Image Source: Nashville Predators

While I was on my way to my cousin’s graduation in Shelbyville, Kentucky, the Nashville Predators were busy unveiling the official logo for the 2016 NHL All Star Game. And, I must say, what a fine logo that is! After the whole fiasco with the State of Tennessee’s choice of logo, Nashville and the entire state needed some relief in the form of good looking graphic design.

Some other important Predators information was dropped before and after the logo was revealed, so I’ve compiled a bunch of it in case you were out and about yesterday like myself:

• Phil Housley, Head Coach – The New Jersey Devils need a new head coach and rumors have been swirling that Predators assistant, Phil Housley, might just be that man. However, as the rumors hit the blogosphere, the Devils were quick to recant any truth to that gossip. Of course, that doesn’t mean much nowadays; the Devils could still be very much interested in Housley.
• The Jokinen Curse – While speaking to the rambunctious crowd at the Music City Sports Fest yesterday, David Poile mentioned that the organization would probably not be re-signing both Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli. For a gentle reminder, the Predators traded a first round pick in this year’s draft, Olli Jokinen, and Brendan Leipsic to the ailing Toronto Maple Leafs for Franson and Santorelli, two former Predators. Poile also mentioned that he would not actively seek claiming another first round pick, but if the opportunity arose, he’d take a look at it.
• Hutton Hangs Around – For all of you Hutton haters, don’t expect him to be off the roster next season. Poile stated that he expected Pekka Rinne to play around 65 games next season, leaving the rest to Hutton. Poile also noted that he’d like to sign Finnish goaltender Juuse Saros, meaning Magnus Hellberg might be on the trade block very soon.
• Get ‘Em Signed – David Poile made it clear that he is working on getting contracts together for both Mike Ribeiro and Mike Fisher. Ribeiro, like many of the other UFA and RFA, has been very vocal about returning to Nashville, which is certainly a good thing. Poile mentioned that Kevin Fiala stated that, “I’m going to play for the Nashville Predators next season” and that he and Steve Moses should be breakout stars next season.
• A-Train Departs – Poile mentioned that the defense would be returning next season, minus a one Anton Volchenkov. Though Volchenkov didn’t come out swinging like Ribeiro did, his presence will be missed, but easily replaced.