NASHVILLE - Less than three days after the start of free agency, and just over a week after the retirement of the only captain in Nashville Predators history, the Predators replaced Greg Johnson at the second line center position as well as in the role of Captain.
With approximately $9 - 10 Million in spending capacity for this offseason, the Predators signed unrestricted free agent center Kris Draper at $3.25 Million a season for the next 4 years. Draper, 36, joins his third OTHL team after starting with Detroit and playing with Philadelphia last season. He has 64 points in 162 career OTHL games, including a career year in 2004-2005 when he scored 19 goals and 18 assists for the Red Wings. In joining the Predators, he brings the experience of 3 Stanley Cups and a Frank J. Selke Trophy in his 14 seasons in the NHL.
The signing of Draper came with an optional No Trade Clause as well as an offer of assuming the roles of team Captain. Draper gladly accepted both offers from the Predators in joining the club. As a result, the signing not only addressed the lack of depth for the Predators at the center position but also brought in a true leader and captain for the club after Johnson's departure. Though the signing may be overpriced by market standards, the Predators felt bringing in Draper would address many needs for the club and considered him their number one target on the free agent market.
"We're very pleased with this signing, coming into the free agency period we laid out our target players, and Kris [Draper] was on the top of everyone's list," said Tom Poraszka at the Predators second press conference of the offseason, "Simply put, after [Mattias] Ohlund resigned with Vancouver, it became clear that we had to take an aggressive approach towards this UFA period and ensure that we got who we wanted. The terms of the contract may seem a little high in comparison with some of the other signings around the league, but considering what this signing means to this club, we believe we got a great deal. Kris is a great player and a great leader, we hope he'll be able to captain this club to shock the competition. Considering the young talent we have stepping in, Kris will serve this club as a leader, a mentor, a defensively responsible second line center and a top penalty killer. There's not another player on this market that could address as many needs as Kris could and that is why at his pricetag, he is a bargain."
Draper is widely considered among one of the league's best defensive forwards and represented team Canada at the 2006 Olympics as a role player. The Predators had the league's 10th best Penalty Kill last season at 86.9%, and the addition of Draper can only help improve last season's most disciplined team in the league. Additionally, with the Predators potentially bringing in up to 9 rookies onto the club this season, with 2 already signed, the role of captain and mentor for the young club would have to be designated as soon as possible.
"I'm really glad to have joined this club, and look forward to bringing some leadership and years to this club. The youth of this team should be a refreshing experience and hopefully we can bring the mix we have here together and make this season a good one," said Draper in his statement regarding the signing.
In parallel with the signing of their new captain, the Predators also announced that both Vincent LeCavalier and Grant Marshall would retain their roles as alternate captains under Kris Draper. In addition, the Predators announced the signing of prospects Scottie Upshall and Ryan Suter. Upshall, 23, was drafted 6th overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Predators and brings a nice mix of grit and scoring to the table at either wing. While Ryan Suter, 21, is considered a potential franchise defenseman and the Powerplay Quarterback of the future for the Predators after being drafted 7th overall in the 2003 draft. It is rumoured that the Predators are trying to bring in upwards of 7 more rookies into the lineup for the 2006-07 season, and will see at training camp whether they will play with the big club in Nashville or the Milwaukee Admirals in the AHL.
Though GM Tom Poraszka was unwilling to reveal the remaining plans he has for Nashville's involvement in the UFA market, he did assure the fans of Nashville that the Predators management is working hard to address the remaining needs of the hockey club in order to solidify their contention for the Stanley Cup.