The Predators are trying to reestablish their identity under new head coach Peter Laviolette. Even though they don’t make a big splash in free agency, (last year’s signings withheld) there are some interesting names floating around this year, especially when it comes to forwards.
With their backup situation resolved and their RFAs being regular defensemen, their most glaring need is a scorer. (When is it not?) Below are a some of the forwards that could best fit the Preds roster, along with other big names that are hitting the market, and a few to stay away from.
Yes, Please
Players that need to get out of our dreams and into our jerseys.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Center | 28 | 71 | 25 | 35 | 60 | 50.2 | $6.6 mil |
This is the dream. An extremely talented, two-way center to lead the top line. Stastny still hasn’t reached a deal with the Avalanche, and signs are pointing to him testing the market. His 25 goals and 60 points last season were better than anyone else on the Predators roster. Though his possession numbers are average, they are still around where Craig Smith and Matt Cullen were this season.
Stastny is a type of player that should thrive in the type of system that Laviolette employs, and having Smith and Hornqvist on his wings would give Preds fans a balanced line the likes of which they’ve never seen before. It’s a long shot he signs here, but if he’s looking to be the guy on a team, Nashville fits perfectly.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Center | 30 | 58 | 13 | 22 | 35 | 51 | $3 mil |
One of the bigger mistakes last offseason (of which there were many) was letting Grabovski slip through waivers. Though he’s probably suited better as 2C, he could very easily take top line duties in Nashville. His future with the Capitals is still up in the air, but considering their lack of center depth, they should be pursuing him at all costs.
Getting away from misuse by Randy Carlye, Grabovski scored more than twice as many points last season than he did the season before. There’s no reason to think he wouldn’t be a regular contributor for Nashville were he to sign here. He will definitely sign for more than the $3 million he took last year. But with the automatic $5.5 million cap hit gone, maybe David Poile won’t be as sticker shocked as he may have been last summer.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Right Wing | 32 | 80 | 21 | 31 | 51 | 51.3 | $3 mil |
Vrbata would bring an immediate scoring threat to the Predators. Arizona is often compared to Nashville because of the similar systems they use, and the Czech native has had success there. There’s even a chance playing in Laviolette’s more open style could improve him for a time. He reached a career high of 62 points in 2011-12 (including 35 goals) and could be counted on for 40-50 here. Of any of the scoring wingers available this summer, Vrbata gets me the most excited because of his talent, and because it’s not a farfetched notion he’d sign here.
He does have a tendency to go on cold streaks in the goal scoring department, though. Something to keep in mind if he does sign here.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Left Wing | 30 | 75 | 23 | 28 | 51 | 46.6 | $3.13 mil |
My biggest concern about Moulson is how high the market is going to drive his price up. He would definitely be one of the more talented forwards the Predators have ever worked with, but it’d be a mistake to pay $6-7 million for a guy that could maybe get 60 points.
On the other hand, parking a couple of dump trucks in his driveway would not only tell fans the organization isn’t afraid to spend big anymore, but it could also entice other free agents in the coming years. (Personally, I think the dump truck method should be saved for Stastny.) Especially with how Laviolette can squeeze the most out of his forwards, there’s a very real possibility Moulson would thrive here. Also, dem playoff possession stats…
Eh, Maybe
These guys could help the team, but the Preds should think long and hard before offering a contract.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Left Wing | 30 | 78 | 27 | 41 | 68 | 47 | $7.143 mil |
Basically apply everything I just said about Moulson to Vanek and you have his situation as well. (Vanek has been around longer and put up better numbers.) Even though he didn’t mesh very well with the Canadiens, he’s going to get paid. Granted, he’s going to get paid by Minnesota, which is why pining over him seems like a waste of time.
Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek: Thunder Buddies for Life
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Right Wing | 32 | 41 | 11 | 19 | 30 | 54.2 | $7.5 mil |
Boy, did this dude catch fire for the Kings. He’s a three-time 40-goal scorer and is incredible to watch… when he’s healthy. Gaborik has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, most recently in Columbus, where he played just 22 games this season before being traded. His stats this season took a heavy hit because of it. Still, it’s hard not to look at his career numbers and drool.
Because of his output in the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year (1st in goals, 5th in points) if the Kings don’t resign him, there are going to be plenty of teams launching money at him.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Left Wing | 31 | 63 | 26 | 19 | 45 | 50.8 | $6 mil |
Cammalleri could be another interesting name to consider. He doesn’t put up incredible numbers, but he’s still a reliable forward that helps his team in just about every way. He also players around him better. It’s not a flashy name by any stretch of the imagination, but the Predators aren’t a flashy team. Hopefully he’s not looking for more than the $7 million he made last year, though.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Left Wing | 29 | 82 | 17 | 22 | 39 | 51.9 | $4.33 mil |
The 29-year-old may have over performed when he scored 35 goals a few seasons ago, but it wouldn’t be out of the question to expect 20-25 goal outputs from him. (That hinges on the Lavy Effect, of course.) Though, if Viktor Stalberg rebounds from said Lavy Effect, it would be like spending $4.5 million on Michalek, and make his signing unnecessary.
No Thanks
These guys may seem like great signings, but I promise you they aren’t.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Right Wing | 29 | 65 | 17 | 19 | 36 | 50.7 | $4.275 mil |
The Predators have a wealth of hard-nosed, gritty players. Sure, Callahan has a little more offensive upside to him and could slot onto either the 1st or 2nd line, but his contract requirements got him traded away from New York.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Right Wing | 36 | 78 | 30 | 31 | 61 | 53.6 | $6 mil |
There’s no debating Iginla had a fantastic season last year with the Bruins. But Boston is filled with depth and talent, Nashville is not. That’s not taking anything away from the incredible season he had. I would not be surprised to see the former Flames captain thrive on a team for another few years, but the Predators are not that team.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Left Wing | 33 | 76 | 12 | 16 | 28 | 44.5 | $7.5 mil |
Is there a player that has fallen off a cliff faster than Heatley? Nothing about his play seems to suggest that he’ll make a huge turnaround to even half the player he used to be. Some team may take a chance on him hoping he’ll break out just once more, but Nashville is better off spending their money on a 39-and-a-half foot pole.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Center | 33 | 83 | 14 | 37 | 51 | 49.5 | $4.5 mil |
Pffft. Moving on.
Bargain Bin
Some possible game changers that could be had for very little.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Left Wing | 28 | 82 | 19 | 26 | 45 | 44.2 | $1 mil |
Technically, he won’t be as cheap as he was last offseason, but the Maple Leafs for once look like geniuses. For a million bucks they got a 40 point performer, when it looked like he peaked in his junior campaign. He’d be a nice addition for the second or third line. His possession stats are the worst on this list, but remember: Maple Leafs.
| Position | Age | GP (2013-14) | G | A | P | CF% | AAV |
| Center | 35 | 82 | 18 | 25 | 43 | 49.2 | $4.5 mil |
Though the Preds lineup is rife with centers, Jokinen could slot onto the 2nd or 3rd line should any trades or buyouts happen. Even at 35 he seems to still have a little in the tank and rebounded nicely from his first dreadful season with the Jets. Plus, it would give me an endless excuse to use my favorite hockey GIF of all time.
What say you? Which of these guys would you most want to see playing for the Preds next year? Is there anyone not on the list that you want? Which one do you want the team to stay away from?