So David Poile got a 3rd rounder for Jimmy Vesey from Buffalo.
Interesting…
Reasons Buffalo went after Vesey… they have a top six spot for him, yup, heard that before… TOI is available for him… check… Then the comments from his representatives indicating that he still is going to test the free agent market on August 15th.
I am having a hard time figuring this one out. Why is this family following the example of the Lindros family… we all know how well that worked out. At some point it is time for the family to step away and have a professional take the wheel...
The situation bears watching, but Nashville may have avoided a real problem with this one…
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The NHL’s off season activities are off and running with a few deals. The word from 501 Broadway is that the Predators will be going after the “best available” player at #17 next Friday night. Negotiations continue with the Predator’s RFA’s and as far as any UFA’s may go… lips are zipped.
For further proof of how tightly those lips are zipped, look at the Rumor Chart… not a single UFA is even being rumored to be in Nashville’s sights. Odd… there are a couple out there that I think could add some real value to Nashville’s chances of a deep run next spring… mostly on the defensive side of things… let’s take a look at some of these possibilities…
Keith Yandle – Yandle did not jell in New York since being traded there in 2015. A decent, but not great season in ’15-’16, The 29 year old Yandle could be a great add to Preds blueline, for a decent price, especially if Florida can’t get him signed after his rights were traded there yesterday.
Kris Russell - Left shooting 29 year old that was a trade deadline acquisition in Dallas, the 2005 #67 overall draft pick has had a solid, if unspectacular career with his best season in Calgary in 14-15 with 30 assists and a +18. Not a big guy, but good positionally and could be a very nice add.
Andrew Ladd - A high character guy that could fit in very nicely in Nashville. Top six scoring ability with a great work ethic… Could be fairly reasonable as well…
You have to balance the UFA availability with expectations of an expansion draft next summer, which adds a lot of complexity to the situation… you really want to make sure you don’t sign someone, then be forced to expose them in the expansion draft.
Intrigue season is here, the first questions get answered this weekend in Buffalo as expectations are being managed in Smashville, but the backchannel silence from 501 Broadway is deafening.
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Random Notes
- The Nashville Predators Beer Fest in this Saturday at Bridgestone Arena… a really good time that benefits the Nashville Predators Foundation.
- The schedule is out at noon today!
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