Tag: nashville predators

No Love for Hillen: Predators extend Qualifying Offers

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Poile: “Hey, did we forget anybody?” Trotz: “Nope.”

Poor, poor Jack Hillen! The Predators extending Qualifying Offers out to their Restricted Free Agents this afternoon, but the team left the 26-year-old defenseman off the list.

To add insult to injury, we weren’t surprised when Hillen was not extended an offer. Jack Hillen did well with the Predators for the one season he’s been with the team, but his skills did not shine through and make an impression. In fact, we were surprised he wasn’t traded before the deadline in the Spring.

Jack Hillen wasn’t the only one to not get an offer, technically. Milwaukee Admirals Zach Stortini and Brodie Dupont also will hit the unrestricted market on July 1st.

In case you forgot who the RFAs for Nashville are, here they are in all their glory:
Sergei Kostitsyn
Colin Wilson
Jonathon Blum
Alexander Radulov
Teemu Laakso
Jack Maclellan
Jeremy Smith
Atte Engren
Ryan Thang
Shea Weber

You’re probably wondering why Radulov, Laakso, and Thang are still on this list and why would Nashville extend offer to these three. Well, extending an offer does not mean the Predators and said player have reached a deal. Nashville simply offered base-line agreements, meaning any team that wishes to snag the rights to said players will have to counter-match what the Predators offered. In a nutshell, Nashville will take whatever they can wether the player stays or not.  So, although we know the Predators have parted ways with Radulov, they still, if possible, want to get vital draft picks, for instance, for his rights.

So, needless to say, the team and the players still need to eventually reach an agreement and work out a contract, but Nashville has taken the first step in offering these players a chance to wear gold once again in Smashville… except for Jack Hillen.

(Photo courtesy of Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Hitting the Market: Jordin Tootoo declines Offer from Preds

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Is this Jordin Tootoo’s Swan Song in Nashville?

The city of Nashville hosted its Sportsfest at the Nashville Convention Center yesterday, bring some of the greatest names in sports to speak. But for Predators fans, the conference involving Brent Peterson and Pete Weber peaked the most interest.

Peterson made some interesting comments including the possibility of bringing back Hal Gill, the “60/40 chance” of Ryan Suter re-signing with the team, and his thoughts on Erik Karlsson winning the Norris Trophy over Shea Weber (not favoring Karlsson, of course). However, one particular subject perked just about every ear in the convention center, hockey fan or not.

When asked about Jordin Tootoo, Brent Peterson stated that the Predators offered the popular enforcer a “sizable” three-year contract, but declined and is expected to hit the market on July 1st. After his tear-jerking speech from his ‘Tootoo on 2’ finale, stating that Nashville is his home and he wants to bring the Stanley Cup to the city, many fans couldn’t fathom as to why he would turn down a decent offer to stay.

Perhaps Tootoo has been getting some ideas from Ryan Suter. However, besides being teammates, that’s where their similarities stop. Ryan Suter has value on the market and teams are willing to drop what he wants for his rights. Not that no one would want Toots, but if he is thinking he can get more from another team, he might be gravely mistaken. Sure, some team will pay him well, possibly more than what Nashville offered him, but will this new team be as tolerant to his behavior as Nashville has?

We aren’t saying Toots will make another run for rehab, but what if he does? Will this new team stand behind him through thick and thin like Nashville has? Welp, there’s only one way to find out and that’s exactly the road he’s heading down.

Don’t panic, Tootoo fans; Until Jordin officially signs with another team, don’t count it all as lost. Unlike Ryan Suter, we think Tootoo will return this upcoming season in Predators gold. Though “sizable” to us means a good deal, in all honesty, it could mean anything so Toots could be holding out for a better deal.

We can only hope what he said in that final ‘Tootoo on 2’ was the truth and that he wants to bring the Stanley Cup home to Nashville.

Predators Sign Brandon Yip to One-Year Contract

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Yip looks so intense, whereas the Red Wings look… out of it?

Just four days after announcing the trade of goalie Anders Lindback, the Predators have switched gears and have set up a contract with one of the players.

