Predators Sign Paul Gaustad to Four-Year Deal

The Nashville Predators announced on Saturday that they have re-signed center Paul Gaustad to a four-year contract worth $13 million.  The deal will average out to $3.25 million per season.  Nashville acquired the 30-year-old center and a fourth round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft on February 27 from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Nashville's first round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft.  In 70 games last season with Buffalo and Nashville, he had seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points and 76 penalty minutes.  He added one goal and one assist in 10 playoff games.  Not a bad move for the Predators, as Gaustad brings plenty of skill to the forward lines.  He brings lots of grit, toughness, size, defensive skill, and versatility to the checking lines and should help the Predators continue to be a competitive team in the Western Conference.

Predators Re-Sign Brandon Yip and Chris Mueller

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have re-signed right wing Brandon Yip to a one-year contract worth $750,000 and center Chris Mueller to a one-year, two-way contract.  Mueller's deal will pay him $550,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level.  Both players would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1.  The Predators claimed Yip off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche this past January.  In 35 games this past season with Colorado and Nashville, Yip had three goals and four assists for seven points.  Mueller was held pointless in four games with the Predators.  He also appeared in 73 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring 32 goals and 28 assists for 60 points.  Yip isn't a bad depth signing for the Predators, as he plays with lots of energy and has a little offensive ability.  Look for him to play a role on the checking lines next season in Nashville.  As for Mueller, he is just a depth signing for the club and will likely spend much of next season in the minors.

Lightning Acquire Anders Lindback from Predators

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced on Friday that they have acquired goaltender Anders Lindback, center Kyle Wilson, and a seventh round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft from the Nashville Predators in exchange for goaltender Sebastien Caron, two second round draft picks in 2012, and a third round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft.  In 16 games this past season with the Predators, Lindback posted a 5-8-0 record, with a 2.42 GAA and a .912 save percentage.  He also appeared in two games with Milwaukee of the AHL, posting a 1-1-0 record, a 3.50 GAA, and a .879 save percentage.  Wilson was held pointless in five games with Nashville.  He also played in 68 games with Milwaukee, scoring 22 goals and 32 assists for 54 points.  Caron appeared in three games last season with the Lightning, posting a 1-1-0 record, a 3.11 GAA, and a .877 save percentage.  He also played in 49 games with Iserlohn of the German League, posting a 25-23-0 record, five shutouts, a 2.57 GAA, and a .932 save percentage.

The Lightning were looking to solve their problematic goaltending situation and may have done that with the acquisition of Lindback.  He has great size and loads of potential and will likely land the starting role next season in Tampa Bay.  Wilson will likely only provide fourth line depth for the club and could also spend some of next season in the minors.  The Lightning gave up quite a few future assets to land Lindback, but he could be worth it down the road.  As for the Predators, Lindback wasn't likely to get much playing time backing up Pekka Rinne, so the team did well in landing a nice package of draft picks for the Swedish netminder.  Caron will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and Nashville could sign him for organizational depth, but that remains to be seen.

Predators Sign Kevin Henderson to One-Year Contract

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have signed left wing Kevin Henderson to a one-year, two-way contract.  The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.  In 30 games last season with Milwaukee of the AHL, he had four goals and seven assists for 11 points.  He was also held pointless in two games with Cincinnati of the ECHL.  He has yet to appear in an NHL game.  This is really just a depth signing for the Predators, as Henderson will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Predators Acquire Paul Gaustad from Sabres

The Nashville Predators added more offensive depth to their roster on Monday by acquiring center Paul Gaustad and a fourth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for their first round pick in 2012. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. In 56 games so far this season, Gaustad has seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points and 70 penalty minutes. He missed six games this season with an upper body injury. With all of the trades the Predators have made over the past week and a half, they have made one thing absolutely clear: they are looking to go deep in the playoffs this year. Gaustad will add lots of grit, toughness, size, defensive skill, and versatility to the checking lines. Nashville did pay a premium to land him, perhaps a little too much for a player of his caliber, but his experience will be extremely valuable to the team in the playoffs. As for the Sabres, the first round pick will definitely help them retool their team with a future prospect.

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.

Predators Acquire Hall Gill from Canadiens for Geoffrion, Slaney

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have acquired defenseman Hal Gill and a conditional fifth round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for center Blake Geoffrion, left wing Robert Slaney, and Nashville's second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. The fifth round pick will go to the Predators if Geoffrion appears in at least 40 NHL games next season, which could be likely. Gill, who will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer, has one goal and seven assists for eight points and 29 penalty minutes in 53 games with the Canadiens. Geoffrion appeared in 22 games with the Predators, recording three assists. He also played in 20 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring two goals and seven assists for nine points. Slaney appeared in nine games with Milwaukee, scoring one assist. He also played in 31 games with Cincinnati of the ECHL, scoring 11 goals and seven assists for 18 points. He has yet to appear in an NHL game. Geoffrion and Slaney will both be eligible for restricted free agency on July 1. Gill really solidifies Nashville's blueline with his huge frame, shutdown skills, gritty performance, and skill on the penalty kill. However, the cost to land him was pretty steep, especially for a player who could potentially depart via free agency this summer. However, his presence on the blueline will be extremely valuable as Nashville inches closer to the playoffs. The assets the Canadiens landed in the move will definitely help in their rebuilding efforts. Geoffrion, the grandson of Canadiens' hall-of-famer Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion, is a hard worker on the ice with lots of versatility and upside who could see a full time spot on Montreal's roster next season. Slaney will likely remain in the minors for the remainder of the season. It still remains to be seen how he may fit into Montreal's future plans, so it will likely be known this summer if he receives a qualifying offer from the team or not.

