Snapshots: Predators, Smid, Coaching Updates, Gillis

Nashville GM David Poile provided updates on some of his players in an interview with Brooks Bratton on the team’s website on Monday.

On pending restricted free agents Filip Forsberg and Calle Jarnkrok:

“We’ve had a couple of conversations with each of their agents, but as I always say, this is a process.  I don’t look for these to be getting done tomorrow, but we’re moving ahead.”

He also noted that he is attempting to trade Eric Nystrom and that he wouldn’t rule out buying out the final year of his contract if he can’t find a trade partner.  Nystrom is set to earn $3MM in salary with a $2.5MM cap hit for 2016-17.  A buyout would trigger a $500,000 cap hit in 2016-17 and a $1MM charge in 2017-18.

Poile added that he will begin to send qualifying offers to his restricted free agents starting next week.  Aside from Forsberg and Jarnkrok, the Preds have seven other RFA’s between their NHL and AHL teams.

Elsewhere around the league:

• Ladislav Smid’s future remains uncertain as he continues to recover from a season-ending neck injury sustained back in February, writes Darren Haynes on his From 80 Feet Above blog. His neck issues stem back to his first neck surgery six years ago.  The continuing issues will prevent him from being a candidate for a buyout as the CBA does not permit injured players to be bought out.
• Tampa Bay assistant coach Rick Bowness has agreed to a multi-year extension with the Lightning, the team announced. He was reportedly a contender for the Anaheim coaching job which instead went to Randy Carlyle.
• The Blue Jackets have offered former St. Louis assistant coach Brad Shaw a contract to join them in a similar role according to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.
• ESPN’s John Buccigross reports that Kevin Dineen is “getting a late look” for Calgary’s head coaching job. He also adds that Glen Gulutzan and Todd Reirden are other finalists.
• Former Vancouver GM and player agent Mike Gillis has accepted a job on the board of directors for Swiss club Geneve-Servette HC, the team announced. Gillis’ Assistant GM in Vancouver, Lorne Henning, is also joining him in this new role.