Nashville bolsters centers with a-paul-ing deal

[Slava]

The Nashville Predators are on the verge of playoff hockey for the second straight year. They've made it this far with a group of centers that goes something like Kadri-Bonino-Gomez-Arcobello. Pretty impressive if you're the Edmonton Oilers, but likely not good enough to get things done. When we saw that Paul Stastny was on the market, we just couldn't look away.

To Nashville

Paul Stastny
Briefcase full of small bills

To Washington

Teemu "don't compare me to Selanne" Pulkkinen

I had higher hopes for the incredible Pulk here. He was supposed to be my next big-time winger and combine with Kadri and Hayes to be the top-line one day. I was patient, but he just hasn't shown well this year. Likely now that we deal him though you will want to take him in your pools next year because he should light it up! With players like Moulson, Elias and some other big contracts coming off the books we can afford Stastny next year and he should be rated about the same. He's a little expensive, but legit centers aren't free to begin with.

Thanks to Washington for the talks and quick deal.

[Knut]

I am taking the chance that Pulkinnen can put it together at the big league level.

This deal leaves Washington with a measly 36 M payroll going into the offseason. We will see with the new rules if we can use this cap to our advantage.

[simmer2]

Good deal for both sides. Nice work Hesla getting a deal done for Stastny.