The Minnesota Wild are in the running for unrestricted free agent Jonathon Blum. "We've talked to Minnesota and a number of teams," agent Gerry Johannson said. "They are definitely in the running." The Nashville Predators decided to part ways with Blum, but he is worth keeping an eye on because he still has untapped offensive upside.

General manager David Poile said Tuesday the Nashville Predators have yet to extend qualifying offers to Jonathon Blum and Matt Halischuk. Blum and Halischuk are slated to be restricted free agents, but Poile says he's currently exploring trade options involving both players. Poile didn't rule out eventually tendering them, but it's clear he's keeping his options open after a disappointing 2013 season by the Preds.

Jonathon Blum is scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer. Blum has a lot of offensive upside, but Predators coach Barry Trotz wasn't always happy with his the effort Blum put forward. With that in mind, there's a chance he'll get traded this summer, but it certainly wouldn't be a shock if he was on the Predators' opening game roster for 2013-14.

Coach Barry Trotz was not happy with the effort of defenseman Jonathon Blum on the winning goal Sunday. The Blackhawks and Predators were tied at three just past the halfway mark of the third period when Blum was beaten to the puck by Patrick Kane who passed in front to Jonathan Toews. Toews buried his shot to put the Blackhawks up for good. "They dump the puck in two on three and beat us to the end boards and made a play," Trotz said. "That's right on our 'D.' Our 'D' has to have that puck." Blum could be a healthy scratch once again as he was in mid-March when he spent five games in the press box.

Jonathon Blum is bouncing back from his rough 2011-12 campaign. Blum has a goal and five points in 10 games. "I was pretty hard on him last year," Predators coach Barry Trotz said. "But he dug in and he said, 'Hey, I'm going to prove you wrong,' and he did. He's made great strides since then." Blum is starting to get more ice time and his offensive upside makes him worth taking a chance on in standard leagues.

Jonathon Blum had two assists in Tuesday's 6-1 victory over St. Louis. Blum has spent most of the season in the press box. "He's played pretty good," Predators coach Barry Trotz said. "He's making a case for himself to get back into the lineup."

Jonathon Blum, who played in the AHL during the lockout, feels good about his conditioning going into the Nashville Predators' training camp. "I played 30 something games in Milwaukee," Blum said. "The level of conditioning is there in games . playing 28 minutes. It's different here playing against bigger, stronger guys, but I feel like I'm ready." Blum had 12 points in 34 AHL contests. Ryan Ellis also got called up from AHL Milwaukee and the two will be competing for a roster spot with the Predators. The winner should get some playing time with the man advantage and both have offensive upside, so this is a competition to watch.

Jonathon Blum had an assist in Milwaukee's 5-4 triumph over Charlotte on Wednesday night. The 23-year-old has four assists on the season. He recorded seven points in 33 NHL games last year. Patrick Cehlin (fourth) and Austin Watson (first) notched goals in the win

Jonathon Blum had an assist in Milwaukee's 3-2 win over Grand Rapids on Friday. Blum spent 33 games with the Predators last year and recently signed a two-way contract that allows him to get some more time in the AHL as the work stoppage continues. Last season with the Admirals, he had 26 points in 48 games.

Restricted free agent Jonathon Blum will decide by Friday if he will sign on with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL. Blum cannot sign a deal at this time with the Predators due to the lockout but can still sign with any AHL team. "That's my plan, to go down there and play," Blum said. "I haven't signed a contract but am just waiting the next few days. It would be nice to start on time with Milwaukee."