Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

On Jim Balsillie.... and the NEXT Off-Season in Nashville

July 31, 2009, 12:09 PM ET [ Comments]

RSSArchive
No. Not really. Just figured that would get a good reaction.

Today I actually want to discuss moving ahead in time a bit. I know, you are thinking, "Brandon, this season hasn't even started and you are looking ahead?"

Well yes I am actually. The reason though pertains to this off-season. In order to truly get a feel for where the Preds are within their salary, we actually have to see what is coming up down the road. So, despite the fact that Training Camp is still a month plus away, it's time to take an early look at the 2010 free agents for the Nashville Predators.


To even mention the contract status for 2010-2011 you have to start with the goaltending. Pekka Rinne and Dan Ellis are both UFA come July 1st. We all know how much the Preds now value Rinne, so that of course leaves Ellis in a precarious position, as in, trade deadline bait. FYI, Mark Dekanich is an RFA at that time as well. He and Chet Pickard are generally viewed as "next up" in the pipes.

The next place to visit is the defensive core. Dan Hamhuis goes UFA and Kevin Klein will be an RFA. Also, it should be noted that both Teemu Laakso and Cody Franson will be RFA. Also, Robert Dietrich will be a RFA but he's not likely to get a taste of the NHL this season. In my mind, if I'm the Preds, I see which of the two between Laakso and Franson has more upside, and I trade the other one.

Finally we look at the forwards. Patric Hornqvist will be a RFA, new addition Ben Guite will be an UFA. Then the Preds have some toughness going to become UFA. Both Wade Belak and Jordin Tootoo will be seeking new contracts. Some real decisions need to be made on that one. Both have their clear reasons for being on the team, and both have things going against them in terms of offensive production. For my money, the Tootoo decision will be the most interesting next off-season. In the prospect depth, you have Mike Santorelli, Andreas Thuresson, Triston Grant, and Ryan Maki hitting their RFA period. The one UFA from the current minors would be Hugh Jessiman. Jessiman is an intriguing situation to me. He's a 1st round pick for the Rangers that has never played a NHL game. Also, we all seem to forget him when we mention the forwards that will battle for a position come this September. You have to think he's motivated this season. I for one will be keeping a close eye on him come training camp. Without seeing what he has, there is no way to know if re-signing him or not is the best option.



So there you have it. An early look ahead. All of those contracts have to be dealt with. This makes me wonder what the current salary is towards next season. So, pulling out the calculator.... From current NHL roster players, it's around 32 million. At this time, that's not including what guys like Ryan Jones and Cal O'Reilly make since their contracts are unknown at the moment. So technically it could be more like 35 committed to next season. We must keep that in mind because Peks is going to command a few million. Those players factor into this years budget. Overspend today and you can't afford tomorrow. Let's not forget the expectation of the salary cap to go down next season, which means the mid-point (or the Preds ceiling) goes down as well.



That's it from me this time. Sorry, I don't actually have a comment on the Jim Balsillie situation. I prefer to let these things play out.

Also, in the "In case you missed it" department. I've been on a couple of podcasts the last few weeks. Back on July 18th I joined the Section 303 guys for a talk about Development Camp among other things. Be sure to hit up Section 303 with Jeremy K. Gover and Codey Holland to hear that. The other podcast was the official Hockey Buzzcast. I co-hosted with Julie back on July 22nd. We didn't discuss the Preds, but there were plenty of other interesting stories we discussed.

If you want to listen to those, here are some direct links (cause I'm just that nice....)


The 303:30

The Hockey Buzzcast - I was on Episode 312.




Till next time, take care everyone.






Questions, comments, and criticisms can be sent to [email protected] if you wish to contact me personally.







Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment
More from
» Hello....
» Preds Come Back on Chicago Yet Again and Win 4-3 In A Shootout
» Pens Win In a Thrilling 4-3 OT Game in Nashville
» Preds Shine On Opening Night With 4-1 Win Over Anaheim
» A 2-1 Win In Nashville Led By The New Captain