Avalanche divisional rival make bold statement with latest blockbuster trade ahead of free agency
Photo credit: AP Photo / John Locher
Late Sunday night, the Nashville Predators made a major splash by acquiring defenseman Nicolas Hague.
They followed it up with a clear message to the rest of the league, signing him to a four-year extension worth $5.5 million.
Avalanche divisional rival make bold statement with latest blockbuster trade.
Nestor Quixtan from Predlines writes that going to the Vegas Golden Kngihts in the deal are forward Colton Sissons and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon. Both players were the subject of trade rumors at the last deadline, but neither was dealt at the time.
"The Golden Knights were on the bubble as they needed to do something about Hague. He was coming off a three-year deal that carried a $2.3 million cap hit. But Hague was due for a significant pay bump, which he got from the Predators. Additionally, the Golden Knights are said to be in hot pursuit of former Maple Leaf Mitch Marner. That situation means the Golden Knights must clear cap space to get Marner inked to a contract." -Quixtan
Hague brings a strong physical presence to Nashville's blue line. At 6'6" and 240 pounds, he's a dominant force on the ice and offers the Predators the kind of shutdown defenseman they've been missing.
"The Nashville Predators made a solid move in signing Hague to a four-year extension. They get a 26-year-old blueliner for a decent period at an affordable price. Yes, $5.5 million is an affordable cap hit, especially when considering the going rate for blueliners nowadays." -Quixtan
Hague's biggest knock has been his limited offensive production, he recorded only 12 points in 68 games last season. However, that could improve in the upcoming campaign. He's expected to slot into the second pairing alongside Brady Skjei, forming what could be a reliable shutdown.
"The biggest difference for Hague will be getting out from under Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore's shadows. Hague will have more of a chance to show what he can do offensively. That's something the Predators will hope can translate into more offense." -Quixtan
If this trade and signing pan out as the Predators anticipate, Hague's $5.5 million cap hit could look like a bargain by next summer.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 30 | 21 ANSWERS Avalanche divisional rival make bold statement with latest blockbuster trade ahead of free agency Who do you think won this trade? | ||
| Vegas Golden Knights | 16 | 76.2 % |
| Nashville Predators | 5 | 23.8 % |
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