Barret Jackman – Nashville Predators – two years, $2 million cap hit
More often than not when you point to a ‘defensive defenseman,’ I’ll point to a guy that spends the majority of his shifts chasing play and hemmed into the defensive zone. That is not the case with Barret Jackman.
Despite extremely low offensive output (one goal, five points and 58 shots in 66 games), generally more good than bad happens with Jackman on the ice.
At 5 v 5 the Predators control 53.3% of the shot attempts with Jackman on the ice. That’s +1.8% more than they get without Jackman on the ice, which is somewhat surprising given the amount of talent the Preds have on the back end.
While the Preds generate their fair share of shot attempts and scoring chances with Jackman on the ice, it’s his ability to suppress them that makes him so good.
No player on the Predators has been on the ice for less shot attempts against per 60 minutes of 5 v 5. Four regulars (Austin Watson, Miikka Salomaki, Ryan Ellis and Mattias Ekholm) have been on for fewer scoring chances against per 60, but in most cases the difference is insignificant.
Given Jackman’s defensive prowess, and how cap friendly he is to a Predators team that generally doesn’t spend a ton, he has proven to be a great addition.