Paul Gaustad re-signs with Predators

[Dominator2005 558]

http://blogs.tenness...n-paul-gaustad/

The Predators re-signed one of their targeted pending unrestricted free agents today in defenseman Hal Gill. Now comes a bit of news on the other, Paul Gaustad.

Gaustad’s agent, Michael Gorman said that his client will likely take a look at July 1.

“Paul intends to wait until July 1st to see what options are available, but he is definitely considering Nashville’s offer to re-sign,” Gorman said.

Earlier today, Predators General Manager David Poile said he will still try to lock up Gaustad leading up to that date.

“It would appear he’s going to free agency, but I’m holding out hope he might change his mind,” Poile said.

At age 30, Gaustad is likely looking for a shot to win. He has never won a Stanley Cup. At the moment, with Ryan Suter not locked up, it probably makes the decision to re-sign with Nashville more difficult.

Gaustad is a rarity in the league, a face off specialist who can win both right-handed and left-handed draws. He’s also strong positionally in his own zone — though doesn’t create a lot of offense. Gaustad won over 58 percent of his face offs after the Predators acquired him at the trading deadline for a 2012 first round draft pick.

[VM1138 1,921]

Welcome to Detroit, Mr. Gaustad! Bring Mr. Suter with you.

[Jaymister 71]

I would like him on the fourth line, but probably he will cost more than he's worth.

[St. Michael (the Red Wing) 422]

He wouldnt be awful compared to some other names mentioned on this forum like Ott and some other injury ridden players. Price is the key factor which im sure he will get overpaid like everyone does. Blahhh....

[robb himself 143]

Wouldnt mind seeing a bottom six of...

Abdelkader, Helm, Bertuzzi

Prust, Gaustad, Miller

[wingslogo19 281]

Wouldn't mind him, but I'm sure he will cost too much

[puckloo39 5,686]

This will be interesting. The guy was all heart, as a Sabre. Always liked him... I wouldn't mind seeing him in Motown for the right price.

[Ozzie30 170]

The Wings targeted him at the deadline, I would not be surprised to see him suit up here.

[MabusIncarnate 5,359]

He wouldnt be awful compared to some other names mentioned on this forum like Ott and some other injury ridden players. Price is the key factor which im sure he will get overpaid like everyone does. Blahhh....

Ott 39 points 278 hits +5 on a non-playoff team last season. Gaustad a whopping 21 points and a -1.

I'm just sayin.. both guys come at about the same price, Ott will double up Gaustad in points, hits, and he will drop the gloves and stick up for his teammates. Not seeing the appeal of Gaustad over Ott.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

The Red Wings definitely need a 4th line center, but Gaustad is going to be an expensive faceoff specialist. Didn't think he was very impressive with the Predators either.

Edited June 29, 2012 by GoWings1905

[St. Michael (the Red Wing) 422]

Ott 39 points 278 hits +5 on a non-playoff team last season. Gaustad a whopping 21 points and a -1.

I'm just sayin.. both guys come at about the same price, Ott will double up Gaustad in points, hits, and he will drop the gloves and stick up for his teammates. Not seeing the appeal of Gaustad over Ott.

If you want to get into numbers what's Ott's stupid penalty minute numbers? Eh? I don't care for Ott in the Winged Wheel so be it. He's not terrible and changing my tune now a bit he could "could" be a decent signing at the right price. Gaustad is face-off specialist and is better defensively than Ott imo. Don't even know what's Gaustad face-off numbers are but i would guess they are better than Ott's numbers. Can't be arsed on looking it up. We can disagree I'm fine with that.

Also now that it's been mentioned Gaustad was not very good for Nashville after they picked him up. But it happens....

Edited June 29, 2012 by St. Michael (the Red Wing)

[kipwinger 8,765]

The only thing Gaustad does that Justin Abdelkader doesn't do just as well is win faceoffs. I have no idea why this guy makes the money he does.

[MabusIncarnate 5,359]

I didn't post his PIM for a reason

I think we lack a player like him, and I like players like him. Guys like Ott, Prust, Neil are gritty and mean but have a scoring touch.

And for the record, Ott has had two straight seasons of a 55% faceoff percentage and has been in the top 10 in the NHL both of those years in that category.

We can disagree all day as long as it remains civil, forums would be boring if everyone agreed with everyone anyway.

I'll also declare my own ignorance as I really don't know much about Gaustad and haven't seen him play much, i'm basing my opinion mainly on his numbers compared to Ott who i've watched frequently.

[Wing Across The Pond 196]

I didn't post his PIM for a reason

I think we lack a player like him, and I like players like him. Guys like Ott, Prust, Neil are gritty and mean but have a scoring touch.

And for the record, Ott has had two straight seasons of a 55% faceoff percentage and has been in the top 10 in the NHL both of those years in that category.

We can disagree all day as long as it remains civil, forums would be boring if everyone agreed with everyone anyway.

I'll also declare my own ignorance as I really don't know much about Gaustad and haven't seen him play much, i'm basing my opinion mainly on his numbers compared to Ott who i've watched frequently.

I agree

The only other thing I'd say though, is that in Dallas Ott gets what, second line minutes? Gaustad doesn't as far as I know so points difference is going to happen. Interesting to see if Holland will take a run at him again considering it was mentioned he went after him at the deadline...

[LeftWinger 5,152]

No thanks to Gausted....there are too many other bottom 6 players available that are better...but if we get to plan D, then sure....

[uk_redwing 495]

Would rather have Abby as a 4th line centre with Prust keeping check from the wing.

[redwingfan19 293]

If we are going for a faceoff specialist may as well go with Konopka, at least he fights.

[GoWings1905 2,694]

Would rather have Abby as a 4th line centre with Prust keeping check from the wing.

Agreed. I don't really prefer Abby at center in general, but I would gladly take it if Prust was added to the 4th line. I just want to see a 4th line that is actually molded like one this season -- not a combination of leftovers and marginal skill players.

[redwingfan19 293]

Agreed. I don't really prefer Abby at center in general, but I would gladly take it if Prust was added to the 4th line. I just want to see a 4th line that is actually molded like one this season -- not a combination of leftovers and marginal skill players.

Abby has played his best hockey on the wing.

[MabusIncarnate 5,359]

If we are going for a faceoff specialist may as well go with Konopka, at least he fights.

But see this is exactly my point, Konopka will put up 3-5 points all season, and get close to 300 PIM.

Ott will get half those PIMs, can kill penalties very well, wins faceoffs and will put up 35-45 points. And he fights.

Maybe I play too much fantasy hockey but it seems like statistically he would outweigh Konopka on many levels.

As for his avery-like style i'd rather him play with us instead of against us.

[Hockeymom1960 5,107]

Prust

[DatsyukianDekes 2,428]

@KWilsonPreds - The #Preds have agreed to terms with Paul Gaustad on a 4-year, $13 million contract. More to follow tomorrow!

@JoshuaCooper - #preds and Gaustad agree to 4-year $13 million deal

Looks like he re-signed. A little much imo.

[Dabura 12,232]

Lame.

Prust it is.

[dats13owns 157]

Re-signs with the Preds 4/13 per multiple Twitter sources.

Echo... Thread didn't update. Either way, lame. Seems a bit high, though.

Edited July 1, 2012 by dats13owns

[BamaWing 37]

Ill take Oft. At least then he'll be our ******

Ott*