Nashville Predators 2010-11 Season Preview: Francis Bouillon

by Chris Burton on Aug 23, 2010 12:00 PM EDT in Nashville Predators Player Profiles

In the weeks leading up to the upcoming season, we'll preview the Nashville Predators on a player-by-player basis, examining their role on the squad and expectations relative to capabilities. So come along for the ride as we look ahead to 2010-11, from Andersson to Wilson. Next up: Francis Bouillon.

Francis Bouillon went into 2009-10 burdened with very little expectation - he was signed near the beginning of the year, and as an insurance policy to younger players such as Kevin Klein and Cody Franson. I'd be lying if I told you I thought he would perform as admirably as he did. We'll take a look at his upcoming campaign after the jump.

Francis Bouillon

#51 / Defenseman / Nashville Predators

Height: 5-8

Weight: 198

Born: Oct 17, 1975

Role

By my count, 4th defenseman. Kevin Klein should be ready to step into the role occupied by Dan Hamhuis last year, so 'The Cube' will slide up a spot, even if it means he covers for Franson on the third pair.

Contract

Two years, $2.7 million. It was a well-deserved extension from David Poile, as Bouillon ended the year preferable to Klein in crunch time and on occasion outperforming more well-regarded players like Hamhuis.

Expectations

With the ~~loss~~ departure of Hamhuis, Francis' tasks will be increased in importance and quantity this year. Expect heavy penalty kill duty for Bouillon and 19:00+/- a night, likely in a 2nd pair situation. The Predators don't need much scoring from Bouillon, but a slight increase in last year's production would not be unwelcome.

Previously...

First, this thing of beauty:

Bouillon played in 81 games last year, scoring 3 goals to go with 8 assists. He compiled 50 penalty minutes while averaging 19:18 minutes on ice.

Prediction

With a larger role and better partner, I think we might see a slight improvement in Bouillon's play over the course of 82 games. It remains to be seen who Barry Trotz pairs him up with, so any prediction is merely guesswork. That said, I'll go with 4 goals and 12 assists from The Cube.

Poll

Who will Francis Bouillon start the season paired with on defense?

Ryan Parent

31 votes

Cody Franson

51 votes

Kevin Klein

91 votes

Other

1 votes

174 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

One tough little hombre, that Frankie

He’ll make anybody he’s paired with look better. Glad he plays for us instead of against us.

by Hockey Hillbilly on Aug 23, 2010 12:28 PM EDT reply actions

agreed, after Hornqvist I think he was the most pleasant surprise last season. He carried that reputation from Montreal, but I just wasn’t familiar with him.

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by Dirk Hoag on Aug 23, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Call me Stupid if you want...

But I see a lot of similarities between Cube’s game and Suter’s. I think Suter has a little more offensive talent, but I think Cube plays with a little more grit.

I say all that to say why not let Cube pair with Franson as the 2nd line. Lot of similiarities there. Cube’s ability to take the puck up ice and his passing ability much like Suter’s. Franson’s shot from the point and big bodied dman just like Weber.

I also think if you were going to split up Batman and Robin that I would want Cube with Weber and Franson with Suter.

by wrandsw on Aug 23, 2010 1:00 PM EDT reply actions

I hope Batman and Robin..

..stay together personally, but if they are split I agree, Franson with Suter, Cube with Weber. Even though I voted for Cube to be paired with Klein, wouldn’t it make more sense to put him with Franson for the same reasons you would put Franson with Suter? And wouldn’t a stay at home defensive-defensemen like Parent be a better fit for “I take chances when I shouldn’t” Klein? Its a good problem to have…4 D-men that can fit the #2 pairing role. The line/pairing shuffle this year should be interesting to say the least.

by TitanPredBearFan on Aug 23, 2010 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Frankie the Bull...

rocked it last year. He was solid all the way around. I’d like to see the twins split up too…I don’t care who they’re paired with but it’d be better to have one of them on the ice for 40 minutes a game than both of them on the ice for 20 minutes a game.

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on Aug 23, 2010 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed.

It seems Suter is a likely candidate for the other alternate also. We know him and Weber are just as excellent when paired with other defense men (See Also: Olympics), it could be a really good move to let those two each lead a pairing.

EASports' NHL 11 comes out 07 September 2010; good thing whiskey comes out every day...
Go Predators!!!

by Poiju on Aug 23, 2010 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions

decent analogy

i too hope batman and robin stay together.

by predswilrule on Aug 23, 2010 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Cube’s ability to ‘coach’ on the ice, to be a vocal partner with whomever he works, is one of his greatest assets. If Weber/Suter stay together, I think him and Klein are a good pair. Klein has the speed that Cube lacks. I think Klein will also continue to improve if he gets more ice time with Cube. Francis was a great pick-up, and it was interesting how fast he became a fan favorite through solid play and few mistakes.

by cisar on Aug 23, 2010 1:20 PM EDT reply actions

Completely agree that Cube is a “coach” on the ice. Part of why I found it odd that rumors were out there that the Preds were looking for another vet dman. We have a pretty solid one in Cube.

I do question how much speed Cube lacks though. Personally I would put Cube only behind Suter in terms of dmen that I would want bringing the puck up the ice. And I am factoring in all aspects when I say that (speed, vision, puck handling skills). Not trying to say Klein can’t skate, but I don’t believe there is much if any difference in Klein and Cube’s skating ability.

by wrandsw on Aug 23, 2010 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions