Predators lock up Mike Fisher with two-year extension

The Nashville Predators had big news at their annual Skate of the Union address when they announced that Milk Fisher agreed to a two-year extension that will keep him in Nashville for the next three seasons. Here is the full release from the Predators...

NASHVILLE PREDATORS SIGN MIKE FISHER TO A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT

Nashville, Tenn. (August 20, 2012) – 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.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Predators add experience to their defense with the signing of Scott Hannan

The Nashville Predators made a move to add another experienced defenseman to their roster this morning with the announcement of the signing of Scott Hannan.

Here is the full release from the Predators...

NASHVILLE PREDATORS SIGN DEFENSEMAN SCOTT HANNAN

Nashville, Tenn. (August 17, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed defenseman Scott Hannan to a one-year, $1 million contract.

Hannan, 33 (1/23/79), has amassed 197 points (33g-164a) and 522 penalty minutes in 908 regular-season games and 15 points (1g-14a) and 89 penalty minutes in 82 playoff games with San Jose, Colorado, Washington and Calgary since the 1998-99 season. The 6-1, 225-pound blueliner enters the 2012-13 season having played more games than any NHL defenseman in the last 10 seasons (798). Hannan dressed for 75-or-more games for the 11th consecutive season (78), and averaged more than 20 minutes of ice time for the ninth time in the last 10 seasons (20:21) with the Calgary Flames a season ago.

The Richmond, B.C., native was drafted 23rd overall (first round) by San Jose in the 1997 Entry Draft, and was part of the gold medal-winning Canadian squad at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. He joins captain Shea Weber as Kelowna Rocket alums in the Predators organization, having posted 139 points (46g-91a) and 339 penalty minutes in 235 games with the club from 1995-99.

With the Hannan signing, the Predators now have two defensemen with more than 800 games of NHL experience for the first time in franchise history (Hannan, 908gp; Hal Gill, 1,070gp). Both veterans – in addition to top-four blueliner Kevin Klein – also perennially rank among the League leaders in average penalty kill time on ice and blocked shots. That trio joins the two-time Norris Trophy runner-up Weber and talented, offensively gifted under-23 NHLers Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis, giving the Predators both three left shooting and three right shooting defensemen among their balanced top-six corps.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Details announced for Monday's Predators Skate of the Union

NASHVILLE PREDATORS SKATE OF THE UNION TOWN HALL MEETING SET FOR MONDAY, AUGUST 20
-Event highlighted by autograph session, open skate and Town Hall meeting-

WHAT: Nashville Predators’ Skate of the Union Town Hall Meeting

·Event highlighted by player autographs, open skate, select a seat/open house, Pro Shop deals, an auction item fire sale, Smashville Rewards demo, Smash Hit Karaoke and Town Hall meeting.

WHO:  Nashville Predators players, executives and personalities

WHEN: Monday, August 20, 4-8 p.m.

·4-5:30 p.m. – Open skate

·4:30-6 p.m. – Photo opportunities with select players

·5-6 p.m. – Player autographs on concourse

·6:15-6:45 p.m. – Q&A with select players on stage

·6:45-7:45 p.m. – Town Hall meeting  with Tom Cigarran, Jeff Cogen, Sean Henry, David Poile and Peter Horachek. Questions may be submitted online via social media and at main doors of event

WHERE: Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville TN

NOTES: Players scheduled to appear include Jon Blum, Mike Fisher, Paul Gaustad, Hal Gill, Kevin Klein, Chris Mason, Brian McGrattan, Craig Smith and Colin Wilson.

Attendees to Monday’s event will receive a special discount of 25 percent on tickets to Petey’s Preds Party on September 17.

The Predators flagship radio station 102.5 The Game will broadcast live from the Skate of the Union Town Hall Meeting.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Predators month-long celebration begins today with Bridgestone Open House

The Nashville Predators kick off what will be a month long celebration of all things Preds hockey today with an open house at Bridgestone Arena today.

