Who said the Preds have been inactive in free-agency so far? Ok, just about everybody. But this is something, right? Right? Seriously though, a little #Depth and experience on D can’t hurt, and at this price, it’s kind of a no-lose situation.
From the Preds…
Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed free-agent defenseman Anton Volchenkov to a one-year, $1 million contract.
“Anton provides a strong veteran presence that will complement our young, talented defensive corps nicely,” Poile said. “He is a physical, left-handed shooting defenseman who can match up with top-line forwards and effectively kill penalties.”
Volchenkov, 32 (2/25/82), has suited up for 650 games for New Jersey and Ottawa (where he played with both Matt Cullen and Mike Fisher) since the 2002-03 campaign, posting 126 points (19g-107a) and 424 penalty minutes. Since 2005-06, the 6-1, 225-pound blueliner has the second-most blocked shots among all skaters (1,395) and the 10th-most hits among defensemen (1,313). The Moscow, Russia native has also appeared in the playoffs seven times in 11 NHL seasons, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final on two occasions – in 2012 with New Jersey and 2007 with Ottawa – and to Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Final as a rookie with Ottawa in 2003. In 85 career postseason contests, Volchenkov has 17 points (4g-13a) and 58 penalty minutes.
Ottawa’s first selection, 21st overall (first round), in the 2000 Entry Draft, Volchenkov is a two-time Olympian, representing Russia at the 2006 Torino Games and 2010 Vancouver Games, and has a pair of international gold medals to his credit, winning the 2009 World Championship and 2002 World Junior Championship.