Nashville Predators put Aaron Johnson on waivers

by Dirk Hoag on Oct 2, 2010 2:24 PM EDT

Renaud LaVoie of RDS is reporting that the Nashville Predators have put defenseman Aaron Johnson on waivers, presumably a prelude to his assignment to Milwaukee. This marks an apparent victory for Alexander Sulzer in earning an NHL job as it leaves the Preds with 7 defensemen. I'm sure it also helps that Johnson, unlike Sulzer, has a two-way contract which will pay him less at the AHL level.

Aaron Johnson

#2 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators

Height: 6-1

Weight: 208

Born: Apr 30, 1983

This leaves the Nashville roster at 25, meaning that 2 (or 3... or 4) players will still be cut prior to the season opener, which is now just 7 days away!

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After what I saw in the preseason games, I don’t understand this move at all. Sulzer over Johnson? This makes me wonder if the Predators are more concerned about 1 way vs 2 way contracts than actually icing the best team possible.

by Predaceous on Oct 2, 2010 8:43 PM EDT reply actions

While I agree Johnson looked better, the 7th defenseman isn’t going to play much and AJ won’t have to go thru recall waivers in order to come back up – Sulzer will.

by Chris Burton on Oct 2, 2010 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Combination of things...

First, I think the main reason Johnson was sent down is that he is on a two-way contract and his AHL salary allows him to be exempt from recall waivers, which Sulzer being on a one-way deal would be exposed to.

Second, I agree…it’s a bit of an economic decision as well. By sending Johnson down (assuming he clears, which I’m not sure he will), the Preds will save ~$400k in salary…

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by Seth Lake on Oct 3, 2010 12:01 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

I am kind of disappointed, but if this just for the 7th D spot – it’s not a big deal. And it’s not like there’s a huge difference between these two. So, saving the money makes more sense. DP will probably be on the search mid-season for whatever may be lacking at that time.

by DonBorvio on Oct 3, 2010 3:31 AM EDT up reply actions