The Nashville Predators have announced a contract extension for Tyler Gaudet, inking the minor league forward for another year. The deal will pay Gaudet $650K at the NHL level, while just $105K in the minor leagues. Despite being just 25, Gaudet was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer as he qualified for Group VI status.
Gaudet was acquired earlier this season as part of a minor league deal with the Arizona Coyotes, and joined a Milwaukee Admirals team in a checking role for the second half of the season. The undrafted forward has never been a huge scoring threat in the minors, but plays responsible heavy hockey that can help any AHL team.
It’s unlikely he’ll be given much of an opportunity in Nashville, but he does provide some center depth for a club that expects to compete for the Stanley Cup every year. If he sees the NHL, the Predators are clearly dealing with several injuries.