Brandon Yip, placed on waivers by the Colorado Avalanche and picked up by Nashville in January, has been signed to a one-year (one way), $750,000 contract for the upcoming 2012-13 season. Colorado initially placed the young Right Wing on waivers due to an ailing injury, but Yip shined with Nashville in the four months he was with the Predators.

Brandon didn’t shy away from leadership, leading us to believe that is one of the key reasons as to why David Poile signed the 27-year-old. That, and he doesn’t (hasn’t) defy Barry Trotz and didn’t cost too much to add on for another year. However, Yip’s determination proved reliable for the Predators during the regular season and in the post season, giving Poile even more reason to sign him on.

So that leads to who will be next? July 1st is around the corner and Poile and the crew have a lot of thinking to do. Did we think Yip would be the first to be signed on? No, but he will be key to Nashville’s success for next season. With Yip on board, will Poile bite his tongue and (do the right thing) and sign his college buddy Colin Wilson to a contract?

Preds on the Line as of June 19th

Again, who will be next? David Poile will hope it to be Ryan Suter, but we highly doubt that.

(Photo credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Image)

Lindback and K. Wilson Traded to Tampa Bay

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Anders and his gummy bears will be truly missed in Nashville.

Welp, the first of the trades began today as backup goalie Anders Lindback and center Kyle Wilson were traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning for two 2nd-Round picks in this year’s draft (which starts next Friday), a 3rd-Round pick in next year’s draft, and the rights to goalie Sebastien Caron.

After losing key draft picks for Paul Gaustad and Andrei Kostitsyn (one of which is for certain not returning next season), General Manager David Poile needed to make some drastic changes in order to make up for the trade deadline backfire. With the Lindback trade, Poile has jumped back to the front of the pack.

Along with the trade, Poile also informed us all that Ryan Suter will indeed test out the Free Agency waters (like we didn’t see that one coming). Poile stated that Suter will, however, see what other teams will offer him, then see if Nashville will counteract with an offer of their own.

As for who will replace Anders, it will more than likely be Jeremy Smith, the starting goalie in Milwaukee. Also in his press conference, Poile announced that Magnus Hellberg would be coming over from Sweden this upcoming season, meaning he will more than likely take Smith’s goaltending position with the Admirals.

Anders Lindback proved that he was ready to step into the spotlight this past season, so (even though we will miss him dearly) this trade works well in Lindback’s favor for sure. Being the starting goalie along with players such as Stamkos and St. Louis? Yes, we think Anders will do just fine.

We wish Anders well in Tampa Bay and will always welcome him back to Nashville.

 

How the Predators are shaping up as of June 15th, 2012:

Who’s gone (will go) & who’s still here as of June 15th

 

Photo courtesy of: Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Rangers want Radulov, Laakso bolts to KHL

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Teemu Laakso thinks the KHL looks better than the NHL…

With the fate of several players coming to trial, so to speak, talks of jumping the Predators ship are finally coming out, with two in particular that bring a bit of curiosity.

The Rangers have been a strong force on the Eastern Conference side of the NHL for a while, but with the sudden news that Marian Gaborik will be needing shoulder surgery on his right arm, the Original 6 time needs a replacement- and fast. Their first look? Nashville’s “bad boy”, Alexander Radulov. Per the source, Predators GM David Poile and Rangers GM Glen Sather have just thrown around the idea, but no true offers have been thrown out there. You can read the full article here.

Along with the news of the Rangers pursuing Radulov, another player is making surprising news this morning. Teemu Laakso, who was called up from Milwaukee during last year’s playoff run and in a few games in this past season, has signed a two-year deal with the KHL’s Severstal Cherepovets. Laakso, who was drafted in 3rd Round of the 2005 NHL Draft, has spent the majority of his time in Milwaukee, a clue has to why he jumped ship and headed for more ice time in the KHL.

With these two stories bouncing around the NHL world, be prepared for more permanent news to come to light. Who will the Predators sign and let go? We’ll keep you updated.

