So, one more milestone before the dog days of summer hit, RFA negotiations and potential arbitration. The countdown clock is on before the arbitration dates for Colin Wilson and Craig Smith, two key cogs to the Nashville Predators success last season. Both are being counted on to build on that success next season.
Craig Smith’s arbitration hearing is first, coming up on Monday July 20th. Smith had a breakout year, posting 23 goals and 21 assists in the regular season and contributed 5 points in the playoff series against Chicago. Smith is coming off of a contract that paid him $2 million last year and should be in line for a decent raise, especially considering that Smith posted his second consecutive 20 goal season.
Colin Wilson’s arbitration hearing is scheduled for July 28th. Wilson thrived at times in Head Coach Peter Laviolette’s system, logging 20 goals and 22 assists and really stepped it up in the playoffs, leading Predators scorers with five goals in six games, setting a new franchise record for goal scoring in a single series. Wilson’s situation may be a little different. Last season was his first 20 goal season and he lit it up in the playoffs. Wilson made $2.5 million last season and is also in line for a raise, but there is questions about his consistency.
Keep in mind that most arbitration cases are settled before the hearing occurs as the process can be quite unpleasant. I have no inside information here, but I do wonder if the sticking points are term vs. money with both players. Are Wilson and Smith looking for the bridge contract to get them to UFA status? All will be resolved over the next week or two.
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Did you miss the Preds Future Stars game? Well, Predators.com has you covered… Check Kevin Fiala’s nice goal at the 2:37 mark of the video.
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RFA Tracker
Colin Wilson – Qualified Offer – Unsigned – Filed for Player Elected Arbitration
Craig Smith – Qualified Offer – Unsigned – Filed for Player Elected Arbitration
Gabriel Bourque – Signed – One Year @ $866,250
Calle Jarnkrok – Qualified Offer / No Arbitration Rights – Unsigned
Taylor Beck – Qualified Offer – Unsigned – Filed for Player Elected Arbitration – Traded to Toronto
Austin Watson – Signed – Two Years – 1st year Two Way @ $575,000 / $100,000 - 2nd Year One Way @ $575,000
Max Rinehart – Signed – One Year – Two Way @ $575,000/$80,000
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Random Notes
- Tickets for the Predators preseason schedule go on sale tomorrow (7/17.)
- A group of Nashville Predators front office employees are in Haiti this week, delivering much needed shoes, school supplies, sporting equipment, toys and more to various locations around the country… you can follow their trip here.
- The Predators top AHL affiliate the Milwaukee Admirals released their new uniforms… very nice look!
- Now that Johnny Oduya and Patrick Sharp are with Dallas, do you think the Stars have fixed their issues? I don’t know if I am convinced…
- Six years / $41.25 million for Ryan Kesler… so much for good sense breaking out among NHL GM’s … too much term
- On the Forecheck has done their annual super schedule and surprise surprise… the Nashville Predators will travel the least amount of miles for a Western Conference team.
- Former Predator and UFA Matt Cullen is looking to return for an 18th NHL season. He has had interest from several teams according to his agent.
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