Later this month there will be a town hall forum with players and coaches at the annueal Skate of the union address.

Predators Executive Vice President Chris Parker explained the events, “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. Next Saturday’s (today) 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.”

Here is a breakdown of all of todays events...

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

·Arrive to be Entered to Win a Pair of 2012-13 Season Tickets – 10-11 a.m.

·Box Office Opens/Tickets on Sale – 10 a.m.

·Stick-n-Puck Session – 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Stick-n-Puck session is good for players of all ages (youth and adult) to get on the ice and work on different puck handling and shooting skills. Instruction will not be provided. Full ice hockey equipment required; participants must supply their own equipment Skate and shoot at your own risk.

·Used Equipment Sale – 11 a.m. for Season Ticket Holders, 12 p.m. for the General Public

·Open Skate – 2-4 p.m., must bring own skates

·Preds Foundation Auction Item Fire Sale – 2-4 p.m.

·Pro-Shop Sidewalk Sale – All Day

·Locker Room Tours – Throughout the Day

·Inflatables and Fun on the Plaza - All Day

·Tax Free Weekend – Saturday, Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. through Sunday, Aug. 5 at 5 p.m.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Let’s turn Chick Fil-A Day into You Can Play Day

Several weeks ago when I first read Chick Fil-A CEO, Dan Cathy’s interview with Baptist Press where he expressed his beliefs about traditional marriage, I told the wife that the gauntlet had been thrown down and that an uproar was forthcoming.

For the record, his quote was stated as follows:

"We are very much supportive of the family - the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”

"We operate as a family business ... our restaurants are typically led by families; some are single. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families. We are very much committed to that."

"We intend to stay the course. We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles."

As Americans, we can all agree to support everyone’s first amendment right to speak their opinion (including Cathy’s) but we have to be realistic enough to realize that when we speak openly on topics that not everyone agrees on, backlash will ensue.

Cathy appears to be a shrewd businessman and has put his integrity and beliefs before worshiping the almighty dollar which is commendable these days.

Unfortunately, what has resulted is heightening of the great devide between Bible thumpin’ “Christians” and those who oppose bigotry based on sexual orientation, which goes well beyond those of the LGBT community.

As we sit in the year 2012, anyone who does not have gay friends, co-workers, and acquantences is either blind or living with their heads in the sand (or up their a__).

There are many “Christian” couples that have good marriages as well as many gay couples that would have good marriges if all things were equal. One type of “marriage” is allowed in all 50 states and the other isn’t.

So why do we have one side lining up to eat tons of marginal chicken product on August 1st, while the media is creating a war and trying to draw many others who would like to live peacefully as gay couples into the middle of the malstrom?

Predators’ defenseman Hal Gill had the perfect commentary on Twitter last week, “Can someone please explain to me how gay marriage effects my life? #liveandletlive #freedom.”

Many players and Captains in the National Hockey League are on the front lines in the You Can Play initiative who’s mission is as follows:

”You Can Play is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation.”

“You Can Play works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, judged by other athletes and fans alike, only by what they contribute to the sport or their team’s success.”

“You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete’s skills, work ethic and competitive spirit.”

Predators Captain Shea Weber was an early promoter of You Can Play when he shared the following video with Carey Price.



Maybe I’m in the minority of those who follow Jesus Christ but instead of having a day of protest and hate on August 1, I challenge our readers, hockey fans, and everyone else to do something positive to celebrate the day.

Go to YouCanPlayProject.org and join all those that believe in safety and equality for all on and off the ice regardless of their sexual orientation. Let’s turn a day of hate and anger into one that promotes a positive message.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Jeff Cogen and Kevin Allen appear on SmashvilleOnTheGlass Radio

Nashville Predators CEO Jeff Cogen and USA Today's Kevin Allen joined Ryan Porth and me on this week's episode of SmashvilleOnTheGlass Radio.

