Predators have the same to add at the deadline … May not be Rinne’s last year with the Preds
Adam Vingan of The Athletic: (mailbag) The Nashville Predators currently have about $7.6 million in projects salary cap space, so they definitely have the room to add at the trade deadline if need be.
Corey Pronman ranked the Predators 26th out of 31 with regards to the prospects. They traded prospects Samuel Girard and Vladislav Kamenev, as well as their first- and second-round draft picks last year, so they may be less inclined to move high picks again.
Don’t see the Predators trading goaltender Pekka Rinne (will be a UFA after this year) if he slows down this season. He’s also the only Predator that has a no-trade clause (modified). can’t see Rinne playing for another team, and doesn’t expect this to be his last year with the Predators despite it being that last year of his deal.
Nurse won’t report to the Oilers camp without a deal
Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal: The Edmonton Oilers did send restricted free agent defenseman Darnell Nurse a proposal six weeks ago.
When looking at two-year bridge comparables, the Oilers were likely looking at between $2.8 million and $3.2 million per season. The Oilers don’t have the salary cap space to go much higher than that.
The Oilers could still use a right-handed defenseman that can run the power play and doesn’t think that GM Peter Chiarelli is finished shaping their roster.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Darnell Nurse’s agent Anton Thun said that there is nothing imminent with regards to a contract. Nurse is skating with teammates at informal workouts, but he won’t be attending training camp without a new contract.
“This is an organization I want to be a part of obviously,” said Nurse, who won’t be at camp without a new deal. “Hopefully I’m out there first day (camp physicals)”
“I’m not the only guy (restricted free-agent) in this position. There’s (Shea) Theodore and (Josh) Morrissey still waiting too.”