Klein to remain in Nashville (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

With the NHL Lockout well underway and the preseason games cancelled, it’s hard to find a spark of hope.

But fear not good fans, for glad tidings come from Smashville this week. One player has signed a new contract and several others will be playing hockey for the season, even if they are playing in a different league.

An announcement this week by the Preds tells us that defenseman Kevin Klein has signed on for another five years of Mohawk rocking goodness with his shiny new $14.5 million dollar contract. The tried and true Predator has been and will continue to be a fan favorite with his distinctive hard hitting play.

In other defensemen news, one of the lockout casualties for the Preds has already been decided. Roman Josi has signed on in Bern with the Swiss league, choosing to spend the season at home rather than sit it out in the US.

Among other players, those to have been reassigned to Milwaukee for the time being include Ryan Ellis and young prospects Austin Watson and Taylor Aronson. Maybe we will see these baby Preds join the big kids soon.

The rumor mill has two points to keep an eye on. There is talk of the possibility of Patric Hornqvist returning to the Swedish league for the season, as well as Sergei Kostitsyn heading to Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the KHL. Be sure to keep an eye on these boys Preds fans, they may be our hockey entertainment for the season.