Paul McCann Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSS
• Archive
• CONTACT
So much for a quiet weekend…
The news of Dan Hamhuis being traded to Nashville north was not really surprising. After Francis Bouillon was extended, you knew that the budget for Hamhuis just wasn’t there. Bringing Ryan Parent back means that almost all of the assets traded for Peter Forsberg are back with the Preds.
But then, the news of the Jason Arnott trade broke… and all hell broke loose among the fans of the fang. There is a definite divide in the ranks on both of these trades.
Let’s take the Hamhuis to Philly trade first. The Predators are getting a first round pick back, a prospect that folks weren’t happy about giving up to begin with, in Ryan Parent for the negotiating rights for a UFA and a conditional pick in the 2011 draft. David Poile once again turns nothing into something as the Predators do not lose Hamhuis without compensation. Parent has had his ups and downs with Philly, but has been fairly solid in his 102 games with the franchise. Injury issues have followed Parent as well, but this move does deepen an already deep pool of blueliners waiting for a chance to make it in Music City.
Then the shocker… Jason Arnott being traded to the New Jersey Devils for a 2nd round pick in the 2011 draft and Matt Halischuk, a 5’11’, 172 pound winger. He is notable for scoring the championship goal in the 2008 World Juniors and also played on a line with Preds forward Nick Spaling in the OHL.
Trading the captain is always a bit surprising… but quotes in the online version of the Tennessean seem to indicate that Arnott knew it was coming. Obviously, as he had to wave his no-trade clause to get this deal done. Arnott indicates in an interview with John Glennon that he was looking for an extension to remain in Nashville, but that “it just didn’t seem like I was in their (plans) for the long term.”
So… the door is open for a new mayor in Smashville… Steve Sullivan? Shea Weber? Ryan Suter? One thing is for sure, there has been a clear message sent in this start of re-tooling the Nashville lineup... it is time for the younger players to take the mantle of leadership on this team.
--------------------------------------
Twitter has been going nuts today with these moves… some samples…
@Sullivan26: Wow! Pesky Preds sure are busy today! Wishing the big man all the best in NJ. That sure caught me off guard.
@goverjkg: Every time my phone vibrates now I think another #Preds trade is happening.
@kausatoday:The Predators' priority is to upgrade offense: they now have $4.5 million to spend on a player with better hands than captain Arnott.
@kausatoday: Wow. Predators trade Jason Arnott to New Jersey for prospect and 2nd round pick. Preds could be gearing up for more moves.
Wednesday 6/23 - I’ll be in the studio, and Pete will be reporting live from Las Vegas. He’ll be hanging with Snoop Dog and Mark Wahlberg at the NHL Awards Show site… I’ll be hanging in the studio with Charlie Saunier, giving up-to-the-minute draft news, talking about the wheeling and dealing going on in the back room and talking about the just released ’10-’11 schedule…
Thursday July 1st - The Season Finale of SlapShot Radio as we break down the signings on UFA day… it’s an unpredictable show as we discuss the Predators moves of the day, the big signings across the league and their impact. We also take a look forward to Predators Conditioning Camp and the 2010-2011 season.
The show starts at 6pm on SportsRadio 560 WNSR… listen online or podcast at www.slapshotradio.com
---------------------------------
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 with starting lineups and scratches during Pred home games, also I’ll be supplying information and explanations from the PA box.
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • 
Join the Discussion:
»