Now that we are in the summer dog days, post UFA season, pre players coming back to town… the only drama left is the two RFA’s for the Nashville Predators; Colton Sissons and Rocco Grimaldi. Both players have earned a raise… but how much?
Let’s look at the components of each players performance and what it may generate in a new contract.
Colton Sissons is entering his sixth season in the NHL, all with the Nashville Predators. The 2nd round pick from the 2012 NHL Entry Draft has shown a very nice developmental curve, increasing his goal total and point total with each passing season culminating in a 15g, 15a season in 18-19. The 25 year old center has posted a 53.5% career face off win percentage and a solid 11.9% shooting percentage. He has also come up big in playoff situations over his career, especially in the 2017 run to the Stanley Cup Final. The 6’1”, 200 lb. Sissons has shown an ability to play up and down the lineup and adds depth to an already deep team at the center position.
Colton Sissons picked a good time to have a career season. He is coming off of a 3 year, $1.875 contract that only was two-way in the first year. Sissons has earned a fairly solid raise, I would expect a minimum three year deal at an AAV of $2.5 million per year, but I would not be surprised if this one ends up going to the arbitration hearing scheduled for July 26th. Ten days from today to get it done before the hearing.
Rocco Grimaldi has been a bit of a journeyman, Nashville is his third team over his five year NHL career. His 53 games played last season was a career high for the 5’6”, 180lb winger. Grimaldi showed heart, hustle and a tendency to be a sparkplug for this Nashville team. His 5g, 8a all seemed to come at key times during the 18-19 season. Grimaldi’s size has always been a concern through his career, something he showed to not be an issue when given the opportunity early in the season during the Predator’s early and midseason injury issues. Grimaldi has quickly become a fan favorite in Smashville.
Rocco Grimaldi is coming off a league minimum, two-way contract. Expect the two-way thing to go away and I would expect a minimum two year deal at a value between $1 million and $1.5 million per season. I would think that this contract has an almost zero chance to go to arbitration, but if it does, his hearing is scheduled for August 6.
We will find out the fate of these two player’s contracts with the Nashville Predators soon, one way or another.
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Random Notes
- Things are awfully quiet over at 501 Broadway. I stopped by yesterday for a few things and got a look at the framing for the new videoboard… all I can say is WOW! It’s big… not Tampa too big for the space big… but it is big!
- The Central Division arms race continues to grow in intensity, the Stars, Preds, Avs and (gulp) Blackhawks have improved. The Blues have stood pat, the cup winning team staying fairly intact. The Winnipeg Jets have… well… if you look at it… aww hell, who knows what you’re going to get from them. And then there is Minnesota… if someone figures out what is going on there please let me know.
- The longer Mitch Marner goes without a contract, the more speculation grows about an offer sheet… let’s face it… that ain’t happening, and if it does, Toronto matches before the ink dries on the sheet itself.
- An offer-sheet-in-waiting, but not getting nearly the pub… wondering if Patrik Laine doesn’t fall into the same category as Marner… I can’t see the Jets not matching, but…
- Interesting takes on NBCSports.com’s PHT on GM’s on the hot seat. They list three on the hot seat including Jim Benning of Vancouver, Jason Botterill of Buffalo and Pierre Dorion of Ottawa. No surprises there but there are two interesting names in the “Getting Warmer” category… Montreal’s Marc Bergevin and Chicago’s Stan Bowman. Considering some of the panic moves that Bowman has made, I am surprised he is not considered on the hot seat already.
- Speaking of St. Louis… Jordan Binnington has signed a two year $8.8 million bridge contract with the Blues. Binnington will be a UFA at the end of the deal.
- Southern markets are campaigning for outdoor games, now Carolina is pushing hard for the 2021 Winter Classic or at least a Stadium Series game.
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