Already producing one of the most interesting free agency tactics by any team so far this offseason, the Nashville Predators continue to add depth to their lineup. This time, the team has announced a one-year, $850K contract for forward Denis Gurianov.
Nashville should be very familiar with what Gurianov brings to the table, as he previously skated with their division rival, the Dallas Stars, for the last six seasons. Struggling in Dallas last year, the team shipped Gurianov to the Montreal Canadiens for forward Evgenii Dadonov.
It wasn’t that long ago that Gurianov was considered one of the top prospects in the Stars’ organization, as he was drafted 12th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. Taking a couple of seasons to crack the NHL roster, Gurianov strung together three solid seasons in Dallas, scoring 43 goals and 47 assists in 192 games between 2019-2022.
Unfortunately, the production didn’t ramp up at all during the 2022-23 season, and Gurianov saw his ice time slashed by the Stars, losing about two minutes on average with time on ice. After the trade to Montreal, Gurianov had a much larger opportunity on offense, as he was able to get around 15 minutes a night with the Canadiens. In his small sample size in Quebec, Gurianov scored eight points in 23 games.
Now transitioning back to the NHL’s Central Division, Gurianov should once again have plenty of opportunity in Nashville. Given how the team’s roster is currently constructed, Gurianov should have no problem slotting into the team’s middle six.
This is the best vision of a rebuild I have ever seen and it’s just beginning, Alot of capable veterans still with the team and quite a few young and gifted players with bright futures it also doesn’t hurt when you are able to trade a guy like Jeannot to TB for 5 draft picks and a younger prospect. I also think that perhaps at the deadline the Preds could get more assets for Josi and Saros if they choose that route. This team clearly has a solid plan moving forward.
“Interesting free agency tactics”? More like offering more term than anyone else offered their UFA signings.
I always thought Gurianov would be a star someday with how he played in WJC tournaments, but it hasn’t happened for him. I just hope some of Preds kids don’t get stuck in Milwaukee because of this signing.
I thought the Jets might take a shot on him, with his best season having been with Bowness a few years ago.
Brunette can probably unlock some of what Gurianov showed early in his career (back to an offensive minded coach) also not a hot bed like Montreal he can just focus on hockey here