Once again, it’s Friday. That means it’s time to cut the grass, fire up the grill, and take a look at things you may have missed during the rest of the week.
Our Draft Prospect Profiles series is nearing the end after taking a look at several players from the OHL, QMJHL, and WHL who are likely to be taken in the late first or early second round. We’ll be posting the last profiles this weekend, with the final entry going up Monday.
In the coaching search, we provided a look at Portland Pirates’ head coach (and former Blue Jacket) Kevin Dineen, while Dark Blue Jacket continues digging up gold on Guy Boucher (who, according to the Dispatch, will be interviewing this weekend).
Edit: In addition, this afternoon DBJ put up the final profile in his look at the coaching candidates with “Who is this Claude Noel?”
All indications point to the search coming to a close soon – my prediction that we’ll see the coach named by no later than June 10th still stands.
Speaking of Boucher, check out Canadiens blogger Daily Hab-It, who posted an interesting look at how Boucher handles the Canadiens prospect camp, insights into his coaching style, and thoughts on how he may look at the interest from the CBJ. It also does a nice job of providing some context to Boucher’s recent remarks to the Montreal media. (Hat tip to Jeff Little of Ten Minute Misconduct)
Triathlete and CBJ fan Becoming Timberman has an interview with Tyler Wright on his training for the Subaru Ironman Canada, which he’ll be competing in to raise money for the Hats for Heroes charity! (Stick tap to Dark Blue Jacket!)
Light the Lamp reports that Swedish Free Agent Martin Thornberg, reported to be in negotiations with the CBJ, will not be coming over from Europe – he wants a guaranteed 1 way contract. Good luck to him.
Meanwhile, the CBJ front office hasn’t been idle, announcing the signing of David Savard to his entry level contract. That means we now officially have a ton of young d-men likely to start the year in Springfield. Don’t be surprised if we see a few minor league deals once free agency opens to provide some veteran leadership in the AHL.
The Blue Jackets also announced that the 2010 Draft Party will be held at Nationwide Arena once again this year, with doors opening at 6pm. If you’ll be down there, don’t forget to drop into the R-Bar for The Hockey Writers live NHL Draft Webcast!
Finally, the Blue Jackets have announced that they’ve renewed their corporate partnership with Rumpke waste management and recycling, so I guess that means we can all look forward to more third period “I Love This Town” commercials…oh, goody.
In news around the NHL, Tomas Holmstrom has signed a 2 year extension, meaning it is even more vital that the Jackets acquire someone capable of clearing “Homer” out of the crease with enough force to shatter his spine.
Quite a few people saw CBC’s Ron MacLean’s verbal sparring match with Commissioner Gary Bettman on Wednesday night. But did you know that he was involved with rescuing a man from drowning on Thursday?
Puck Daddy gives us a look at the usefulness of a well timed coaching blowup.
Speaking of extensions, Boston has also re-upped Shawn Thorton for another two years.
Here at SBNation, Mike Chen makes a plea to the NHL to make sure they spread the Winter Classic love around.
Finally, the Florida Panthers have revealed their 2010-2011 slogan. It’s…somewhat unfortunate.
Thanks for sticking with us this week, folks! Have a great weekend.