Sorry for my absence… my day job has gotten a bit crazy and has limited my ability to update. I’ll try to catch up with some notes while waiting for my appointment time at SlapShot Radio’s premier sponsor, Dr. Jane Bacon.

- Very happy about the signing of Craig Smith. The breakout star of this past year’s worlds could be a very nice add to the Predators forward corp[s.

- The countdown to the big August deadline is on… no, not that one… the arbitration deadline for Shea Weber. I won’t get nervous until the day of the hearing. Deadlines do tend to drive deals and neither side wants to go through the hearing process.

- In talking to some of the folks in the front office, ticket sales are doing very well for the upcoming season. Season ticket renewals and new season tickets are up year over year and the excitement is building toward the new season.

- The news about Francis Bouillon’s relapse is not good for Nashville, I can’t help but think that Shane O’Brien wasn’t re-signed because the team thought Bouillon would be ready for the season. That may not be the case, however, there may be a veteran or two available before the season starts, like O’Brien last season.

- The hurried release of the Winnipeg Jets logo was interesting, and also indicative of the problem with going with the Jets name. There is a segment of fans that want the old name, the old logo and the old history… and won’t be happy with anything else.

- The other issue with taking the Jets name is that the fans still think that the history belongs to them, hence the very unfair issue with Evander Kane and his wearing of number 9. The number has not been retired by this team, has not been retired by the league but Kane is under pressure to change his number. That’s not right.

- The sad case of Nikolai Khabibulin came to a conclusion yesterday with the goaltender being sentenced to 30 days in jail for his DUI.

- A salute to Kris Draper. Another proto-typical Red Wing retires. Another key cog in the championship machine gone.

- The backshooting going on in Philadelphia is typical. The whole sordid affair about partying and who wouldn’t sign the “Dry Island” board is simply silly. Growing up a Flyer fan, all I know is that Fred Shero would’ve been told to take a flying leap if he tried to restrict the Broad Street Bullies access to Rexy’s.

A couple of off-topics…

- The play in the 19th inning of last night’s Braves/Pirates game could’ve been the biggest blown call I have ever seen in the regular season.

- The resolution of the NFL lockout is a good thing, especially when looking at the length of the deal. It should have positive implications for the other leagues that are dealing with or will have to deal with the same issue in the next 18 months or so.

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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!

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