NHL - Central - Predators New Signings A Good Fit

Nashville - The Predators added depth to an already talented roster by signing veteran defenseman Barret Jackman and forward Cody Hodgson on July 1.
Jackman had spent his entire 13-year career with the St. Louis Blues but felt Nashville was the best fit for him when weighing his options during free agency. He wanted to go somewhere where he had a chance to win the Stanley Cup, and that was the biggest part of his decision in moving his family.
Barret Jackman: "I think just the chance to win right now. We've talked about the strength of the defense, the best goalie in the League, and a lot of very exciting, young forwards with a good group of older guys too that are playing very well. I think the style of living, too, is a big draw for me and my family. They're just talking about the penalty kill, being able to play six [defensemen] in every situation, and maybe bring down the minutes of [Josi] and [Weber]. I'm here to help, and I'm sure things are going to be a little bit fluid and a feeling-out process in September. I look forward to earning my stripes and earning the respect of my teammates and coaches."

Nashville boasts one of the best groups of defensemen in the NHL, led by Shea Weber and Roman Josi. The addition of Jackman gives the Predators more options to use in different situations, which will allow Weber and Josi to get extra rest. Jackman's style of play breaks the mold when compared to the rest of Nashville's defensemen, players who focus on joining the rush offensively and using their mobility and stick work to close in on the opposition. Jackman brings toughness, and that's exactly what the Predators were looking for in free agency.
Peter Laviolette: "I definitely think that Barret brings a different style of play. If you look at our other five defensemen, they're all really talented two-way defensemen. They can all play the power play. … They can all skate, they can move the puck really well, they're able to contribute offensively. I think that Barret brings a little bit of a different element in the fact that he can be a guy that goes over the boards for the penalty kill first, shot-blocking, a little bit of grit, a little bit of sandpaper. He brings some experience and some veteran leadership to the team, so lots of positives with filling that position with Barret. We certainly can provide an opportunity for him. Ultimately he's got to work hard this summer and come into camp. In talking to him, he was pretty honest about last year. He knows he's played better in the past and knows he's capable of playing at a higher level, and we're going to provide him with that opportunity to see if he can get back there and help us."

Hodgson signed a one-year, $1.05 million contract with Nashville and is hoping to revitalize his career after a disappointing season with the Buffalo Sabres. Hodgson said the up-tempo system of the Predators is conducive to the way he wants to play. Hodgson's sister attends Belmont University in Nashville and he's a country music fan, but the chance to play in an offensive system under Laviolette was the biggest appeal when he made his decision.
Cody Hodgson: "I really like the way they play the game offensively. They don't spend any time in the defensive zone. They're trying to make sure they get the puck back right away, and then they're on offense. They play a high-tempo game so that's something I can definitely relate to and have played well in systems like that before. To tell you the truth, I chose it for the hockey. It's nice that I like country music and I really like this city and my sister goes here, which is a great added bonus, but I chose it because I just think it's a great fit hockey wise. From the style of play to the players on the team and the way I play, I think it's just a good combination."
Early indications are Hodgson will slot in as the third-line center for Nashville and Calle Jarnkrok will move to the wing. Hodgson has shown offensive upside in the past. He scored 20 goals and 44 points in the 2013-14 season with Buffalo.



Forward Jimmy Vesey feels that earning a degree from Harvard University will provide him with plenty of future opportunities outside of hockey, even though it pushed back his chance to make the Nashville Predators.
When the Predators selected Vesey in the third round (No. 66) in the 2012 NHL Draft, they knew he had the potential to be a dynamic offensive player. Vesey showed off that potential at Harvard during the 2014-15 season, leading the nation with 32 goals. He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top college player in the country. Vesey, a junior, could have turned pro and signed with the Predators in March, after the Crimson's season ended. Instead, he chose to return for his senior season. Although the Predators felt Vesey, a government major at Harvard, was good enough to turn pro, he said they were supportive of his decision to return to school. Vesey's numbers increased dramatically last season. He went from 13 goals and 22 points in 31 games in 2013-14 to 32 goals and 58 points in 37 games, helping Harvard advance to the NCAA Tournament. Vesey beat out Boston University freshman Jack Eichel, the No. 2 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, to win the Walter Brown Award, given to New England's best American-born Division I player. Vesey credited his size and gritty style of play for his breakout year offensively.

Forward Tyler Moy was selected by Nashville in the sixth round (No. 175) of the 2015 NHL Draft after playing his freshman season at Harvard alongside Vesey. He saw firsthand what makes Vesey such a special player. Vesey will have options after he finishes his senior season at Harvard: He can sign an entry-level deal with Nashville or wait and become a free agent. Vesey didn't fully commit to what his future plans are, but he did say that loyalty to the Predators could be a factor.