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As everyone who follows hockey is quite aware this has been a significant off-season in projecting the
future direction of the Nashville Predators. While everyone’s major focus has been directed toward the
blue line, the other changes should not be disregarded. Perhaps the most overlooked change is the loss
of Jordan Tootoo and the physical presence he brought day in and night to the Preds. Now is the time to
take a look and see who is likely to fill his role.
First of all who is Jordan Tootoo? Drafted by the Preds in
2001, the 5’9” 199 lb played the better part of eight seasons
for the Preds. Last season he produced a career high 30
points, a team leading PIM (92) and the team’s second
highest hits (151) with an average ice time of only 13:09.
Those numbers guaranteed him a decent raise for the
upcoming season and ironically pushed him out of cost
conscious Nashville and to division rival Detroit where he
signed a three year, 5.7 mil contract. Tootoo has been a fan
favorite in Smashville based upon his energy level, resounding hits and willingness to defend his
teammates. Although he will be missed, the Preds have an uncanny knack of coming up with
complementary players to replace departing ones.
Candidates who should benefit most by the departure of Tootoo should include foremost Brian Yip and
Brian McGratten. The 6’ 1” 195 lbs Yip was claimed off waivers this past January and in the 25 games he
played for the Preds recorded 37 hits and scored 7 points. Over an 82 game season that equates to 121
hits and 23 points. With a salary of 0.750 million for next season, Yip easily fits into the Preds’ future
game plan for this season.
McGratten at 6’ 4” 235 lbs is mostly considered a journeyman bruiser who gets limited ice-time. He
doesn’t have much of a history of a scorer but can certainly defend his teammates and will make up part
of the PIM shortfall. It is also, however, interesting to note that McGratten was given a one way 0.600
mil contract on July 1st. In addition, McGratten was quoted in a recent Jim Diamond article as “I’ve had
good talks with Barry and he wants to play me in some different situations next year, That kind of puts
the onus on me a little bit to be in the best shape I can and to be as ready as I can for an opportunity
that could be there. I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully get some more games and
some different situations than I did last year.”
Other dark horse candidates who could emerge out of
camp include Austin Watson and Daniel Bang. Other players
likely to benefit with increased ice time and production
include Craig Smith and Matt Halischuk.
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