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Inside Predators blogger and beat writer John Glennon says the Nashville Predators could use another offensive-minded forward. He names some possibilities from among the remaining UFAs.
Similarly, NHL.com looks at the top 40 remaining UFAs. See that story by clicking here.
Here are some of this mornings big NHL stories:
- The New Jersey Devils have re-signed defenseman Johnny Oduya.
- Erik Cole will not sign a new contract with the Carolina Hurricanes before the deadline and will test the free-agent market.
- Nashville forward Steve Sullivan would likely have to take less money if he opts to re-sign with the Predators rather than pursue a contract on the open market.
- The Boston Bruins have placed forward Peter Schaefer on unconditional waivers, which means he’ll likely be bought out of his contract.
- Defenseman Rob Blake has agreed to a one-year contract to remain with the San Jose Sharks.
- Swedish goalie Jonas Gustavsson says he will wait until after July 1 to make his decision.
At first the GM said such, and now player agents are noting that the Nashville Predators are likely to lose some players this summer, according to an article in today’s Tennessean. The Predators are a team that seems to be just a little short on offense, and it would be a shame to see them take a step backward.
Nashville Predators GM David Poile talked to The Tennessean John Glennon about the team’s off season plans. Poile says the team may have trouble resigning RFAs Greg Zanon, Joel Ward and Vern Fiddler and UFA Steve Sullivan. Ward had a decent first full season in the NHL, with 17 goals and 18 assists, and this column notes that he’s looking to triple his $500,000 salary.
From the outside looking in, it would seem that the Preds could use some more scoring up front. Any thoughts on the team’s off season direction?
Steve Sullivan, fresh off his Bill Masterton Trophy win tonight, tells ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun that he’d like to re-sign with the Nashville Predators. Last season, Sullivan potted 11 goals and 21 assists in 41 games after missing some serious time due to injury.
Sullivan will be a UFA but talks with the Predators haven’t gone anywhere. Sullivan is quoted as saying, “I would love to stay in Nashville, I really do want to stay there. … There’s not a bad thing I can say about Nashville. It’s just a matter of us trying to come to an agreement and finding some room so I can fit in.”
LeBrun notes that Sullivan knows teams will consider him a health risk, and would likely sign for a modest two-year deal. Such a deal, LaBrun says, could “be a sneaky pickup for team looking for a power-play boost and an injection of character.”
I’ve always liked Sullivan, but he does turn 35 in a few weeks, is small (listed as 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds) and has that recent injury history. What do you think it would take to sign him? And, perhaps the bigger question, would you want him on your team?
Instead of writing about rumors, USA Today NHL beat writer Kevin Allen writes about what he thinks WILL NOT happen this off season. He thinks the Sedin twins WILL NOT leave the Vancouver Canucks, Jack Johnson WILL NOT stay with the Los Angeles Kings, Jay Bouwmeester WILL NOT end up in the Western Conference and Alexander Radulov WILL NOT return to the Nashville Predators. Interesting take. Read it here.
What do you think WILL NOT happen this off season?
An article in the Tennessean notes that Nashville Predators captain Jason Arnott feels the team’s veterans need to pick up their scoring next season. That’s even if the team loses Steve Sullivan and Alexander Radulov doesn’t return. The article also quotes defenseman Greg de Vries, who says he is likely done in Nashville. Wonder if anybody will pick up the 36-year-old veteran. He could have a good presence as a teammate and mentor while playing on a second or third pairing, I would think.
