Nearly one year ago, the Nashville Predators made some surprise additions in free agency by bringing in veteran forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist on multi-year contracts. Expect much of the same from the Predators organization this summer as Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports Nashville is looking to be aggressive once free agency opens up on Monday.
Lavoie specifically cites Steven Stamkos as a player that the Predators will take a run at — a rumor that has been picking up some steam over recent days. With just over $26MM in cap space and only a few notable pieces to retain, Nashville could do some damage on the free-agent market this summer.
Outside of Stamkos, the Predators will likely be checking in on multiple free agents over the next few days as the team could use additional help in the form of a top-six forward and top-four defenseman. Thankfully, the team captain, Roman Josi, can still be counted on for the most minutes on Nashville’s blue line but the team could certainly use some help behind him in the form of a veteran talent to lessen the burden.
Other Central notes:
- Despite both parties’ willingness to agree on a contract extension, the cap situation for the Colorado Avalanche may be pushing Jonathan Drouin out the door (Article Link). For the second summer in a row, the Avalanche are scrambling to sign cheap depth at every position with the team only carrying $10.47MM in cap space into the summer months. Without factoring in the potential return of forward Valeri Nichushkin and his $6.125MM salary, it appears improbable that Colorado will be able to retain Drouin. After only playing on an $825K salary for the 2023-24 NHL season, Drouin has earned a considerable raise after scoring 19 goals and 56 points in 79 games.
- If everything is to go as expected, Joe Pavelski of the Dallas Stars has already played his last game in the National Hockey League. He will not have to wait long for a job offer though as Sean Shapiro of EP Rinkside reports the Stars organization is more than willing to give Pavelski an opportunity in the front office if he officially decides to retire. It would not be surprising to see Pavelski land a front-office job after his playing career officially concludes, as the veteran star has largely operated in a leadership role throughout his professional career as a player.
- After nearly a week of trade chatter, the Winnipeg Jets could not find an optimal trade to move prospect Rutger McGroarty out of the system during draft weekend. Looking for updates on the matter, Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Free Press could only confirm that McGroarty would not be present at the Jets’ development camp this summer. Due to McGroarty not being eligible for unrestricted free agency for another two seasons, Winnipeg can be patient when it comes to moving his contract rights.
Can’t imagine the Bolts cleared all that salary out if they weren’t gonna bring Stamkos back.
This McGroarty/Jets situation is puzzling. Just out of nowhere they had a falling out?
Seems like RM thinks he is top-6 ready right now but thats a tough one to crack in WPG. I personally agree with him but can understand WPG’s position since they have all the control.
Agreed about Stamkos, I would definitely put money on him going back to Tampa at this point.
It appears Stamkos is hitting FA on Monday. BriseBois & Stamkos’ agent Don Meehan met today after shipping out Sergachev & Jeannot. Both sides couldn’t come to an agreement & afterwards Meehan informed BriseBois, Stamkos will test FA. BriseBois did mention to the press today that he didn’t offer a new deal which the rumored current deal on the table is to be $3 million AAV for 8 years but Meehan wants $4 to $5 million AAV pending on the terms but BriseBois isn’t budging apparently in his stance.
As of now, Stamkos days in Tampa looks to be over at this time unless something drastically changes.
Maybe this is Guentzel they cleared the way for?
It seems Guentzel is Tampa’s primary target according to reports. At this point after the surprising Sergachev trade, I have no clue what their plan fully is. Your guess is as good as mine. It’s a coin flip.
They could afford both Guentzel & Stamkos which would make their top-6 arguably one of, if not, the best in the league today but BriseBois just doesn’t seem enthusiastic enough to pursue it with Stamkos for whatever reason. I don’t understand it. Maybe BriseBois will change his tune & renegotiate with Stamkos.
Can’t imagine that 1 or even 2M a season would be the gap they couldn’t bridge if Stamkos wants to stay in Tampa.
Yeah it seems ridiculous that $1 to $2 million difference can’t be compromised between the two parties to keep Stamkos in Tampa. There is a part of me that thinks something more is going on here than just the $1 to $2 million differential that’s keeping a deal from getting produced.
It’s a shame Pavelski never got a ring as a player. If this is it for him then congrats on a great career!
eliminated in the finals twice and in the conference final 5 times
Lil’ Joe come back! Sign for $1M and play 3rd line minutes!