Nashville Predators: Frederick Gaudreau Signs Three-Year Contract
By Michael Wade
On Monday, the Predators signed Center Frederick Gaudreau to a three-year, two-way deal
Piece by piece, the Nashville Predators are addressing their lack of depth at center. Impressively, they have made good use of available young talent, improving the team’s future outlook substantially. Most recently, 24-year old Frederick Gaudreau has signed a two-way deal with the team worth just $650,000 at the NHL level.
With the Milwaukee Admirals in 2016/17, Gaudreau tallied 48 points (25G, 23A) in 66 games. It was his second consecutive season with 40+ points. Additionally, he scored 3 goals in the 2017 Calder Cup playoffs and recorded a single assist. That’s not bad considering the Admirals were swept in the first round, and he played in just 3 playoff games.
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Predators fans will remember Gaudreau’s showcase performance in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final against Pittsburgh. The Bromont, PQ native scored all three of his playoff goals in spectacular fashion, placing himself firmly in the spotlight on hockey’s greatest stage. Especially with Ryan Johansen missing the entire series due to injury, the Predators were in serious need of production at center. Gaudreau showed that he has the talent to contribute offensively in a big way.
Still room for big names
After the addition of Gaudreau’s new contract, the Nashville Predators still have just over $20m in cap space. That is good enough for second best in the league. Even with the rumored $7-8m requested by Johansen’s agent, in addition to Viktor Arvidsson being poised for a big raise, there will still be room left for another big signing or two.
It’s certainly possible that Gaudreau will spend a sizable portion of next season back in Milwaukee, especially if Mike Fisher re-signs. However, if Fisher indeed retires, the Predators will at least have a solid center core of Johansen, Bonino, Jarnkrok, and Gaudreau to take to battle in the regular season.
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The Nashville Predators continue to make steps in the right direction this offseason.