Cogen details the process that the Predators went through to put together the package to wrap up the captain for 14 years. Allen discusses the national implications of the signing and covers several other interesting topics.

Give it a listen.

Listen to internet radio with SmashvilleOnTheGlass on Blog Talk Radio

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood do Disney

It's rare that we see what Predators players are up to in the offseason. I ran across a little video from RumorFix with a report of Mike Fiisher and Carrie Underwood at Disney World on Thursday. Fun stuff!



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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Back to business as usual in Smashville, Predators geared up for another run at the Cup

With Shea Weber wrapped up as team captain for the next fourteen years, and Pekka Rinne behind him for half that time, the Nashville Predators appear set for another season where they realistically have a shot at the Stanley Cup.

All the gnashing of teeth that has been ongoing since the Preds beat the Red Wings in five games in April appears to have abruptly come to an end on Tuesday when the Predators matched the Philadelphia Flyers 14-year, $110 million offer to retain Captain Weber.

Tom Cigarran, leader of the Preds ownership group, was a happy man at Wednesday's press conference in spite of busting open the collective piggybank to be able to shell out the big bucks to keep Weber wearing the gold sweater.

"It’s a good day to be a Predators fan, and even better days lay ahead of us," Cigarran exclaimed.

He then detailed the collective parts that led to the decision to sign Weber. "At the Predators, we have a three-way working relationship among Ownership, Hockey Operations and Business Operations.

Owners provide the basic funding for the team and make sure we have the very best leadership throughout our organization. Hockey Operations job is to make sure that we have an elite, winning franchise on the ice year after year. Business Operations’ job is to make sure we operate as an elite franchise off the ice and that our current fans have reasons to continue their active support of the Predators and that we create new fans every day.

These three parts of our organization work very hard, very effectively, and seamlessly to get us to the decision to make Shea Weber our team captain and leader for the next 14 years."

Predators plan to celebrate Weber signing on the Bridgestone Arena plaza today

Today (Wednesday) at 12:30, the Nashville Predators plan to open up the Bridgestone Arena plaza for one of the biggest celebrations in team history as Tom Cigarran, David Poile and Jeff Cogen will address the crowd at 1 p.m. in their first public appearance since Shea Weber became a Predator for the next 14 years.

There will also be plenty of free food and cheap beverages to make the lunch time occasion complete. Here is the list of offerings:

· Media Conference featuring remarks from Tom Cigarran, David Poile and Jeff Cogen starting at 1pm
· Live Music
· $2 Beers/$1 soda & water
· FREE Hot dogs, Hamburgers and Hunt Brothers Pizza            
· Proshop will be open

For those locked in an office or otherwise unable to attend, streaming video will be avaliable here.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Weber to remain a Predator for 14 years

The six day period of silence in Smashville in reacting to the Philadephia Flyers 14-year, $110 million offer sheet was finaly broken Tuesday afternoon with the formal announcement from Preds GM David Poile that Nashville would match the terms of the Flyers offer.

This should allow Predators' captain Shea Weber to play out the rest of his career in Music City and allow the Preds to move forward on other potential deals to finalize this year's team.

Make the jump for the official release from the Predators as well as an email letter to fans fro Preds COO Sean Henry...

Predators' summer of discontent worsens with Flyers' offer sheet

The Nashville Predators summer of discontent worsened with a massive "bunker-buster" bomb blast from the Philadelphia Flyers in the early morning hours on Thursday when the news leaked that Preds' captain, Shea Weber, had signed a $110 million, 14-year offer sheet with the bad boy team in the Eastern Conference.

The Predators have little choice but to match the offer before next Wednesday's deadline. It appears that the Flyers tired of negotiating with Preds GM David Poile on a possible trade and just upped the ante by throwing out the offer that defined the market value for the best all-round young defenseman in the game.

It was common belief that Weber would either be re-signed to a long term deal similar to the one Ryan Suter signed or be traded to another team for a king's ransom. Poile's mantra all summer has been that he would match any team's offer sheet for Weber which was supposed to ward off such attempts.

Flyers GM Paul Holmgren put Poile to the ultimate test, front-loading the deal with $68 million in signing bonuses and offering to shell out $80 million in the first six years of the contract. I'm sure the Preds were prepared to pay a similar total amount but not so much so soon.

Elliotte Friedman guests on SmashvilleOnTheGlass Radio (podcast)

Ryan and Buddy catch up with the CBC's Elliotte Friedman and cover a wide range of topics including Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, and the upcoming CBA negotiations. Section 303's Jeremy Gover also joins in for a round-table discusssion on the Predators future.

Listen to internet radio with SmashvilleOnTheGlass on Blog Talk Radio

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Shea Weber skips arbitration option, Sergei Kostitsyn chooses to arbitrate

The NHLPA released the list of 16 NHL player that opted for player elected arbitration under the current rules of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The Predators' Shea Weber chose not to participate this year after getting a bitter taste in his mouth at last year's team elected hearing where he was awarded a one-year contract for $7.5 million. The Predators' main focus will be to sign Weber to a long term deal that could make him the highest paid NHL defenseman.

Teammate, Sergei Kostitsyn decided to take a shot at the arbitration process to attempt to improve on the $2.5 million that he made this past season. The flip side of the matter is that the Preds could chose to walk away from an award if they do not like the amount. Additionally, the team and player could agree to a contract before the hearing.

Make the jump for the complete list released by the NHLPA...

Poile "Disappointed and surprised" in Suter leaving

David Poile spoke to the national media via conference call just minutes after finding out that the the Nashville Predators "were not going to be the team of choice" in the Ryan Suter contract negotiations.

Poile indicated that he was "disappointed and surprised" in Suter's choice of signing with the Minnesota Wild. He indicated that he had had "30 to 40 discussions with Ryan and his agent as to signing a long term deal and Ryan's importance the club."

Suter's primary indication was that the criteria that he was looking for was being a part of a "winning team." Poile pointed out that "no team in the league did more at the trading deadline" than the Predators.

Suter's camp indicated to Poile that "it was not about money," but for "family reasons." Poile said that was "not what we talked about all season long."

Going forward, Poile indicated that the focus would turn to Shea Weber and trying to sign him to a long term deal. "We want him (Weber) to be in Nashville for years to come."

Poile admitted that re-signing Weber will not be an easy task. "If Ryan had re-signed it would have been easier for Shea to commit." Poile's main sales pitch to Weber will be that "he is the captain of the team and they they want to build the team around him."

In addition to attempting to re-sign Weber, Poile will also be looking for a replacement for Suter via "a trade or free-agency." He indicated that he would be looking for "the right player with the right fit."

Even with the departure of Suter, the Predators have a bright future on the blue line with Weber, Kevin Klein, Hal Gill, Ryan Ellis, Roman Josi, and a host of prospects waiting in the wings for a shot at the NHL.

Thanks to Petw Weber for the audio of David Poile's conference call.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Suter signs with Minnesota, attention shifts to Weber

According to Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Tribune, ex-Predator Ryan Suter has signed a 13 year contract that should make him a Wild for the remainder of his career.

No terms were immediately available but it was reported on Tuesday that Detroit had offered $90 million in a 13 year deal. The Wild also signed ex-Devil Zach Parise in what could be a similar 13 year offer that would unite the two Team USA stars and friends.

In Smashville, all eyes now turn to Shea Weber to see what he will do. Preds GM David Poile has repeatedly said that once Suter was resolved he would make an offer to Shea Weber who is a restricted free agent now and could become unrestricted at the end of next season if the CBA age rules do not change under a new agreement.

Also, look for Poile to possible pursue free agent Matt Carle or possibly trade for a D-man like Paul Martin who is with the Penguins.

