The Daily: Predators Can Be ‘Special’; Motown Goalie Glut

If it does indeed take one to know one, the Nashville Predators should be encouraged by free agent Steven Stamkos’ decision to sign with them. He is clear about why he wanted to be with this team.

“I can be part of something special here,” he said. “Maybe it’s another great chapter. That’s the part that intrigues me and makes it so exciting.”

The Stamkos signing was part of one of the best days in the Predators’ hockey history. In addition to landing Stamkos, they signed Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. Noah McKay has the details of Nashville’s big splash on the first day of free agency. This comes on the heels of GM Barry Trotz signing veteran goalie Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension.

The Predators are over the moon with their enthusiasm following their latest series of moves.

“I envision that someday we’re going to have a parade down our Broadway,” Trotz said. “Once you’ve done it, it’s addicting. You start looking at the number of guys on our team who’ve done it – they pull you along.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit’s defense will have a much different look this season with Shayne Gostisbehere and Jake Walman gone and Simon Edvinsson becoming a regular. New defenseman Erik Gustafsson will create some offense from the back end.

Are four veteran goalies too many or the right amount for the Red Wings? The signing of Michigan native Jack Campbell gives GM Steve Yzerman plenty of options in net.

Patrick Kane’s  one-year, $4 million deal could be worth $6.5 million if he achieves all of his bonuses.

Red Wings Offseason

With the loss of David Perron, Jake Walman, Shayne Gostisbehere and probably Daniel Sprong, the Red Wings have lost 57 goals off last season’s team. Walman (12) and Gostisbehere (10) were the team’s top goal-scoring defensemen,  while Sprong netted 18 goals and Perron 17. Sprong  is still available in the free agent market. How will Detroit recoup those goals? Detroit Hockey Now will address that with a story later this week.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Andrew Fantuccio writes that the Bruins left some boxes unchecked in their first day free agency maneuvering. Boston Bruins. 

Colorado:  The Avalanche found a way to keep Jonathan Drouin in Colorado. He signed a one-year deal. Colorado Avalanche.

Chicago: Can an NHL team become significantly better in a day? It can if it signs several free agents like the Blackhawks did on Monday. They even landed former Detroit fan favorite Tyler Bertuzzi. Nate Brown has the story. Chicago Blackhawks. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski explains what GM Kyle Dubas is doing with his new approach. The Penguins are going in a different direction. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose Sharks: Why Tyler Toffoli chose to sign with the San Jose Sharks.