A busy week in Pred Nation as the franchise has reloaded some on some very positive prospects, said goodbye to a few familiar names and added some
very needed reinforcements.
First … the goodbyes…
Smashville says goodbye to some longtime and short time favorites (and not-so-favorites) as Craig Smith (who signed with Boston), Freddie Gaudreau (who signed with Pittsburgh), Mikael Granlund (unsigned as of this writing). Steve Santini and Kyle Turris get bought out.
Just a note of appreciation for Kyle Turris. Everyone is scratching their head trying to figure out why Turris didn’t work in Nashville… No one seemed to figure out how to use his talents well. Kyle was an awesome person to work with on and off the ice and he (along with Julie and their wonderful family) will be missed in Nashville. Turris signed with Edmonton yesterday and we wish him all the luck in the world with that star-crossed franchise.
One more leaving involved a trade with the Minnesota Wild, sending Nick Bonino to the Twin Cities for Like Kunin and pick 101 in the 2020 Draft. Bonino will also be missed in Smashville and Kunin is one of the four Lukes acquired on Wednesday. Kunin is an RFA, younger, cheaper and faster than Nick… It was a nice move to help clear some cap space for UFA Day
The other acquisitions were seven prospects selected in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, led by the 11th overall selection, Russian netminder, Iaroslav Askarov. Askarov is projected to be a franchise goaltender and some members of the Russian hockey punditry are comparing him to a Russian hockey icon… you rarely (if ever) hear a goalie compared to Tretiak… but some are doing that. Some Fans of the Fang are hoping that Askarov is not Russian for Brian Finley.
Three of the next four picks were named Luke… RW Luke Evangelista in the 2nd round, D Luke Prokop in the 3rd round and D Luke Reid in the 6th. Adam Wilsby broke up the Luke-a-palooza, the blueliner was selected in the 4th round. The two picks in the 7th round, both forwards, were Chase Mclane and potentially the greatest hockey name ever… Gunnarwolfe Fontaine, a RW that will be attending Northeastern.
After a solid haul at the draft, Nashville turned its sights to UFA season, which got started yesterday. Nashville is looking to get a little bigger, a little stronger and definitely looking to add a little piss and vinegar to the lineup.
Three solid acquisitions so far with two more potentials in the offing.
The first one was defenseman Mark Borowiecki. A 6’1” 207lb bruiser that is coming off a record offensive year for him. The 31 year old is physical, not afraid to block shots and has the kind of leadership capabilities that this team can definitely use. This is his tenth season in the NHL, all nine pervious came with the Ottawa Senators.
Next up was a two year deal for Matt Benning, another 6’1” blueliner with an offensive upside that will fill a third pair role nicely with Nashville. Another player with an attitude on the defense…
Just announced today, the signing of forward Nick Cousins, a deadline acquisition by Vegas from Montreal last season, he may be only 5’11” 185 lb, but he plays larger than his frame. A little more grit added to the lineup for a reasonable term and price.
I don’t think that things are done at 501 Broadway… Taylor Hall has yet to sign and neither has Mike Hoffman… two players that have been rumored to be targeted by Nashville.
We will be discusig all of this in depth on Wednesday night’s season finale of SlapShot Radio.
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Random Notes – Presented by
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Proposed Start Date - Looks like the next season won’t begin until at least 1/1/21, per the NHL and NHLPA.
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UFA - I wrote this last week “You do wonder who the Preds target when free agency opens on October 9th. I’ve been saying it on SlapShot Radio for awhile, this team needs some excellent role players to compliment the talent it has” I think they have done it so far with their acquisitions.
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Krug - The Blues shocked their captain by signing Torey Krug…
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Devil - Corey Crawford signing in New Jersey is an excellent move for the Devils.
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SlapShot Radio is back for our 12th season as Zack, Brent and I are on Monday night’s this season. The best hour of hockey talk on the longest running hockey show in the southeast … 6pm Wednesdays on 102.5 the Game… It is our season finale.
Our sponsor list continues to grow.
Dr. Aileen Kruger at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at (615) 872-7762 and our good friend Carter Church, Your Murfreesboro real estate expert with Weichert – The Andrews Group.
Cool Springs Wines and Spirits! The largest spirit store in all of middle Tennessee! And La-Z-Boy Nashville! Three locations, locally owned and operated, check out La-Z-Boy in Murfreesboro, Hendersonville and Cool Springs!
We are prepping for season 13… so get in on the action… reach out to me for awesome new advertising packages.
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