Nashville - What a long weekend in Nashville, when everyone thought GM Schum will finally take a
small break just before the season starts, he goes all out making several moves. My prediction on "the inside scoop" did come
through, read on to follow.
First day of september we saw Teppo Numminen shipped out to the Blues for Brent Sopel.
Teppo is a great player but was taking up alot of space on the salary cap. Breant Sopel was later traded as GM Schum wasnt
very high on him. As I said in the scoop it did happen and all the best to teppo Numminen.
Next was the BLOCKBUSTER, Roberto Luongo traded to Quebec of all places. The Preds got highly rated
Marc Savard, defenceman Pavel Kubina, rising star Antero Nittymaki, superprospect
Eric Fehr. Also going with Luongo was Brent Sopel and Zach parise
and a 2nd roun draft pick.
"We are confident that Lalime and Nittymaki can carry the load as we upgraded all other positions." Said GM Schum.
Up next was my second scoop on releasing of some of the younger guys. Cody Wild, Timo Seppanen, Fordan Fulton,
Jusso Pusstinen were all let go to make room for likes of Fehr to join the AHL club.
In the next move Preds agreed on a new deal with defesive winger Kirk Maltby, Maltby was signed to a
new three year deal worth 3.5 mill per season.
"We contacted Maltby's agent and he was willing to extend the contracts and we went ahead with it as we really wanted
to keep maltby around." Saod GM Schum.
Than came the Labour Day itself, Firs the Preds shipped out Marek malik and Alexandre Picard
for Jordan leopold and Joe Nieuwendyk.
"Joe brings a wealth of experience, he still his his scoring touch, so oe will be a key part of our team." Said Coach
Carlyle.
The trades kept coming as newly acquired Leopold was dealt to Atlanta along with Jay Pandolfo and prospect
James Sheppard. In return the Preds boosted the offence with acquiring Lubomir Visnovsky
and rugged forward Chris Smon.
"Lubo adds instant offence from the back end and will be a big contributor on the powerplay." Said Coach Carlyle.
As the day winded down, Preds signed Patrick Lalime to a new three year deal worth 2.75 million per
year.
The deal say Wes Walz head to the Blues for Chad Kilger and a 4th rounder. Kilger should
replace Pandolfo on the third line.
THE INSIDE SCOOP: I have stared a season preview of the CPHL, should be releasing by the time preseason
kicks off. till next time, Cheers
