NASHVILLE - After hiring new management, the Nashville Predators made a minor trade on the surface while negotiating to bring in a coveted top right winger.
The Nashville Predators traded a 5th round pick in the 2006 OTHL Entry Draft along with cash to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for prospect defenseman, Frank Rediker. American born Rediker was drafted in the 4th round of the deep 2003 draft and is considered a fierce and punishing defenseman. Rediker has experienced injury problems with his knees which has limited his playing time on the powerhouse London Knights.
"We were happy to acquire Rediker, we weren't looking to necessarily make a tidal wave of a trade but we were trying to get our foot in the door. Frank is a solid defenseman who we feel can have tremendous success in the OTHL if he perseveres through his recent injury troubles," commented Tom Poraszka, the new GM of the Predators.
With the unrestricted free agency period into full swing and several of the big names already signed, Poraszka acted quickly making offers to at least three players. Paul Kariya, Joe Nieuwendyk and Vaclav Prospal were all offered contracts from the Predators but while Kariya and Nieuwendyk decided to go elsewhere, Vaclav Prospal became the newest member of the Nashville Predators. Prospal signed a 2 year deal with the Predators worth $14 million dollars in total.
"While we had intentions to bring Kariya, Nieuwendyk, Prospal and others to our hockey club, it was Prospal that we were dedicated to making a Predator. We feel he fits in perfectly with our club and we have high hopes that his best days are ahead of him," said Poraszka when asked about his thoughts on the Predators' involvement in free agency.
Vaclav Prospal played last year with the Pittsburgh Penguins and put up 58 points in 80 games. He helped the Penguins en route to a playoff berth and became a clutch player for the Penguins in the playoffs with 9 points in 7 games, something the Predators could have desperately used after scoring only 5 goals in the playoffs before being swept by the Detroit Red Wings. It is evident that the Predators are already committed to improving upon last year's ubrupt end to the season.
"I'm very excited to be joining the Nashville Predators. Obviously I've played with both Marek [Zidlicky] and Tomas [Vokoun] with the Czech international team, which influenced my decision. I'm happy to become a part of this improving hockey club. I am still young, and wanted to play on a team that is improving, yet still considered a team that can make the playoffs and contend. Nashville is that team. They made sure that I wouldn't have to worry about finances, there really is nowhere else I'd rather play. I feel very comfortable here and that's the most important thing," said Prospal concerning the signing.
So following a busy week after adding new management, the Predator have also added prospect defenseman Frank Rediker and unrestricted free agent Vaclav Prospal to the mix in their efforts to improving on last year's first round knockout.