Pekka Rinne makes Finals for NHL13 Cover

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covervote.nhl.com – #voterinne

Behind much? Yea, we definitely are, but we are finally updating the site to announce what all (unless you live under a rock) Predators fans are aware of, due to the fact their Twitter, Facebook, and all other social media accounts are being blown up by… Pekka Rinne has made it to the final round of the NHL13 game cover.

Nashville’s top goaltender has made it through three grueling rounds, facing and surpassing big names like Patrick Sharp, Henrik Lundqvist, and John Tavares. Now he’s down to the final round, up against Philadelphia’s Alternate Captain Claude Giroux.

Predators fans have truly stepped up for their Finnish phenom, teaming up along the way with the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers. However, now that both goalies are in the finals, allies have backed down and now it’s on like Donkey Kong.

Pekka has had a strong lead throughout his run thus far, but cut it close in the last round, almost being knocked out by John Tavares. However, Nashville has a little star power backing up the 29-year-old Finn. Former players like Shane O’Brien, Steve Sullivan, and Joel Ward have tweeted to vote for their friend. Carrie Underwood and Charlie Sheen have also been sending out the love for Pekka, trying to bump up his votes.

Voting ends on June 4th, so don’t procrastinate! Results will be revealed during the 2012 NHL Awards on June 20th, so nails will be bitten until then! Keep it up, Preds fans!

www.covervote.nhl.com

Gaustad and Gill are Fond of Nashville

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Paul Gaustad mentally prepares himself before a game.

Paul Gaustad and Hal Gill may have only been with the Predators since the Trade Deadline (February), but both newcomers have become quite fond of the Music City; and the fans have become quite fond of them as well.

Hal Gill was acquired on February 17th from the Montreal Canadiens for Blake Geoffrion, Robert Slaney, and a 2nd round draft pick. With Gill’s extraordinary penalty kill abilities and his experience holding up the Stanley Cup, Nashville knew Gill would be a key player to have during the playoffs. Gill immediately fell into line with team, finding a connection with fellow defenseman, Roman Josi. It’s honestly hard to remember that Hal has only been with the Predators since February.

Paul Gaustad was the last acquired player at the TD, being picked up from the Buffalo Sabres for a first round pick in the draft. A blind-sided trade, most fans (on both Buffalo and Nashville) did not see this trade coming, but due to his inquisitive skill at face-offs, Paul Gaustad was another key component to Nashville’s playoff run. Like Gill, Gaustad slipped in with the team and had no trouble making a name for himself in the southern franchise.

Both experts in their given skills, Paul Gaustad and Hal Gill helped propel the Nashville Predators throughout the end of the regular season and the playoffs, gaining fans along the way. However, now that the off-season is in full swing for Nashville, what will happen to the two newcomers?

Keeping these two assets (who would definitely help in the regular season) comes down to one thing: Money. Of course it comes down to money. The Predators are facing one of the toughest off-seasons ever in their franchise, with many of their key players facing both restricted and unrestricted free agency, including Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Jordin Tootoo, and Sergei Kostitsyn. As such, a lack of a “proper” paycheck may send many players packing, including Hal Gill and Paul Gaustad… or would it?

Per a few sources, Paul Gaustad has made mention that, if in case the Predators were willing to sign him, he’d be willing to take a pay cut. Sources have also claimed the same has been said of 37-year-old defenseman, Hal Gill. The Predators organization has been considered on of the greatest in the NHL, but would players seriously be willing to take pay cuts to stay?

Although Sergei Kostitsyn is wanting to be signed to a longer contract in Nashville, it’s probable that if David Poile offers him yet another one-year contract, SK74 will take it, especially if his brother, Andrei Kostitsyn, is signed as well.

With players who haven’t been in Nashville as long as other veterans, it’s astonishing that they’d be willing to forego a larger paycheck just to stay with a particular organization. Either those players have a strong faith in Nashville and wish to see a Stanley Cup come to this city, or they just really, really love their sport… we’re going to say both.

Makes you wonder why Suter and Weber don’t want to just go ahead and sign… That’s a subject for another post.

