Nashville Predators sign Sergei Kostitsyn to one year contract

by Chris Burton on Jul 6, 2010 5:19 PM EDT

The Nashville Predators announced today that they have signed restricted free agent winger Sergei Kostitsyn to a one year deal worth $550,000.

From the team:

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed restricted free agent Sergei Kostitsyn (SAIR-gay kaws-TIHT-sihn) to a one-year contract worth $550,000. Kostitsyn was acquired from Montreal in exchange for forward Dustin Boyd and goaltender Dan Ellis last Tuesday, June 29.

Kostitsyn, 23 (3/20/87), posted 18 points (7g-11a) in 47 contests during his third season at the NHL level with Montreal in 2009-10. In 155 career NHL contests over the past three seasons, the 6-0, 210-pound left wing has amassed 68 points (24g-44a), in addition to 49 points (15g-34a) in 55 American Hockey League games. Kostitsyn has also suited up for the Habs in each of their last three playoff appearances, putting up eight points (3g-5a) in 18 games.

A native of Novopolotsk, Belarus, Kostitsyn represented his country at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, leading the Belarusians in points with five (2g-3a) in four games. He played a pair of seasons with the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights after being Montreal's sixth selection, 200th overall (seventh round), in the 2005 Entry Draft, amassing (66g-143a) in 122 games. He led the league in assists in 2006-07, en route to being named a Third-Team OHL All-Star.

To me, this is a great signing by David Poile. If you recall that Kostitsyn was acquired essentially for free, and note that he will be paid less than Wade Belak, its a no-risk move. If he plays to his talent and works hard for the team and Coach Trotz, then Nashville will have made the quite the coup.

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I like the deal minimal money for a guy who could do good things for the Preds.

by Jones36 on Jul 6, 2010 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

Headstrong youngster

I’m glad the Preds have a man like Frankie Bouillon to reintroduce this Belorussian 23-year-old to the NHL.

by Hockey Hillbilly on Jul 6, 2010 5:34 PM EDT reply actions

well, at this price?

I cannot argue. Either he straightens up and shows his tremendous upside, or continues to act like a spoiled child and gets the boot. I hope he does straighten up though, for our team’s sake, our sake and his sake.

Maybe he could be like a cheap Radulov? Then we wouldn’t need him next year. :)

by DonBorvio on Jul 6, 2010 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly. He can work hard and play well to earn more money, or not and lose his job (and with Spaling/Smithson out of a spot, that could happen quick). There’s a ton of talent there – he just has to work.

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by Chris Burton on Jul 6, 2010 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Yep, and Bouillon is a former teammate.

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by Chris Burton on Jul 6, 2010 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Just keep the Belarusian mafia away from him and he’s going to be fine.

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by Kevin Sellathamby on Jul 6, 2010 5:34 PM EDT reply actions

I don't think there's too much Maf down here in Nashville...

by DonBorvio on Jul 6, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow

This is a great signing. One-year, dirt cheap, and great potential. Plus, the fact that this kid took a pay cut rather than running off the the KHL shows that reports of his ego problem are greatly exaggerated. Am I correct in assuming this is a one-way contract? The press release doesn’t say otherwise.

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by PredHead on Jul 6, 2010 6:01 PM EDT reply actions

Poile

I’ll admit I was the first to bash the GM on what I thought were skeptical moves But over the last few days all of the moves seem like genius. He gets Kostitsyn and Parent for peanut shells, then turns around and signs SK who could easily score 20 goals for 550,000. Add this to acquring an extra 2nd pick, Halischuk who is a similar player to Boyd, and not over spending on Matthew Lombardi you have to love what Poile has done in totality.

by hitmaneraser21 on Jul 6, 2010 6:09 PM EDT reply actions

First step to maturity?

Have to agree with the running sentiment. A value contract (which Poile specializes in). For Kostitsyn to agree with this and not run home to the KHL may mean the kid recognizes he has something to prove. If Trotz can get him to play to his potential things could get very interesting in Nashville this year (with the addition of Lombardi and the maturation of Wilson).

A very good summer’s work so far.

by oilerdago on Jul 6, 2010 6:11 PM EDT reply actions

I like it…great potential for both parties. Hope the kid takes this chance, straightens out his attitude and does well enough to earn some big money next year. Can’t wait for the season to begin…I haven’t been this excited about the up coming season since 2006.

by TitanPredBearFan on Jul 6, 2010 6:12 PM EDT reply actions

Sergei Kostitsyn

I found an interesting article on the Pred’s new winger, it has a lil bit of both sides of his trouble in Montreal. It sure seems to me while immature his biggest problem was obviously his coach Jacque Martin similar to the issues Jason Spezza had with him in Ottowa. I seriously doubt Trotz will have that same issue and even if he does his contract is no detremit to the Predators.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/413467-sergei-is-moved-so-what-went-wrong

by hitmaneraser21 on Jul 7, 2010 12:44 AM EDT reply actions

I like the contract and his willingness to play for an amount in line with his accomplishments. Let’s all hope that Trotz can focus that desire to prove himself. Lots of upside for both parties and I’m willing to give the kid a clean slate.

by BradHerman on Jul 7, 2010 8:52 AM EDT reply actions