After a solid scrimmage yesterday as part of the Predator’s Skate of the Union festivities at Ford Ice Center, the Predators reassigned 23 players… Milwaukee for 22 of ‘em and back to Juniors for Yakov Trenin.
With this move, one of my preseason questions got answered. Kevin Fiala was sent down. It’s the next test for the youngster after a maddeningly inconsistent camp… showing flashes of brilliance and a tendency to sometimes try and do too much. At the age of 19, it is now time for him to develop as a top line player in a little more comfortable environment, instead of trying to do the same as a third line player in the NHL. Taking the long view… it’s a good move for Nashville.
It will also reveal a lot about the character of this young man. As most folks out in the business world know, you are watched more closely after you don’t get the position you want. That will be the case with Fiala… if he deals with the disappointment by putting his head down and working even harder, his time in Milwaukee will be short and his future even brighter.
None of the other names on the list were particularly surprising and of the 28 names remaining on the roster, at least five will have to be sent down before the beginning of the season.
On the blueline, there are eight names left and a bit of a battle has developed between two players for the seven defenseman slot between Victor Bartley and Anthony Bitetto. Bartley clearly has the edge but Bitetto has had a solid camp and plays with a bit of attitude that could compliment the blueline nicely… this battle bears watching over the last week of preseason.
In goal, the team has held onto Jusse Saros, who has had a good camp. I would expect to get one more look at the young Finn before he gets sent down to the Admirals to continue his development.
The other three or four decisions will come from the forwards… and probably from these six names
Cody Bass – The 28 year old has gotten a very good look in camp and has showed well. He will have to clear waivers to be sent down, and it may be hard to give up that size.
Steve Moses – The speedster is adjusting quickly to the smaller ice surface after playing the past few season on the bigger surface, but he has shown maturity, heart and tenacity. The worry could be size and he has been bounced around a bit in the Preds preseason games so far. A little more
Viktor Arvidsson - Finish, speed, persistence… Arvidsson has done everything he can to make head coach Peter Laviolette’s decision as difficult as possible.
Jamie Devane - 6’5…, 217 lbs. Nuff said… another sizeable player that the Preds are taking a very close look at.
Austin Watson - Just signed to a two year contract, Watson obviously is in the Preds future plans, but only year two is a one way. Watson is a solid player, good size and he has had a solid camp… I don’t know if solid is good enough… but we will find out in the next 10 days or so.
Colton Sissons
Plenty to watch over the next week as the Preds finish the preseason schedule with a home game Tuesday night against Columbus, then they finish in Columbus on Saturday. Plenty of questions left to be answered.
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Random Notes
- Barret Jackman played in yesterday’s scrimmage and hopes to play in the final two preseason games. He is almost completely recovered from an upper body injury.
- Great turnout for the events at Ford Ice Center yesterday…
- Brent Seabrook looks to retire as a Blackhawk, signing an eight year extension.
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