Predators Acquire Belak from Panthers

The Nashville Predators announced on Thursday that they have acquired right wing/defenseman Wade Belak from the Florida Panthers in exchange for center Nick Tarnasky. There was recent speculation out of Florida that Belak was on the trading block after he was placed on waivers. So far this season, Belak has played in 15 games, scoring no points and accumulating 25 penalty minutes. Tarnasky, acquired from the Lightning in a September trade, has one assist and 17 penalty minutes in 11 games so far this season. Belak adds plenty of veteran depth and toughness to the Predator lineup and can easily play offense or defense depending on the needs of the team. Tarnasky brings the Panthers a young, gritty, physical forward to their already youthful lineup. It is possible the Panthers made this move in an attempt to shakeup their struggling team, but it remains to be seen if it will have any effect. If the Panthers cannot improve their game, then more trades could be on the way in the coming months.

Predators Acquire Tarnasky from Lightning

The Nashville Predators announced on Monday that they have acquired center Nick Tarnasky from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2009 Entry Draft. Tarnasky injured himself in training camp and has not played in any exhibition games thus far. Last season, Tarnasky scored six goals and added four assists for 10 points and 78 penalty minutes in 80 games for the Lightning. In three NHL seasons, Tarnasky has 11 goals and nine assists for 20 points and 162 penalty minutes in 169 games, all with the Lightning. The addition of Tarnasky gives the Predators a gritty and physical forward who will likely see play on the checking lines. The Lightning have been long rumored to be trying to move a forward or two in order to acquire some defensive help. By moving Tarnasky and his $525,000 salary, the Lightning are likely just trimming salary from their payroll. However, could the Lightning be planning something bigger after waiving Michel Ouellet and trading Nick Tarnasky in the same day? Only time will tell, but they are likely just trimming down their excessive number of forwards.