Tonight is the 9th season finale of SlapShot Radio. We will be reviewing the activity at the NHL Expansion and Entry Drafts and looking ahead to Free Agency. Joining us is Shane Malloy from Hockey Prospects Radio and the one and only Hockey Renaissance Man, Jeff Marek from Rodgers Sportsnet! Please tune in tonight at 7pm on 102.5 the Game.
Speaking of free agency…. with the loss of James Neal, Nashville should have some cap room to take a dive into the free agent pool. A couple of needs for this team to get over the top involve forwards… especially a 2C and some more scoring. So, who may be available to fill those needs? Let’s take a look at a few options that may fit in Nashville’s scheme…
Justin Williams – RW / Age – 35 / Production last season – 48 points (24g,24a, 80 games) – Known as a clutch performed, especially in the playoffs, Williams could be just the ticket for a team looking for that final piece of the puzzle. Fairly consistent scorer that does also excel in the shootout.
Patrick Marleau – LW / Age – 37 / Production last season – 46 points (27g, 19a, 82 games) – Two big questions here, how much does Marleau have left in the tank… and is he willing to move from California? This is a name that has been associated with the Predators for quite a while and I do believe that the team would love to have him, however term and dollars need to be right. Term cannot be longer than two years… the rumor is that Marleau wants three. Maybe some extra cash to shorten it?
Nick Bonino – C / Age – 29 / Production last season – 37 points (18g, 19a, 80 games) – I have to admit… this option fascinates me. Bonino is a solid penalty killer, shot blocker who contributes well on the offensive side. This player has the skill to be a 2C if given the chance, he would be an excellent fit in Nashville… if he makes the open market.
Joe Thornton – C / Age – 37 / Production last season – 50 points (7g, 43a, 79 games) – Another name that has been coveted by Pred fans for quite some time. Thornton is still a leader, an expert passer and playmaker. As evidence, I submit his 43 assists last season. It does make you wonder and almost salivate at the kind of setups he could dish to Craig Smith, Kevin Fiala, Colin Wilson, etc… My biggest concerns? Speed, age and his recovery from his ACL/MCL surgery. I would see him as a viable option if Mike Fisher decides to hand them up.
Martin Hanzal – C / Age – 30 / Production last season – 39 points (20g, 19a, 71 games) – An excellent faceoff man that is as solid as they come in this rather thin class of free agents. A very reliable, consistent 2C that has the right blend of skill and setup ability. This could be the perfect time for Hanzal to be a free agent.
Other options could include Ales Hemsky, Radim Vrbata, Thomas Vanek, heck even Jaromir Jagr…
The next few days are going to be a lot of fun!
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