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Today's news comes straight from the Preds' insider on twitter:
#Preds pick up Phoenix's 2012 fourth rounder for Cal O'Reilly
The move speaks less to the talent of Cal and more to the development of Nashville's young forwards. O'Reilly was a solid contributor for the first part of last season before going down to injury.
In the time he spent on IR names like Blake Geoffrion and mid-season acquisition Mike Fisher made names for themselves at center. Add in the early-season success of Craig Smith and it's not surprising to see Cal dealt to a team that needs some help at center.
In addition, O'Reilly had been a healthy scratch for the last few games, and with Hornqvist and Fisher healthy again, and Martin Erat close behind, the future did not bode well for Cal.
Could this be a set up for a bigger deal? Do you like the move? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Full team release after the jump:
Nashville, Tenn. (October 28, 2011) - Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has acquired a fourth-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft in exchange for forward Cal O'Reilly. The trade is pending O'Reilly passing a physical.
The Predators now have nine draft picks for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft to be held June 22-23, 2012 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. - their own picks in the first, second and fourth through seventh rounds in addition Toronto's third-round pick and the New York Rangers' sixth-round selection, and now, Phoenix's fourth-round selection.
The Nashville Predators wind down a three-game home stand tomorrow night against the Anaheim Ducks (7 p.m. on 102.5 The Game), closing out the week with Halloween in Smashville. Fans in attendance are encouraged to dress in costume and come out early to enjoy a ghoulish plaza party including costume karaoke, reverse trick-or-treating and fall-themed games. Tomorrow night is also a McDonald's Family Four Pack night, where fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs and four soft drinks starting at only $99. Visit nashvillepredators.com/mcdonalds to purchase. Limited tickets are still available for tomorrow night. To purchase tickets, visit nashvillepredators.com, ticketmaster.com or call 615-770-PUCK (7825).