So stay tuned as the hockey news never stops in Music City in spite of the torrid 100 degree heat.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Predators sign four more as Suter remains on the open market

In the last 24 hours, the Nashville Predators continued to piece together the puzzle that will be the final product that will hit the ice in October.

Since Hal Gil signed last week, the Predators have added Paul Gaustad, Brian McGrattan, Chris Mason, and minor leaguer, Kevin Henderson.

The one piece that remains an unknown is that of Ryan Suter. David Poile met with the media late Sunday and sounded like he was becoming increasingly impatient with Suter's indecision. A video of the discussion can be found here.

The re-signing of Gaustad is significant as it brings back the game's best face-off specialist and adds stability to the penalty kill team that was the leagues best last season.

The retutn of Chris Mason will make every Predator fan smile. Chris played parts of six seasons in Nashville and was a favorite among fans, coaches and teammates and will be the perfect complement to Prkka Rinne in goal. He had his best years under goalie coach Mitch Korn and he should returtn to that form again.

McGrattan's re-signing insures that the smash will remain in Smashville. His play down the stretch last year was limited due to injury and the competitiveness of the playoff race. The big guy is the best enforcer that the Preds have ever had and fans will be thrilled to see him in action once again.

Make the jump for all of the releases from the Predators on the signings...

What does the Hal Gill signing really mean for Smashville?

The Nashville Predators announced a key signing on Thursday ahead of the July 1 fiasco that will go a long way toward adding stability to the teams defensive corps for next two years.

Signing Hal Gill to a two-deal deal at $2 million a year is just what the doctor ordered to stabilize a young group of blue-liners that will soon be transitioning from the known quantity of Shea Weber and Ryan Suter to whatever combination it becomes in the next few days, weeks, or years.

I am assuming that Ryan Suter will be grazing on greener ice in Pittsburgh, Detroit, Minnesota or one of 26 other NHL teams that are willing to offer stupid money for a D-Man with a fair market value of seven million dollars in a reasonable economy that he has not accepted from David Poile.


I, personally, am also wondering what Shea Weber is thinking when he lost the Norris Trophy to a clearly inferior candidate in Erik Karlsson that Adrian Dater claimed caused the biggest gasp in the room with the media when it was announced (truth be known, Amanda DiPaolo made a loud noise and this writer leaked an expletive, sitting beside Dater).

Was Karlsson's theft of a Norris enough to drive Weber away from the friendly confines of Smashville's Bridgestone Arena in favor of a more traditional market when he becomes a free agent next year or does it lead him to a double-down (as in the Saloon) situation to prove the pundits wrong and gut it out in Music City. That is a serious question that only he can answer.

The day before the award was handed out, Weber was clearly Mr. Smashville and said all the right things. Then, after the awards show he was the only Preds nominee not to face the media, so we don't know his thoughts, but I would assume (I'll make asses of you me and everyone else) that he was not pleased with the result and it could eventually lead to a relocation.

Therefore, at this point, Hal Gill is the only D-man other than Ryan Ellis signed on in to the 2013-14 season and is ready and committed to stand in front of Pekka Rinne in the Predators pursuit of the 2014 Stanley Cup and that should make him a hero among the Predator faithful.

Gill is a winner, and even at his age of 37, he is a player that Preds fans can rally around to lead the team forward. He is a leader on the ice, in the clubhouse, and he never fails to stand up for the team in the post game scrum.

When no one else is willing to lay the cards on the table, Hal Gill steps up and is all in. Congrats to the Predators, The fans, and Hal Gill on the new contract. Make the jump for the details...

Predators announce road-heavy preseason schedule

The Nashville Predators released their preseason schedule for the upcoming 2012-13 campaign and it features only a pair of home games at Bridgestone Arena while they will play five games on the road.

The Preds will play the St.Louis Blues on Tuesday, September 25 and the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, September 29 in Smashville, with both games starting at 7 p.m.

Rookie camp will open on Friday, September 14, while veterans will report a week later on the 21st.