Predators Claim Brandon Yip Off Waivers from Avalanche

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have claimed right wing Brandon Yip off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche. In 10 games this season with Colorado, he has no points. Not a bad depth move for the Predators, as Yip will bring a little size, speed, and scoring ability to the team despite being a bit inconsistent in his scoring. For now, he will provide offensive depth for the team on the fourth line.

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.

Predators Sign Shea Weber to One-Year Contract

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have accepted an arbitrator's one-year, $7.5 million contract for defenseman Shea Weber. Prior to going to arbitration, the team had been seeking $4.75 million, while Weber's agent was looking to get $8 million. Due to the arbitration ruling, he will be eligible for restricted free agency next summer instead of unrestricted free agency. The team announced that they are continuing to negotiate a long-term contract extension with the 26-year-old defenseman. In all 82 games last season, Weber had 16 goals and 32 assists for 48 points. He was a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman this past season. In 402 career NHL games, all with the Predators, he has 80 goals and 134 assists for 214 points. This is an excellent signing for the Predators, as Weber has quickly developed into one of the top blueliners in the NHL. He has outstanding offensive skills, a great shot, is excellent on the power play and penalty kill, has good size, and plays with some grit. His salary seems a bit pricey for him at this stage of his career, but he is certainly worthy of a raise over the $4.5 million he made last season. Look for the Predators to sign Weber to a long-term contract before free agency begins next summer.

Predators Sign Jack Hillen to One-Year Contract

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have signed defenseman Jack Hillen to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay him $650,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. In 64 games last season with the New York Islanders, he had four goals and 18 assists for 22 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Predators, as Hillen has some offensive upside and puck-moving skill, as well as good mobility. Look for him to play a sixth or seventh defensive role next season.

Predators Add Zack Stortini and Kyle Wilson

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have signed right wing Zack Stortini to a one-year, two-way contract worth $550,000 at the NHL level and center Kyle Wilson to a two-year contract worth $1.1 million. The deal will pay him $550,000 per season. In 32 games last season with the Edmonton Oilers, Stortini had four assists and 76 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 29 games with Oklahoma City of the AHL, scoring one goal and two assists for three points and 53 penalty minutes. Wilson appeared in 32 games last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring four goals and seven assists for 11 points. He also played in 23 games with Springfield of the AHL, scoring 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points. These are okay signings for the Predators, as both players will bring some depth to the forward lines. Stortini is an agitator who plays with tons of grit and toughness and is always willing to drop the gloves to defend his teammates. However, he takes too many bad penalties because of his physical style of play and doesn't have a lot of offensive upside, so don't expect to see him contribute much to the score sheet. More than likely, he will have to battle for a spot on the opening day roster at training camp. Wilson brings some two-way instincts and a little offensive ability to the forward lines. Like Stortini, Wilson will likely have to fight for a roster spot at training camp.

Maple Leafs Acquire Lombardi, Franson from Predators

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have acquired center Matthew Lombardi and defenseman Cody Franson from the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Brett Lebda and left wing Robert Slaney. A fourth round pick in 2013 was also included in the deal, which one of the teams will receive based on how many games Lombardi plays in for the Maple Leafs. Lombardi missed the majority of the 2010-11 season with a concussion and appeared in only two games with the Predators, scoring no points. Franson appeared in 80 games with Nashville last season, scoring eight goals and 21 assists for 29 points. In 41 games last season with the Maple Leafs, Lebda had one goal and three assists for four points. Slaney played in nine games with Toronto of the AHL in 2010-11, scoring one assist. He also appeared in 61 games with Reading of the ECHL, scoring seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points. Provided Lombardi fully recovers from the concussion, this is an excellent trade for the Maple Leafs. He will bring lots of speed, two-way skill, and scoring depth to the forward lines. In Franson, Toronto gets a young defender with plenty of offensive upside and excellent skills on the power play. He will likely see plenty of ice time with the Maple Leafs next season. As for the Predators, this is a salary dumping move, as they have freed up $2.2 million. The financial flexibility will help in their efforts to re-sign defenseman Shea Weber. Lebda brings some mobility and offensive ability to the blueline, but likely won't see much ice-time next season. Slaney will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Predators Sign Niclas Bergfors to One-Year Deal

The Nashville Predators have announced that they have signed right wing Niclas Bergfors to a one-year contract worth $575,000. In 72 games last season with the Atlanta Thrashers and Florida Panthers, he had 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points. Not a bad signing for the Predators, as Bergfors has some offensive potential and could be a steady scorer for the team. Nashville has had a lot of success with low-cost, high upside players, so Bergfors could turn out to be an excellent addition to their forward lines.

