs unseat the Oilers as the NHL's worst team.

Odds and Ends...

It turns out that the "traditional" Vuvuzela is a fraud. It has only been common for five years since a boat load of them were brought in from China. Since no official has enough guts to ban it, it will continue to give novice soccer fans like me something to complain about.

Microsoft is battling free online competitors for their office products by offering online free versions of MS Office 2010.

Close to home, with all the recent problems with flooding, congress is playing politics with the National Flood Insurance Program. Until they pass an extension, no one can get flood coverage.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Blake Geoffrion Announces Intent to Sign Two-Year Deal on Twitter

In a message on Twitter, Pred's Prospect and 2010 Hobey Baker winner, Blake Geoffrion announced that he was set to sign a two-year deal with the Nashville Predators.

A Press conference will be held on Tuesday, June 15 at 2 p.m. at Granberry Elementary School in Brentwood where Geoffrion attended.

Here is the text of the original Tweet:

@BlakeGeoffrion: Its true I am signing a two year deal with the Predators. Press conference will be at my elementary school in Brentwood, which is Granberry Elementry everyone is welcome to come. Hope to see a lot of Preds fans there its at 2 o'clock on Tuesday the 15th.

More details should be available soon.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass