According to CapGeek.com, the Nashville Predators have signed center Marcel Goc to a one-year contract worth $550,000.
In four seasons with San Jose, Goc’s best offensive numbers came in 2005-6 with 8 goals and 14 assists over the course of 81 games. As he turns 26 next week, it’s hard to say that there’s much untapped potential here, but some believe that with stable linemates he could be a useful 3rd-line contributor. This comes from Fear the Fin:
I’m not ready to give up on Goc. I think he’s a good player. He might never put up the offensive numbers that a top six forward would, but that’s not what I’m looking for. I want a solid, two way player who chips in some offense here and there. 11 points isn’t nearly enough, but I think we can expect good things from Goc this year. With consistent line mates, a 30 point season isn’t out of the question.
For the minimal investment being made here, it’s hard to argue much against this move. Goc did post a 58% winning percentage on faceoffs last season, a point of value that the Preds may have taken seriously given the departure of Radek Bonk and Scott Nichol. He is known for blazing speed, which is certainly welcomed.
It will be interesting to hear from the team’s eventual press release as to whether this is a one- or two-way contract, as there are limited spots available up front. Will this signing also put pressure on Cal O’Reilly to get his deal done, as another center joins the organization?
In the meantime, here’s a demonstration of Goc’s offensive instincts at work: