By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — The Nashville Predators are striving to remake their squad after missing the playoffs last season for the first time in eight years. Last week they completed a flurry of off-season free agent signings, while also bringing back some young veterans.
Ryan O’Reilly, Luke Schenn, Gustav Nyquist, Anthony Angello and Troy Grosenick were all free agent acquisitions.
They also re-signed Cody Glass and Alexandre Carrier. They were both restricted free agents. New general manager Barry Trotz told the media last week that these moves were only part of the makeover.
“We have to get more speed and skill on our team,” Trotz said.”That’s no secret. We need to get younger as well, build more depth.”
The Glass deal was two years for $5 million, while Carrier was a one year deal for $2.5 million.
Reilly signed a four year deal for $4.5 ,
million average per season. The Schenn deal is for three years and a $2.5 million average.
The Predators also look for big seasons from core veterans Filip Forsberg and defenseman Roman Josi, who is also team captain. Both missed much of last year’s second half due to injuries.
