Nashville - The general manager's back in town, and bringing a few people with him.
After a two-day trip to Montreal, to partake in the Canadiens annual beer-golfing charity event, Chad Blouin is back in Nashville and back to business. The front office boss announced five trades Tuesday, all of which had taken place in the past 48 hours. (For the record, Blouin shot a group-best 99 -- one for every bottle of beer on the wall.)
The first deal announced was the trade of Vladimir Orszagh to New Jersey for Brad Isbister. At 6'4" 220 lbs, Isbister brings a welcomed physical prescence up front, but he does come at a price. In addition to losing fan-favorite Orszagh, the Predators are also taking on a hefty $1,950,000 contract for a winger expected to play on the team's checking line. "It's not an issue for us," Blouin said. "We're well under the cap, still within our budget, and excited about the pickup."
Two separate deals with the Edmonton were next up. Goaltender Mika Noronen was acquired for Chuck Kobasew, and a package of late-round draft choices, solidfying the team's goaltending situation for the next few years. Later acquired were defenseman Jassen Cullimore and forward Chad Kilger, in exchange for young Rob Davison, winger Todd Harvey, and center Vern Fiddler. "What's not to like about these additions? A future number one goalie; a rugged defenseman with a Stanley Cup ring; and Kilger, well, Chad has the greatest first name ever," Blouin quipped.
The Noronen acquisition sparked a trade with the Florida Panthers, seeing goaltender Johan Hedberg dealt to Miami for winger Eric Messier. "With Mika coming in, Johan knew his time here was shortlived, and requested that we move him. We pin-pointed two teams where he would have a legitimate shot at landing a spot on an OTHL roster, and got it done with the Panthers," Blouin said. "We moved a spare part for a versatile, penalty-killer with Stanley Cup finals experience. It's a minor deal, but we're very pleased with it."
Last up was the acquisition of center Artem Chubarov from Vancouver. Jordin Tootoo heads the other way, in a deal meant to strengthen the team's depth at center. "Barring anymore additions, we see Artem fitting in on the third line between Hartnell and Izzy," Blouin said. Adding with a smirk, "but we'll see what happens."