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Who's Left? Who Fits?

July 29, 2011, 12:13 PM ET [ Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The countdown is on. We are getting closer and closer to zero hour in the Shea Weber negotiations. As I have said before, I won’t worry unless/until the arbitration hearing begins. After a depth signing yesterday, I got to thinking about who is left on the UFA market and how they might be able to help the Preds. Figuring that the goaltending situation is set, let’s look at some interesting possibilities, none worth overpaying for, but interesting. At forward, there are a couple of names that jump out at me…

> Corey Stillman – The 37 year old left winger showed he still has something in the tank with his great finish to last season. Could be a nice veteran add that has been there, done that.

> Kyle Wellwood – The Windsor native has bounced around a bit, especially considering he’s only 28. He had a decent season in Vancouver in ’08-’09. This seems to be a case of a player finding the right situation, could Barry Trotz get something special out of him? Can he be the anchor center of a third line with scoring potential?

> Chris Drury – Another center that could anchor the third line… the only question for the 34 year old American is can he stay healthy? If so, he could be an outstanding veteran addition for this young team. He has scored 20 or more goals in 9 of his 12 years in the NHL.

On the blueline, the Francis Bouillon situation makes this a difficult call. A signing here needs to be a veteran, but reasonably priced. How about these names…

> Brent Sopel –Good leadership, excellent shot blocker, decent positionally and could provide some mentoring to one of the younger d-men.

> Scott Hannan – Another good shot blocker, durable and able to step up to second d-pair if needed.

Given that David Poile usually pulls off a deal in late August or early September (think the O’Brien trade or the Dumont signing) we won’t have to wait much longer to see what happens…

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Random Notes

- Congratulations to a member of the Predators scouting staff, Rick Knickle. He has been named Director of Amateur Scouting for the Phoenix Coyotes. Quite a step up for an original member of the Predators organization.

- Keep an ear out on Nashville Sounds broadcasts over the next few weeks, after an injury the regular Sounds play-by play man Stu Paul, the Voice of the Predators Pete Weber will be filling in on quite a few home games, beginning with Saturday’s game against the Round Rock Express. Sounds games are carried on 104.5 the Zone. First pitch is 6:35pm.

- Former Nashville Predator goaltender Tomas Vokoun has changed agents. Gee… I wonder why…

- You knew this was coming… anti-war protesters are calling the new Winnipeg Jets logo a “cheap marketing ploy for the new Canadian militarism.” I don’t care what side of the fence you are on… it’s a freakin’ hockey logo, not a political statement… sheesh.

- The trade for Brian Rolston is a good one for the Islanders, Rolston will supply some needed veteran leadership. It’s good for the Devils as it frees up cap space to sign Zach Parise.

- 48 days till training camp opens.

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