TSN’s Bob McKenzie brought news of the first Nashville Predators signing of the 2013 NHL Free Agency season:
NSH agrees to 4 year, $12M deal with Viktor Stalberg.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 5, 2013
As a member of the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, Stalberg brings a little championship pedigree to a team loaded with young, developing players. He made $850,000 last season with the Hawks. In 2011-2012, he put up 22 goals for Chicago while playing just 14:04 per game.
| Season | GP | TOI/60 | Pts/60 | Corsi Rel | On-Ice Sht % | On-Ice Sv% | PDO | Pen Take | Pen Drawn | OZ Strt% | Shots/60 |
| 2013 | 47 | 11.57 | 2.10 | +3.2 | 9.3 | 960 | 1053 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 63.9 | 10.70 |
| 2012 | 79 | 13.30 | 2.34 | +11.8 | 8.1 | 902 | 983 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 63.6 | 11.42 |
| 2011 | 77 | 10.36 | 1.65 | +11.0 | 7.3 | 899 | 972 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 60.3 | 9.63 |
| 2010 | 40 | 12.02 | 1.37 | -2.8 | 4.8 | 900 | 948 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 62.2 | 12.10 |
Stalberg was one of the guys on my list of free agent forwards who should be able to help the Predators, he’s a consistently positive force in the puck-possession game, and shots the puck with abandon, something sorely needed in Nashville. In Chicago, he was a 2nd- or 3rd-line player due to all the talent available, but here in Nashville he could step into top-line duty.
Considering the numbers being tossed around today to various free agents, I’d consider this a big win for David Poile and the Predators. They get a player who boosts their lineup without breaking the bank. The question now becomes, who else can they land?