Nashville Predators Aaron Irving Situation
The Nashville Predators have a big decision to make in the next couple of days about a young defenseman.
We have been issuing articles about Nashville Predators prospective draft picks in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. The Preds, however, have a big decision to make about a recent draft pick. We wonder if GM David Poile gets to take Memorial Day off.
Aaron Irving was chosen in round 6, #162 overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year old has nice size and seems to have performed admirably since that draft. For some reason, the Nashville Predators haven’t signed him to an entry-level contract yet.
If he isn’t signed by June 1st, in just two days he can be drafted again by another team. The Preds will lose his rights.
He recently signed an ATO (Amateur Try-Out) contract with Milwaukee and played one game for them. He is a 6’1″, 205 lb, defender that played pretty well in Juniors this season for the Edmonton Oil Kings. Irving had 9 goals and 40 points last season with 88 penalty minutes and a -3 plus/minus.
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He is a good two-way defender and with the recent defections of defenders Taylor Aronson and
, you would think that the Preds would like to have him. Here is what
said about him back when he was drafted:
"While his skills don’t necessarily jump out on the ice, Irving does a lot of the little things correctly that make him an effective defenseman. He plays with a bit of an edge, protects his goaltender and can make crisp outlet passes. (October 2013)"
And from Hockey’s Future:
"Irving is a heart-on-his-sleeve, team-first defender who is a positive presence in the locker room. A bit overwhelmed at times by faster and more skilled forwards, he must continue to develop all aspects of his game to play at the next level."
It remains to be seen if the Nashville Predators can come to terms with the young right-handed defenseman but we are a bit surprised he isn’t already under contract.
Next: Petter is Better: Granberg's Grade
The Nashville Predators have lost a few prospect recently and that is part of the business. We will be sharing some thoughts on upcoming prospects in coming weeks.
Photo Credit to Kristen Jerkins, always many thanks!