David Poile talks about free agency, Shea Weber,Kostitsyn, Radulov, and more
 

Paul McCann spoke with David Poile on 560AM this afternoon. Here's the highlights:

Free Agency:

-Speaking often to Hornqvist's agent. Not a lot of comparables signed right now, so it's a little difficult. Priority among RFAs.

-Franson a little more on the backburner. Doesn't see an issue getting him signed.

-Has been active in talking with agents, looking for pieces to make the Predators better. Will continue to do so, has definite interest in a few guys out there, though he didn't elaborate beyond that.

-Spoke at length with Kostitsyn today, for the first time. Called it a "very good conversation." Got a feel for what happened in Montreal, feels that "no one was at fault" and that he's confident that SK just needs a change of scenery. Thinks SK has tremendous upside, he's excited to be coming to Nashville, and believes they'll be able to sign him.

Hamhuis\Arnott\Ellis

-Not the outcome he hoped for with Hamhuis. Sounds like he had hoped Hamhuis would give a slight hometown discount, but simply wasn't going to happen. Feels that the money Dan ended up getting was simply not realistic here.

-Arnott deal came somewhat out of left field. Sounds like this may have been more of a "trade request" from the part of Arnott, after the possibility of an extension was shot down.

Radulov:

-Spoke to Radulov in the spring. Feels confident that he'll be back next season, but not before then. Gets the impression that Radulov badly wants to come back.

Weber extension:

-Locking up Weber long term is a priority BEFORE next offseason. Wants to open conversations around training camp.

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I sure hope hes right about Radulov. And Weber extension would be awesome. Did he say anything about our next Captain?

No, he was not asked about, nor did he offer anything about the captaincy...

I'm sure we'll find out about Captaincy after Training Camp

Add Radulov to this team now, it's a very good offensive team.

Like to hear that about Hornqvist, Radulov and Weber.

If Radulov comes back, and Kostitsyn develops alongside Wilson and Horny, we are two years away from being very talented offensively. Think about Chicago -was it two years ago - when Kane was a rookie. Lots of raw developing skill.

Add Blum and Laakso in their defensively and the future looks good, it's still our defense next year I worry about.

Not a lot out there for affordable, solid 3/4 d-men. Probably need to address that through trade.

Replace Laakso with Josi, Ellis, or COR and I would feel more comfortable

Laakso looked good in camp. I still think he can be a physical defensive defenseman.

I'm not that worried about our defense. If it's one thing that Trotz knows how to do is make a team to play better defense. Weber and Suter are locks. Bouillion and Klein and Parent and Franson and Blum and Laasko and Sulzer and Josi. Will be works in progress. You can't say that this or that one will pair up because I think into camp and into the start of the season will determine the pairings. I think one of them could be dealt.

I agree. Laakso is NHL ready and NHL caliber. His No. 1 issue is shoulder injuries. He's had 3 different separations (2 on one, 1 on the other) in the past two years and I believe has now had both repaired surgically. He was doing great on his return last season from an injury last season until Ryan Hollweg ran him from behind into the boards at San Antonio and ended his season. He is healthy now and suspect he'll crack the Nashville lineup at some point this season as depth.

I like it, I love it, I want some more of it. :yo:

Can he stay healthy, though? He has had problems with both shoulders over the last three years. I'd like to see him play a full season before we commit to him as a long-term fixture on our blue line. We're in a position to do that, though, since he'll still be restricted after his new deal.