Make the jump for the full schedule and all the details from the Predators...


PREDATORS TO KICK-OFF SEVEN-GAME 2012 PRESEASON SCHEDULE WITH A DOUBLEHEADER ON SEPT. 24
-Slate includes home games against Washington and Carolina-

Nashville, Tenn. (June 27, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the Predators will open their seven-game 2012 preseason schedule with a doubleheader at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, Fla., for the second consecutive season on Monday, Sept. 24.

Nashville’s preseason schedule includes a pair of home games: Tuesday, Sept. 25 against the Central Division rival St. Louis Blues and Saturday, Sept. 29 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Both games at Bridgestone Arena will start at 7 p.m. CT.

In addition to their doubleheader against the Florida Panthers, the Predators will travel to Raleigh to take on the Hurricanes for the seventh consecutive preseason (Sept. 28) and play their first preseason tilt at the Scottrade Center since 2003 on Oct. 2. Nashville will round out the seven-game slate on Oct. 5 at the Verizon Center in Washington.

The 2012-13 Nashville Predators rookie camp is scheduled to open Friday, Sept. 14, with veterans reporting on Friday, Sept. 21 for testing and physicals.  The Predators’ first day on the ice will be Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Centennial Sportsplex.

Season tickets for the 2012-13 Nashville Predators season in Smashville are on sale now and start at just $24 per game. Great interest-free payment plans are currently available for Full Season and Half Season packages.  You can also create your own ticket plan with the Dunkin’ Donuts Flex 12 Plan by selecting 12 games that fit your personal schedule. To order tickets to the Nashville Predators, visit nashvillepredators.com/seasonticket or contact a ticket representative at 615-770-7800. Information on ticket availability for individual games will be announced later this summer.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS 2012 PRESEASON SCHEDULE

Day      Date            Opponent             Site               Time (CT)
Monday   Sept. 24      Florida Panthers      BankAtlantic Center 1:30 p.m.
Monday   Sept. 24      Florida Panthers      BankAtlantic Center 6 p.m.
Tuesday  Sept. 25      St. Louis Blues       Bridgestone Arena   7 p.m.
Friday   Sept. 28      Carolina Hurricanes   RBC Center          6 p.m.      
Saturday Sept. 29      Carolina Hurricanes   Bridgestone Arena   7 p.m.      
Tuesday  Oct. 2        St. Louis Blues       Scottrade Center    7 p.m.
Friday   Oct. 5        Washington Capitals   Verizon Center      6 p.m.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

It is your time to shine if you can come up with the Nashville Predators new catch phrase

Since 1998, the Nashville Predators have tad a "tag line" or marketing slogan each year and most have been pretty good. The term "Smashville" has been the most successful and is well known throughout the hockey world.

One of my favorites from the early years was "Fang Fever". The worst ever had to be the "My Town" theme based on the horrible ballad from the country act Montgomery-Gentry which allegedly brings down the house at their concerts.

It did nothing but drive the Preds out of the 2006 playoffs and kill any enthusiasm that the crowd could bring forth every time it was played. As far as towns are concerned, Smashville is more "Run This Town" than "My Town" eight days a week.

Anyway, we digress. Since Nashville has some of the brightest and most creative folks on the loose so the Predators are wanting each of you to come up with the coming year's slogan. Therefore they have released the #MySmashville contest that will give huge perks, including season tickets, to the person who can produce the best tag line.


Make the jump for all the rules, regulations and details from the Predators....

Predators Development Camp starts today and runs through Sunday

The Nashville Predators released the full details of this year's edition of their annual Summer Development Camp that will feature the team's top prospects as well as all nine new Preds that were drafted at last weekends NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh.

On ice sessions will be open to the public Today, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Centennial Sportsplex. The final day  with the battle for the coveted camp trophy will be on Sunday from 2 - 4 p.m.

Here is a full printable schedule as well as a printable roster of participants. Make the jump for all the other details of the camp.