So, for all you Paul Gaustad and Hal Gill fans, good news! These two have made it quite apparent that they have found a soft spot for Nashville and its fans in such a short amount of time, wether they’re willing to take a pay cut or not.

No matter what, you have to admit, this looks very, very good for Nashville and its franchise. Players are willing to make the roster no matter what it takes. Obviously, Poile, Trotz, and the rest of the organization is doing something right in the NHL.

 

Hockey Season Officially Ends for the Predators

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Surely SK74 and Patric Hornqvist aren’t going at it? Picture from the 2010 Olympics.

With Slovakia ending the Czech Republic’s run at the championship 3-1 in the semifinals, all of Nashville’s players have been eliminated from the IIHF World Championship. The Predators had a good amount of players who jumped on board after the post season, despite going into Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Here’s a final rundown of who played for who:

Team Belarus – Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn
Team Switzerland – Roman Josi
Team Sweden – Patric Hornqvist
Team USA – Craig Smith
Team Czech – Martin Erat

Andrei, Sergei, Roman, Craig, Martin, and Patric

Team Belarus and the Kostitsyn brothers were first to be knocked out of the tournament, falling to Team Canada 5-1 on Tuesday, May 15th. Sergei Kostitsyn did manage to collect a goal during his short run in the tournament. Also on Tuesday, Craig Smith and Team USA eliminated Roman Josi and Team Switzerland 5-2. On Thursday, Team Finland overthrew Team USA to advance 3-2, knocking out rookie Craig Smith.  Martin Erat, who notched a goal against Team Sweden, eliminated Patric Hornqvist and Tre Kronor 4-3.

As of yesterday’s game between Team Slovakia and Team Czech, Marty “Party” Erat was the only Predator left in the running for the gold. Unfortunately, Erat was sidelined early in the semifinal game, leaving the ice during the 1st Period after a shoulder check by Slovakia’s Libor Hudáček. Here’s the video from the game:

It was announced by Czech GM Slava Lener that Martin Erat does have a concussion, which could potentially affect the Predators in the upcoming season. Although the 2012-13 season is a little over five months away, concussions are a bit of mystery when it comes to treating them properly. That, and Martin Erat’s history of concussions is virtually unknown, so the way his body handles the healing process of a concussion will be on a day-to-day basis.

Martin Erat, though his a bit more serious, was not the only player injured during the World Championship. Sergei Kostitsyn dislocated his shoulder during the match between Team Canada after being hit by Kris Russell, a currently St. Louis Blues defenseman. As stated, although not as serious as Erat’s concussion, Kostitsyn will have to sit back a while to let it properly heal.

UPDATE ON ERAT CONDITION:
Martin Erat’s agent, Mike Deutsch has just announced that, despite what Czech GM Slava Lener stated earlier, Erat did not suffer a concussion and is simply suffering from a ‘stiff neck’. Good news for both Martin Erat and the Nashville Predators, but we will keep you updated in case the story changes once again. 

Hockey has officially ended for Smashville, but hockey altogether is still chugging along, wether our favorite players are on the ice or not. Now that all is done, it’s now time for the part of the off-season everyone dreads: Who stays and who goes…

Martin Erat being helped off the ice.

Predators seek Ice Time in IIHF World Championship

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Roman Josi will hit the ice with Team Switzerland.

The playoffs and hopes of a Stanley Cup in Nashville are over for the Predators, but for some of the players, a chance at a championship isn’t quite over. As teams have slowly but surely been eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs, NHL players have been packing up and heading to Europe to compete with their country’s national team for the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship.

Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit), Yevgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh) quickly joined up with Team Russia once eliminated, along with notable Boston Bruin Zdeno Chara joining Team Slovakia. Corey Perry (Anaheim), Duncan Keith (Chicago), Patrick Sharp (Chicago) and Alexandre Burrows (Vancouver) hopped aboard Team Canada, along with Jimmy Howard (Detroit) and Bobby Ryan (Anaheim) joining Team USA.

With sixteen countries represented, almost all have some support from an NHL player, minus France, Latvia, Italy, and Kazakhstan. If you’d like to check out who’s representing who, check out the IIHF website. However, since being eliminated on Monday night by the Phoenix Coyotes, members of the Nashville Predators have been stepping up for their respected national teams and continuing their time on the ice.

