Nashville Predators Acquire Andrei Kostitsyn

The Nashville Predators have acquired left wing Andrei Kostitsyn from the Montreal Canadiens. In return, Montreal will receive a second round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft and receive back the conditional fifth round pick in 2013 that was sent to Nashville in the Hal Gill trade. Kostitsyn has 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points in 53 games so far this season. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Predators had been looking for some offensive skill for the playoffs and they got that in Kostitsyn. They are likely hoping he will find some chemistry with his brother Sergei, whom Nashville acquired in June 2010. However, Kostitsyn has been an inconsistent scorer throughout his career and it could be a risky move for the Predators, but perhaps the change of scenery can help him add some consistency to his game.

Canadiens Sign Andrei Kostitsyn to One-Year Contract

The Montreal Canadiens announced on Thursday that they have signed right wing Andrei Kostitsyn to a one-year contract extension worth $3.25 million. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In 81 games this past season, he had 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points. In 326 career NHL games, all with Montreal, he has 87 goals and 99 assists for 186 points. Not a bad signing for the Canadiens, as Kostitsyn provides plenty of offensive depth for the club. He has a good shot and can score goals, but can be very inconsistent in his scoring. The 2011-12 season will be an important one for Kostitsyn, as his offensive play will likely determine whether or not the Canadiens re-sign him next summer when he will be eligible for unrestricted free agency. If he can improve on his play from last season, the team may look to keep him for a few more seasons.