The Predators’ off-season got off to a great start when they re-signed their top two restricted free agents, Patric Hornqvist and Roman Josi, to long-term deals.
Hornqvist inked a five-year, $21.25 million contract following the season’s conclusion. Despite coming off an injury-riddled season, Hornqvist has three 20-plus goal seasons in the equivalent of nearly four NHL seasons. Assuming he stays healthy and returns to form, Hornqvist’s $4.25 million cap hit will look good in a few years.
However, that contract won’t look as good as Roman Josi’s down the road. Josi was signed to a seven-year, $28 million deal, which is a smart risk by the Predators. He was splendid playing alongside Shea Weber in 2012-13 and, at the age of 23, will only continue to grow.
The Predators’ blue line got deeper this past weekend when they drafted Seth Jones with the No. 4 overall pick. Jones was considered the top prospect in a deep and talented draft class, and the Predators feel like they hit the jackpot with Jones falling to them. In a few years they should have the best defensive corps in the league with Weber, Josi and Jones patrolling the back end.
The drafting of Jones gives the Predators eight defencemen for next season, which means someone will be the odd man out. That someone appears to be Hal Gill, who was placed on waivers on Tuesday. One day later, Sergei Kostitsyn was placed on unconditional waivers as he seeks an opportunity in the KHL.
What needs to be done:
The lone remaining key free agent of theirs is Nick Spaling, who was recently tendered a qualifying offer. Those negotiations are ongoing.
The Predators expect to be more active than usual in free agency. Because they opted for Jones over a forward in the draft, they have even more of a need to sign a forward or two this off-season. GM David Poile doesn’t have a preference whether it’s a centre or winger; the team has some flexibility. The Preds just want to get the best forward possible.
They also need a new backup goaltender behind Pekka Rinne. The defence is set for the present and future.
Unrestricted free agents:
Jonathon Blum, D: The Southern California native has underachieved since a successful rookie showing late in the 2010-11 season. He won’t be brought back.
Matt Halischuk, RW: Halischuk scored 15 goals in 2011-12, but underperformed to such a point where he was assigned to the AHL on a conditioning assignment at midseason. He also won’t be brought back.
Chris Mason, G: In his third stint with Nashville, Mason posted bad numbers (3.73 GAA, .873 SV%) in limited action. The Preds will be seeking an upgrade at backup this summer.
Chris Mueller, C: Mueller, 27, posted eight points in 37 games spanning over three seasons in Nashville. The two sides will be moving on.
Brandon Yip, RW: A waiver pickup in January of 2012, Yip had 15 points in 59 games with the Preds. He also won’t be re-signed.
Restricted free agents:
T.J. Brennan, D: Acquired from Florida last month in exchange for Bobby Butler, it doesn’t appear Brennan is in the Preds’ plans moving forward. He played in the NHL most of last season and the Preds would only be interested in a two-way contract.
Nick Spaling, C: The 24-year-old regressed a bit in his third full NHL season, but the team still sees value in what he can bring on third or fourth line and on the penalty kill.
Free agent fits:
Danny Briere, RW: Poile has expressed interest, but Briere’s best days are behind him and he may not be the most ideal option for the Preds.
Nathan Horton, RW: The only thing that should hold anyone back is Horton’s concussion history. Would be on Nashville’s top line immediately.
Michael Ryder, RW: He simply puts the puck in the back of the net, and the Preds lack forwards that can do that on a consistent basis.
Viktor Stalberg, LW: Stalberg is a cheaper option that could provide some nice depth on the second or third line.
Stephen Weiss, C: The ex-Florida Panther is a nice option at centre, but like with all these guys: how much will his asking price be once Friday rolls around?
