Predators Claim Marek Svatos Off Waivers from Blues

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have claimed right wing Marek Svatos off waivers from the St. Louis Blues just one day after he had signed a one-year contract with the Blues. He had to clear waivers before he would have been eligible to play a game with St. Louis. Svatos had been playing with Avangard Omsk of the KHL, but was released from the team last week after scoring three goals and five assists in 19 games. In 54 games last season with the Colorado Avalanche, he had seven goals and four assists for 11 points. In 316 career NHL games, all with the Avalanche, he has 96 goals and 68 assists for 164 points. Not a bad pick-up for the Predators, as Svatos will provide some much needed offensive depth with forwards Matthew Lombardi, Steve Sullivan, Martin Erat, and David Legwand all sidelined with injuries. He will bring plenty of goal-scoring talent, as well as some passing and puck-handling skill to the team. As for the Blues, it's unfortunate that Svatos did not clear waivers, as they are currently short-handed on the wing with T.J. Oshie and David Perron both injured. They could still look at some remaining free agents from last summer or check the waiver wire for a short-term replacement, but if there's no one to suit their needs, they may have to call up a player from the minors.