By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Predators continued their retooling of the roster lat week with two free agent signings, one of them a potential backup to goalie Juuse Saros, who was among the leaders at his position in games played last season. The Predators signed goaltender Devin Cooley and forward Jimmy Huntington. Both signed one-year contracts. Neither was on an NHL roster last season, as they were members of the Predators’ AHL affiliate the Milwaukee Admirals.
Cooley played in 23 games for the Admirals. His record was 9-10-4 and he had a goals against average of 3.06. But he was much better in the Calder Cup playoffs. He had a .926 save percentage and a 2.96 goals against average, helping Milwaukee advance to the third round. The hope is that the 25-year-old Cooley can at least provide enough backup support for Saros that the Predators might be able to reduce his games played during the season, having him both avoid injury and also be fresh for the playoffs.
Huntington divided his time between Milwaukee and Syracuse after the Predators got him in midseason from the Tampa Bay Lightning.He had his best offensive season in the AHL, scoring 13 goals, getting 22 assists and scoring 35 points. He had seven of those goals and 23 of those points with Milwaukee, then added four goals and one assist during the Calder Cup playoffs.
These moves are in addition to the acquisition of defenseman Ryan McDonagh from the Tampa Bay Lightning and the signing of veteran forward Filip Forsberg to an eight-year deal. The Predators’ development camp was held last week. The Predators open training camp on Sept. 22.