Hello again everyone. I know it's been awhile. Yes the playoffs are still going full force and we have ownership issues for a different team this offseason. That said, let's talk a little about the Preds. (Novel concept no?)
I'll begin to work on some Draft prep over the next few weeks but for now we can discuss what is being talked about daily at the Sommet Center offices: the Preds pending unrestricted and restricted free agents.
Now far be it for me to say who the Preds should and shouldn't keep. That's for Mr. Poile to decide. I can however present the pros and cons of each player in terms of the Preds. So, as usual, I have a format I want to use to broach the topic. Let's dive into it.
FELDER'S FREE AGENT ANALYSIS PART 1: The PREDS FA's
Forwards
Steve Sullivan - UFA: Last year's salary: 3.2 million.
PROS: A point per game producer as a Pred. Positive impact on the locker room and the ice. Makes the offense more potent. Great ambassador for the game in the community.
CONS: A recent history of injuries. Because of that injury the Preds would not be able to use insurance if Steve's back is injured again since that is a pre-exsisting injury that has previously been covered. May be seeking a contract near 4.5 mill per year that compares to the other top paid forwards in Nashville.
Felder's Take: If Steve is looking for a team that is close to the Stanley Cup, he may have not other choice but to go somewhere else. That said, if Sully comes back and the Preds add another solid forward, they will certainly be a team with playoff potential. Stanley Cup? Probably not, but at least 1st round probable depending on the forward(s) added. That said, in my gut I think if the Preds make an offer that is comparable to what he could get on the open market (meaning within a mill or so) I think Steve more than likely comes back. However, if a playoff team that is close offers quite a bit more, then Steve should go there and try to capture that playoff glory. This is a business and I think he will make the best decision available to him, regardless of where that puts him playing next season.
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Radek Bonk - UFA: Last year's salary: 1.475 million.
PROS: A solid faceoff guy. More than capable 3rd line shut down center. Chips in a timely goal every now and then.
CONS: May not provide enough of the offensive touch you'd want. Plays in a spot that could be overtaken by a younger player.
Felder's Take: This is an interesting one. Say Radek is willing to take a two year deal for a mill per. That is a pretty fair deal for a great faceoff guy and veteran presence. That said, you have an incredible talent in Colin Wilson that needs a spot as well. Plus, Cal O'Reilly proved that he can play and produce points at the NHL level at the end of the season. It's a tough call, but I think in this situation youth may prevail.
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Ryan Jones - RFA: Last year's salary: 984,200 thousand.
PROS: Consistently goes to the net. Still a young guy that has room to grow his game. Provides the garbage goals you need in physical games.
CONS: A bit unproven at the NHL level because his game is one that does not fit well on a grinder role. He needs top 2 line time. His defensive game needs some work.
Felder's Take: I doubt he goes anywhere since he is an RFA. That said, he needs to be put in the right position to make plays and really prove his game belongs in the NHL. It's on Barry Trotz to find a way to make that happen.
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Vernon Fiddler - UFA: Last year's salary: 850,000 thousand.
PROS: Solid defensively and on the PK. Another guy that does well as an ambassador for the game off the ice. A veteran presence that is good in the locker room.
CONS: His offensive totals fell off from his 07-08 totals. His shootout and breakaway move are known.
Felder's Take: To me this may be a situation where the Preds choose between Fids and the next person on the list, Scott Nichol. Both guys have played well on the PK. Fids adds a bit more offense whereas Scooter is a little better on the PK in my opinion. I personally think one of the two will be back. These type of players are the ones Barry Trotz covets.
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Scott Nichol - UFA: Last year's salary: 750,000 thousand.
PROS: Solid on the PK. Another solid locker room guy and always willing to do community events.
CONS: Does take the untimely penalty from time to time. Had a pretty bad bout with concussions this past year.
Felder's Take: Read the take for Fiddler as it applies to this one as well.
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Jed Ortmeyer - UFA: Last year's salary: 750,000 thousand.
CONS: History of injuries. Has a replaceable role.
Felder's Take: One of those instances where here is a really nice guy but because of the current roster, will probably have a new home next season.
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Antti Pihlstrom - RFA: Last year's salary: 567,500 thousand.
PROS: Gritty player that throws the body around. Pretty sound defensively.
CONS: Not the offensive threat that he was advertised as.
Felder's Take: Again, an RFA that will likely be back. Personally, I don't think he has proven he can make an impact at the NHL level. He has been very solid in the AHL but I'm still not sold on him as an everyday NHL player.
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Cal O'Reilly - RFA: Last year's salary: 533,333 thousand.
PROS: Has great vision on the ice. Made an impact late in the season that proves he deserves some NHL seasoning. Creates some offense when paired with quality forwards.
CONS: Needs to prove he's an everyday guy. Would like a few more goals but he had limited time up in the NHL.
Felder's Take: RFA that should be back. I really want to see what Cal can bring on a consistent basis. This kid looks like he could make an impact and I think the Preds realize that.
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Joel Ward - UFA: Last year's salary: 500,000 thousand.
PROS: Versatile player that can fill in on any line. Very solid with the puck control and proved he can provide some offensive on a consistent basis. Good locker room guy and always willing to help out in the community events.
CONS: His price tag. No one is quite sure where that is. He's due a decent raise from the 500k. Considering the Preds budget how much he wants could hinder their ability to re-sign him.
Felder's Take: To me, he takes priority behind Sullivan when it comes to UFA forwards. Because of his versatility I think he is more valuable than signing a player who is a grinder and not much more.
Defense
Greg de Vries - UFA: Last year's salary: 2.5 million.
PROS: Veteran leadership on the blueline. Very crafty with his stick and taking the right angles.
CONS: A step behind at times. There are quite a few D-men waiting for a spot in the system.
Felder's Take: I have never been one who felt that Devo was a huge problem. He was stride behind at times, but I've always appreciated how often he takes the right angles and is willing to battle on the boards. That said, the Preds system has quite a few D-men waiting and this may be the time to create an opening. I think Devo will likely find another team though that is looking for a D-man who's been there in the playoffs.
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Greg Zanon - UFA: Last year's salary: 725,000 thousand.
PROS: A warrior. Puts up hits and blocked shots every game. Willing to sacrifice the body. Good locker room guy and always willing to do community events.
CONS: Sometimes goes down a little early to block shots and sees that get taken advantage of.
Felder's Take: Of the pending UFA D-men, this is the one to keep. Z is a real commodity that can't be found very many other places. Quiz time: How many D-men had 150+ hits and blocked shots last season? All that said, his asking price is too high for the Preds from what I've heard. There is a good chance Zanon tests the waters and sees what is out there. I doubt Nashville re-signs him although they most likely want to.
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Ville Koistinen - UFA: Last year's salary: 700,000 thousand.
PROS: Can provide a good shootout goal now and again. Able to operate within a power play.
CONS: Not defensively sound yet. Inconsistent offense.
Felder's Take: I don't think VK wants to play in Nashville. The arbitration tag never sits well. Personally, I would be shocked if he returns to Music City.
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I'm ready to hear your response Pred fans. Who do you think they Preds should re-sign and why? Feel free to add to the pros and cons as well.
I am a little surprised we haven't heard of at least one re-signing yet but I'm sure David Poile is working on it.
Part 2 will be a look at the Free Agent market and where the Preds may need to target.
Until then,
Take Care
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