pressuren 1. the state of pressing or being pressed 2. the exertion of force by one body on the surface of another 3. a moral force that compels: to bring pressure to bear 4. an urgent claim or demand or series of urgent claims or demands: to work under pressure 5. a burdensome condition that is hard to bear: the pressure of grief 6. p , P the normal force applied to a unit area of a surface, usually measured in pascals (newtons per square metre), millibars, torr, or atmospheres — vb 8. ( tr ) to constrain or compel, as by the application of moral force - World English Dictionary
Yup, that about sums it up for the situation Predators GM David Poile finds himself in. Not that an NHL GM doesn’t feel that every minute of every day, but it is heightened a bit in Smashville after sweeping changes involving coaches and players that are still being adjusted to.
The trade for James Neal was a good first step, however everyone knows it is just a first step. Not that Neal couldn’t make a Colin Wilson look better as the number one center, Wilson has shown flashes and has to step up his game… or perhaps Mike Fisher, who has served in that 1 capacity. You could go into a season like that… but… It does look like Poile is going all in here, the very public attempt to get Jason Spezza, the now public shot at Vinny Lacavalier that fell apart yesterday. Now that UFA Day is here, expect the offers to start flying, very soon after today’s 11am central starting gun. So let’s take a look at the options available to Nashville…
Paul Stastny - The one EVRYONE seems to want. Coming off of a contract that paid him $6.6 million a year, he will command a large payday and let’s face it… every agent loves a bidding war. Expect one of epic proportions for the 28 year old center.
Mikhail Grabovski - Smallish center that is looking for his third team in three seasons, plenty of upside but seems to be having trouble finding the right fit.
Derek Roy - Solid vet that can score.
Mathieu Perreault - To me… this one could be Nashville’s get. Anaheim announced yesterday that the 26 year old RFA would not be extended a qualified offer but has been made a contract offer outside of the RFA process. If Perreault declines the contract offer, he’s a UFA. The center had 34 even strength points last season, good for fourth on the team behind Getzlaf, Perry and Cogliano. Maybe he could be one of those “under the radar… specials.
Given that there has been an official “interview period… this season, this UFA day could be fast, furious and done within a short period of time.
-------------------------------
Random Notes
- Michael Del Zotto will not be extended a qualifying offer. David Poile was blunt in his assessment that the young blueliner “wasn’t a good fit… with the Predators.
- With Del Zotto out of the picture in Nashville, look for the team to add another veteran presence to the blueline to shore up and help the final development phase of some of the younger blueliners. Think a “Francis Bouillon… type of player
- For some of the negatives we have heard about James Neal… here’s a really nice story about the player from Rob Rossi… here’s the link.
--------------------------------------
You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game! You can also keep up with all the goings on with SlapShot Radio by following the show on Twitter @SlapShotRadio1
Also... make sure to "like" SlapShot Radio on Facebook... here's the link.
-------------------------------------
The SlapShot Radio Road Trip is back!!!
-------------------------------------
KINDLE USERS: Please subscribe to Predators Buzz, a one-stop feed for all things Predators-related on HockeyBuzz. Your subscription includes a free 14-day trial and is just 99 cents per month thereafter. For more information, click here.