NY Rangers Acquire Thuresson from Predators for Dupont

The New York Rangers have announced that they have acquired right wing Andreas Thuresson from the Nashville Predators in exchange for center Brodie Dupont. In three games last season with the Predators, Thuresson had no points. He also appeared in 76 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points. Dupont appeared in one game last season with the Rangers, going pointless, and also played in 72 games with Connecticut of the AHL, scoring 14 goals and 31 assists for 45 points. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as both players will likely see quite a bit of time in the minors next season. Although, Thuresson and Dupont could secure fourth line roles if they're impressive enough at training camp in September.

NHLPA Files Grievance Over Nashville Predators RFA Qualifications

According to tsn.ca, the National Hockey League Players' Association has filed a grievance against the Nashville Predators for what they believe are improper qualifying offers that were given to their restricted free agents. The Players' Association believes that Matt Halischuk, Linus Klasen, Sergei Kostitsyn, Chris Mueller, Cal O'Reilly, Nick Spaling, and Andreas Thuresson did not receive their qualifying offers in a timely fashion. Shea Weber was exempt from a qualifying offer because the team filed for salary arbitration with him, mainly to avoid a rival team from giving him an offer sheet. The NHLPA will ask independent arbitrator George Nicholau to expedite his ruling so the players will know by July 1 whether or not they will be restricted or unrestricted free agents. If Nicholau sides with the NHLPA, all seven of the above-mentioned players will become unrestricted free agents not subject to a right to match or draft choice compensation. The league maintains that the seven players were given timely qualifications and will be restricted free agents on July 1. The Chicago Blackhawks were found guilty of sending out improper qualifications to some of their restricted free agents in 2009 and were forced to quickly sign those players to avoid losing them to unrestricted free agency. The New Jersey Devils were also guilty of improper qualifications many years ago. If the arbitrator sides with the NHLPA, this would not be good news for the Predators, as several of the aforementioned players enjoyed fine seasons in 2010-11 and will look to build upon their success in expanded roles in 2011-12. However, if the Predators were to lose any or all of these players to unrestricted free agency, it wouldn't be a complete death blow to the team, as they would likely find suitable replacements for all of them on the trade or free agent markets or from within their own system. Hopefully the Predators will be able to get the issue resolved without losing any players.

Paul Kariya Announces His Retirement

After 15 seasons in the NHL, left wing Paul Kariya has announced his retirement due to post-concussion symptoms. He was forced to miss the entire 2010-11 season due to those symptoms. In 75 games with the St. Louis Blues during the 2009-10 season, he had 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points. In 989 career NHL games with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues, Kariya has 402 goals and 587 assists for 989 points. He won the Hobey Baker Award in 1993 as the top U.S. collegiate hockey player, the Lady Byng Trophy in 1996 and 1997 for sportsmanship, and Olympic Silver and Gold Medals in 1994 and 2002, respectively. Kariya was an excellent forward throughout his career who had superb offensive and puckmoving skills, lots of speed, and plenty of playmaking ability. It's always unfortunate to see a player have their career come to an end because of an injury and it's a shame to see Kariya's end his because of a concussion. He was always an exciting player to watch and I wish him all the best in retirement.

Wade Belak Announces His Retirement

After 14 seasons in the NHL, Nashville Predators right wing Wade Belak has announced his retirement. In 15 games last season with the Predators, he had no points and 18 penalty minutes. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He was assigned to the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL on March 9, but failed to report to the team and didn't play in another game after that point. According to the Nashville Tennessean, Belak will stay in Nashville and focus on the broadcasting and business side of hockey. In 549 career NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Nashville Predators, he has eight goals and 25 assists for 33 points and 1263 penalty minutes. Seeing as how Belak refused to report to the minors and had an extremely limited role in Nashville over the past few seasons, it really comes as no surprise to me that he has decided to retire. He was always a very tough and gritty player who stuck up for his teammates and never backed down from a physical encounter on the ice. I wish Belak all the best in his broadcasting career.

Predators Sign Teemu Laakso to One-Year Contract

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have signed defenseman Teemu Laakso to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal will pay him $675,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. He would have been a restricted free agent on July 1. In one game this past season with the Predators, Laakso had no points. He also appeared in 74 games with Milwaukee of the AHL, scoring eight goals and 22 assists for 30 points. Not a bad depth signing for the Predators, as Laakso has good size and some offensive upside. More than likely he will spend most of next season in the minors, but could earn a role as a six or seventh defenseman if he impresses at training camp in September.

Capitals Acquire Taylor Stefishen from Predators

The Washington Capitals announced on Thursday that they have acquired left wing Taylor Stefishen from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a conditional seventh round pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. He will attend the Capitals' rookie camp this July. In 68 games this past season with Prince George of the WHL, he had 24 goals and 43 assists for 67 points and 72 penalty minutes. This is really just a depth move for the Capitals, as Stefishen will likely spend all of next season in the minors. The Predators were faced with a deadline to either sign Stefishen or lose his rights, so it appears he didn't fit into their long term plans and they traded him for a conditional draft pick instead of losing him for nothing.