The signing of Ben Guite and Peter Olvecky don’t exactly have Pred Nation dancing in the streets. Guite is a serviceable player that will effectively replace one of last seasons role players that are no longer with the team. The signing of Olvecky could be construed as a depth move for Milwaukee. Heck, given the Joel Ward situation from last year, the Preds may be looking to catch lightning in a bottle one more time.

There are still a few UFA forwards on the market that I wouldn’t mind seeing in Pred colors. One of the more fascinating ones available is Maxim Afinogenov. The 29 year old has spent his entire NHL career in Buffalo. Maxim has scored 20+ goals three times in his nine year NHL career, including two very good seasons right after the lockout where he was a point a game producer. He is coming off an injury-plagued season with a groin and neck injury. I’m not sure what he’s looking for salary-wise, but he could be a contributor for Nashville.

I remain interested in Taylor Pyatt as well, again coming off a disappointing season with Vancouver, his salary expectations should be reasonable due to a poor season last year, but he has shown an ability to score in the NHL and could be a good match for the Legwand/Erat line.

I don’t expect anything to happen on any of these until August. I guess it’s kinda like a yard sale… the more expensive things go quick… the deals happen right before closing time.

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Some good posts in the thread talking about the 5 best dates yesterday… today’s question…

Take a look at the available UFA list… Put on your Preds GM hat, consider the budget and answer this… Who do you add to the team, and why?

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Jed Ortmeyer signed with the San Jose Sharks yesterday… a one year deal.

The second ex-Pred to sign with San Jose in as many days, I find it interesting how both the Nichol and Ortmeyer are portrayed as “losses” by local media.

Scott Nichol could possibly be looked at as a loss… but not if you factor in the impression you get that it was the Predators not being interested vs. Scooter not being willing to come back to the Preds.

Jed Ortmeyer was sent down to the minors early last season (after clearing waivers) and really couldn’t crack the lineup in his only callup… to call this a “loss” is to show a fundamental lack of understanding.

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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates… I’ll also be updating during Pred home games in season with information and explanations from the PA box.

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HockeyBuzz Radio is on hiatus until October… we’ll be weighing on conditioning camp and may even put up a podcast or two during the summer. Keep checking in at www.hockeybuzzradio.com for the latest on the upcoming season and regular columns from hockey writer Mark McGee.