Paul McCann Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSS
• Archive
• CONTACT
Some random notes during the slowest time of the year in sports… Development camp finished on Sunday, I have a few observations from the weekend
- I was impressed with the on-ice leadership shown by Blake Geoffrion. He took command of the team, directing his teammates during drills and pushing the younger players. His experience as a tri-captain with Wisconsin really showed.
- Ryan Thang certainly has shown improvement year over year. He looks to be the first call up potential come October.
- Roman Josi also showed well during camp on both sides of the puck. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play quite a few games in Nashville this year.
- The goaltenders looked decent in camp. The one that drew my eye was Anders Lindback. Big and rangy, he covers a lot of net and looks a lot like a younger Pekka Rinne. I don’t think a potential backup for this season rose above the crowd though.
- Ryan Ellis was impressive offensively, his lack of weight training showed a bit, and coaches expressed a little concern over his weight distribution. He certainly plays a bit bigger than he is.
-University of Minnesota rising sophomore Zach Budish continues his development. I like his physical game and his attitude both on the ice and off.
In conversations with coaches at the camp, there was a real feeling of excitement expressed. They are pleased with the development of the prospects and are looking forward to getting the season started, a feeling that Pred Nation shares.
--------------------------------------
Random Notes
- The San Jose Sharks certainly put the Chicago Blackhawks behind the 8 ball with their offer sheet to Niklas Hjalmarsson. Chicago’s decision to match was not unexpected. Their cap issues seem to keep coming back to bite them. You wonder if this impacts the contract that Chicago needs to get done with goaltender Antti Niemi.
- You get the feeling that everything is in a holding pattern until Ilya Kovalchuk makes up his mind. But that could change quickly if one of the other larger name UFA’s gets impatient. This constant back and forth between NJ and LA is simply getting silly.
- The Toronto Globe and Mail is reporting that Donald Fehr may not take the role as head of the NHLPA but is interested in helping out. That could be a hot topic as the members of the union get together this week in Toronto. A new executive director is needed as the organization has gone through three directors since the 2005 lockout.
- The Sports Business Journal is reporting that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s compensation package was $7.23 million for 2008-2009, almost doubling from his pre-lockout compensation. Queue the hue and cry…
- Interesting signing in Philly as they become the third NHL team to try their luck with Nikolai Zherdev. You don’t need a World Cup predicting octopus to call this one…
---------------------------------------
You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates… I’ll also be updating with starting lineups and scratches during Pred home games, also I’ll be supplying information and explanations from the PA box.
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • 
Join the Discussion:
»