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10-Jul-2009
Preds Insider
(AP)
It was another typical rocky road for the fans in LA again this season, from the high point where they were anticipated to stay at the top of the standings for the remainder of the season and go far into the post season to the point in time where the team was expected to be fighting for the 1st Overall Pick in the Annual Entry Draft. However, the team came full circle and after balancing itself out following the Trade Deadline the Preds managed to squeak their way into the playoffs which was cut short in a 4 - 2 series loss to the Wildcats.
Returning Forwards / Age / Salary / Yrs
C - Brandon Sutter / 19 / 700k / 3
C - Derek Roy / 25 / ? / ? (Off-Season Contract Extension)
LW - Matt Stajan / 25 / 2 Million / 2
LW - Nikolai Zherdev / 23 / 2.6 Million / 2
LW - Rostislav Olesz / 23 / 2.2 Million / 3
RW - Chad Larose / 26 / ? / ? (Off-Season Contract Extension)
RW - Chris Neil / 29 / 1.25 Million / 2
RW - Maxim Afinogenov / 29 / 4.6 Million / 2
D - Alex Goligoski / 23 / 650k / 2
D - Andrej Meszaros / 23 / ? / ? (RFA Off Season Contract Extension)
D - Ron Hainsey / 27 / 4 Million / 4
D - Trevor Daley / 25 / 2.2 Million / 3
G - Pekka Rinne / 26 / 550k / 2
General Manager Andrew Lapierre has already made it clear that he is ready to make the run next year and has took it upon himself to make the first big move of the Off Season sending Top Pairing Defensemen Duncan Keith and a 2010 Draft Pick to the New York Ravens in exchange for Patrick Marleau and Defensemen Ryan Whitney. Whitney being up for Free Agency has already stated that discussions are under way with the Predators for a long term contract with the franchise and Marleau who finished the 08/09 Season with 32 G and 46 A compiling 78 Pts is expected to step in & take on a leadership role and play along side Derek Roy on the Top Line.
The franchise has already released a few names who the team are looking relocate before the upcoming 2009/2010 Season.
C - Kamil Kreps
Lw - Wayne Primeau
RW - Fernando Pisani
RW - John Zeiler
D - Christian Backman
D - Wade Brookbank
G - J.S Aubin
Coming into the 2009 NHA Entry Draft the Predators had compiled 2 First Round Picks, one being 14th Ovr and the other 28th Overall. The Team faired well, drafting 6'2 Centermen Peter Holland of Caledon, ON. Showing alot of offensive promise Holland displayed his talents racking up 28 G and 39 A in 68 Games aswell as participating in the All Star Classic scoring 2 helpers.
Closing out the 1st Round the Predators, selecting 28th Overall drafted Kyle Palmieri who the team did not expect to fall this far however managed to snag him up. Palmieri is a first-class agitator. Hard-working with good speed, the question is whether his puck skills are good enough to be more than a grinder and whether he's a team player. Palmieri could end up being anything from a second liner to a fourth liner.
You can expect Holland and Palmieri to compete at the top with 08' 1st Round Pick Jake Gardiner for a solidified Roster Spot and that its certain the Predators are far from done with the 09' Off Season just getting under way.
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Patrick Marleau
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