UFA Day is almost here and the Nashville Predators are in an interesting position. Of the UFA’s only Mike Fisher has signed, we know offers are not being extended to Matt Cullen, Anton Volchenkov, Mike Santorelli and Cody Franson and the Preds have extended qualifying offers to Colin Wilson, Craig Smith, Gabriel Bourque, Calle Jarnkrok and Taylor Beck.
And then there is Mike Ribeiro… talk about being between a rock and a hard place.
The Predators need his experience and playmaking ability, but have to have reservations about the baggage that he brings… especially given the civil suit filed against him by a former employee.
Ribeiro has to know by now that a 35 year old center that just rescued his career may not have the kind of bargaining power he had when negotiating with Arizona two summers ago. He may also know what the market will bear as the “visitation… period is underway.
Let’s face it… the UFA market for 1C’s is thin… almost non-existent. Which gives Ribeiro a little more leverage, but just a little. The only options I would see would be a player like Antoine Vermette, but he would be a downgrade from Ribeiro. In my opinion, a two year deal would work... anything more would be crazy.
You have to think that Austin Watson will get a shot at the big team this season with his new two year deal that the ink is still drying on… does Miikka Salomaki get a shot? The center cupboard is not exactly stocked in the Preds system and neither of those players are a 1C.
I expect things to be really busy at 501 Broadway today…
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Oh Glendale City Council… you magnificent idiots, just keep on doubling down on your “strategy… to renegotiate your deal with the Arizona Coyotes. Peter Corbett is reporting in the Arizona Republic that the city has been ordered to pay a $3.75 million due to the Coyotes.
Another loss in court for a flawed strategy…
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Random Notes
- One more SlapShot Radio to go… we will have a review of the winners and loser on draft day and a first take on UFA day… coming up this Wednesday at 6pm on 94.9 Game 2.
- Big congratulations to Predators assistant coach Phil Housley on being selected for the Hockey Hall of Fame. A well overdue honor.
- Congratulations to Austin Watson on his new contract.
- The expectation is that Viktor Stalberg will be bought out if GM David Poile can’t work a trade.
- I was kinda sorry but unsurprised at the Rich Clune buyout… I wish him well going forward, really good guy!
- The Los Angeles Kings have terminated the contract of Mike Richards for a breach… can’t wait to hear what drove that. Plus, you have to wonder if this is a cap avoidance move on LA’s part. This one bears watching.
- Odd move in Dallas… signing Antti Niemi and tying up over $10 million in goaltenders…
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