Predators Re-Sign Halischuk, Spaling, O'Reilly, Mueller

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have re-signed right wing Matt Halischuk to a two-year contract worth $1.425 million, left wing Nick Spaling to a two-year contract worth $2.1 million, center Cal O'Reilly to a one-year contract worth $1.05 million, and center Chris Mueller to a one-year, two-way contract. Halischuk's deal will pay him $600,000 next season and $825,000 in 2012-13, while Spaling will earn $1 million in 2011-12 and $1.1 million in 2012-13. Mueller's contract will pay him $550,000 at the NHL level and $65,000 at the AHL level. The signings came one day before the NHLPA's grievance toward the Predators was to be heard by an arbitrator. The grievance stated that Nashville did not give proper qualifying offers to their restricted free agents. The Predators were wise to re-sign all of their restricted free agents prior to the grievance hearing, as all of those players would have been deemed unrestricted free agents if the arbitrator ruled against the team. In 27 games last season with the Predators, Halischuk had four goals and eight assists for 12 points. He also appeared in 37 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points. Spaling played in 74 games with Nashville, scoring eight goals and six assists for 14 points. He also appeared in four games with Milwaukee, scoring one goal and one assist. In 38 games last season with the Predators, O'Reilly had six goals and 12 assists for 18 points. He missed the last 44 games of the regular season and all 12 of Nashville's playoff games with a right leg injury. Mueller appeared in 15 games with the Predators, recording three assists. He also played in 67 games with Milwaukee, scoring 24 goals and 26 assists for 50 points.

These are decent depth signings for the Predators, as all four players bring plenty of skill to the forward lines. Halischuk and Spaling both bring some two-way skill and offensive upside to the team, as well as plenty of versatility. Look for both players to make the team full-time next season. O'Reilly provides plenty of playmaking skill and offensive ability at center and will look to rebound from his season ending leg injury. Mueller brings some offensive ability to the team, but will likely have to fight for a roster spot at training camp.