Predators GM Still a Sucker for the Big Name

[Slava]

The Nashville Predators have acquired Ryan Smyth from the Detroit Red Wings for a 3rd Rd. pick in this years draft. "I just couldn't help myself" said GM Slava. "Lets face it, unless we can fold a team and we (Nashville) get their cap space for 2009-2010 I can't even dream of keeping all of these players and having enough bodies come the new season, but a first line player for a 3rd is too good to pass up."

The deal means that the Predators have a mere 18 million of cap space remaining this year and still a lot of holes on the roster. They hold the rights to both Marc Savard and Martin St. Louis as well as JP Dumont and Brad Stuart who are all UFA's and looking at big raises.

Thanks to Detroit for the deal, and enjoy the immense cost savings!

[Young Guns]

Pretty simple deal really. To many bodies on the team looking at bigger raises than first anticipated. It came down to either letting Brendan Morrow walk as a UFA or trading sucky baby. Should be a fairly relaxing off season in Detroit. Just like the NHL Wings we appear to have zero holes in our lineup and grade A prospects coming out the yin yang!

[Sylvanfan]

Wow I really have to wonder where a few other teams in the league were on this one. Sure Smyth's better days are behind him but for a third round pick some of these lower end teams with like 8 to 12 players on their roster and 50 million in cap, he'd be their best player. If these teams all think they're going to be signing all sorts of great UFA's for nothing this year, you'll be pretty disappointed.

[Swayze11]

I dont mind Smyth but 9 mill is a bit high.

[Da_Chief]

Originally Posted by Swayze11

I dont mind Smyth but 9 mill is a bit high.

for 1 year? + his rating wudve been decent. A loss for many of those teams looking to buy guys in free agency.

[Swayze11]

was cash sent in this deal?

[simmer2]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Wow I really have to wonder where a few other teams in the league were on this one. Sure Smyth's better days are behind him but for a third round pick some of these lower end teams with like 8 to 12 players on their roster and 50 million in cap, he'd be their best player. If these teams all think they're going to be signing all sorts of great UFA's for nothing this year, you'll be pretty disappointed.

That's a really good point Chad. A 3rd rounder for a guy still rated decently high is a good gamble IMO. I know its a little tight on cap space with the Preds, but at worse they could flip Smyth for something higher than a 3rd rounder.

This trade makes sense for both teams; good job Vic in getting a higher rated player for very little.

[OILFAN #81]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Wow I really have to wonder where a few other teams in the league were on this one. Sure Smyth's better days are behind him but for a third round pick some of these lower end teams with like 8 to 12 players on their roster and 50 million in cap, he'd be their best player. If these teams all think they're going to be signing all sorts of great UFA's for nothing this year, you'll be pretty disappointed.

I couldn't agree with you more. Some teams desperately need some help and could have got it with Smyth. I'm baffled at a couple of teams out there.

[Goffie]

I am in total agreement with Chad and Ravi here, there are teams with huge holes in their lineup who are just sitting by and watching the teams around them get better. You can ask any veteran GM and they can tell you that the best and most efficient way of getting better is trade, trade, trade. There are times when you even have to lose deals to win them down the road and that is what this game is about. Prospects are great to have, but who wants to wait 3-4 years for them to get a rating and lose year after year in a fantasy game?

[Young Guns]

Yep, like Sylvan said, I figured some guys would of jumped at the chance to add a top line player. Not really sure what is going to be out there for higher end players through free agency, though expensive I would think Smyth would be by the top of the list.

[I wanna be like Miikka]

I definitely agree with the sentiments of everyone else. I heard about this but didn't have the cap, not sure the same can be said for some of the rebuilding teams.

[Goffie]

Some teams definitely missed the boat on this one!

[OILFAN #81]

Originally Posted by Goffie

I am in total agreement with Chad and Ravi here

How could you mistake me with that dufus?

Hi Ravi!

[Goffie]

Originally Posted by OILFAN #81

How could you mistake me with that dufus?

Hi Ravi!

LOL....Ooopps...that was b4 I had my morning coffee so forgive me!

[Hanna Sniper]

I think this is a great move by the Wings...

Deal works out great for both sides for sure