The rookies have proven they aren’t ready for off-season, with defenseman Roman Josi jumping on board with Team Switzerland and forward Craig Smith joining Team USA. Martin Erat is in the works with joining Team Czech Republic, along with Andrei and Sergei negotiating with Team Belarus. More Predators players are suspected to join their respected countries as the week goes on.

The IIHF World Championship tournament is going on now until May 20th, in both Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.

Update: Just as we expected, another Predator has joined the IIHF for the World Championship. Patric Hornqvist has hopped on board with Team Sweden. We will keep you updated as new players join their country’s team.

Predators put on the Pressure, Coyotes Advance to Western Conference Finals

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Wilson was ready in practice on Sunday and proved himself on Monday night.

It was do or die time for the Predators as they stepped out onto the ice in Phoenix on Monday night. Desperation was the main play and collecting goals was the idea. However, with Commissioner Bettman wringing his hands at the thought of selling off the Coyotes, the Predators would need just about everything to fall correctly into place. Unfortunately, even after doing everything they could, including out-shooting the Coyotes, the Predators just couldn’t muster past Phoenix to press on. Although the odds did not fall into the Predators’ favor, Nashville still kicked butt and took names like the team Nashville is used to seeing. Here are the highlights from last night’s series and post-season ender:

KEY POINTS:

  • After the loss on Friday night, Alexander Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn were back in the line up, benching the bruised and beaten Jordin Tootoo and Matt Halischuk. Jack Hillen took to the pre-game warmups, but enviably sat on the scratched list with Brian McGrattan, Ryan Ellis, and Craig Smith.
  • The Coyotes struck first, with Derek Morris notching his first goal of the playoffs at 3:54 in the 2nd Period. As with this entire series, the first team to score won.
  • Phoenix would jump up 2-0 over the Predators at 15:09 with a wrist shot passed Pekka from Martin Hanzal. Hanzal’s goal was his 3rd of the post season.
  • Nashville would pressure the goal hard, keeping the puck, for the most part, in front of Mike Smith. It seemed, though, that no matter what the Predators did, the odds just weren’t in their favor last night (nor the refs…). Colin Wilson, who recently bumped Sergei Kostitsyn from the top line of Fisher and Erat, was the only Predator to slip one passed Mike Smith at 14:01 in the 3rd Period. Although his first goal of the post season, had he spent more time on the ice in the playoffs, we are positive Wilson would have had more. David Legwand (3rd Assist) and Ryan Suter (3rd Assist) picked up the assists on Willy’s goal.
  • The Predators never seem to do well when they out-shoot their opponent, which was the case for last night as Nashville out-shot Phoenix 33 to 17. With every close call, the Predators just couldn’t knock out the relentless Mike Smith.
  • The Predators were given plenty of power play opportunities as well (four), but just couldn’t get a grip around one. In Nashville’s favor, the Predators only gave the Coyotes one power play, with Roman Josi taken an interference penalty at 4:19 in the 2nd Period.

The Predators battled hard, but with fatal mistakes and terrible calls, both made and missed, making it passed Round 2 just wasn’t in the cards this year for Nashville. Although favored heavily to make it to the Western Conference final, Nashville just couldn’t catch a break in this series. The Predators had a tremendous 2011-12 season and notched a few franchise records along the way. To say the Predators “flopped” or “failed” is not optional, for Nashville defied the odds of an extraordinary hockey club in a non-traditional hockey market yet again.

Win or lose, we stand proudly behind the Nashville Predators.

With the advancement to the Western Conference finals, the Phoenix Coyotes will take on the L.A. Kings once the Capitals/Rangers series ends (possibly) tomorrow night. The New Jersey Devils surpassed the Philadelphia Flyers about an hour ago to move on to the Eastern Conference final.

The memories we gained from this past season and post season are once in a lifetime and we are proud to stand behind our Nashville Predators. Lady Preds will continue to post news and information throughout the off-season, so keep checking in!

Until October,
GO PREDS.