Nashville Predators
GM David Poile and his staff do a nice job finding free agent bargains and theres a lot to like with their reasonable signings of Barret Jackman (2-years, $2 million per season) and Cody Hodgson (1-year, $1.05 million). The Hodgson deal especially has the potential to be the best value signing of the summer. He got the Mike Ribeiro treatment and is only two seasons removed from a 20-goal campaign. He doesnt have Ribeiros high-end skill but is still just 25 years old and has the motivation that comes with a one-year prove it contract. Getting Ribeiro and Mike Fisher signed to reasonable deals took care of other Nashville housekeeping. The Predators are a potential Western Conference power because of their defense and goaltending and are doing it with a payroll that is No. 29 in the league according to war-on-ice.com.
Grade: B