Nashville Predators

Ahead of the 2019 NHL Draft on Friday night, Nashville Predators star P.K. Subban is being mentioned as a potential trade option.

Per SportsNet's Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks are looking into Subban's availability if the Predators decide to make a move. 

TSN's Bob McKenzie reported the Predators are believed to be looking to clear cap space to either make a move in free agency or potentially work out an extension with Roman Josi. 

Another potential move Nashville could be exploring involves signing Corey Perry after The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported the two sides have mutual interest. 

Subban has three seasons remaining on the eight-year, $72 million deal he originally signed with the Montreal Canadiens in August 2014. His base salary will be $10 million in 2019-20 before dropping to $2 million in each of the final two years of the contract, per Spotrac. 

In 63 games last season, Subban scored nine goals and had 22 assists. His average ice time of 22 minutes, 40 seconds was his fewest since 2010-11. 

The Nashville Predators acquired Wayne Simmonds from the Philadelphia Flyers just ahead of Monday's 3 p.m. ET NHL trade deadline.

According to NHL.com's Bill Meltzer, the Flyers received Ryan Hartman and a conditional draft pick. Philadelphia will get a fourth-round selection in 2020 unless Nashville wins a playoff series, at which point the pick becomes a third-rounder.

Simmonds was one of the more tenured players on the Flyers roster. He was in his eighth season with the team and had appeared in 584 games. Sentiment aside, trading the 30-year-old was the right move for Philadelphia.

Simmonds is on an expiring contract, and he probably wouldn't have provided the Flyers with a hometown discount when the time came to negotiate an extension.

With 16 goals and 11 assists through 62 games this season, Simmonds obviously had value to a contending team such as the Predators.

The Athletic's Charlie O'Connor thought the Flyers did well enough with the trade given the circumstances:

Hartman had 19 goals and 12 assists with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2016-17 but hasn't built on that strong season. The Blackhawks traded him to the Predators in February 2018, and he's had just 26 points in 85 games with Nashville.

Still only 24, Hartman might be able to get things back on track with fresh surroundings and become a more regular goalscorer.

Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson has been suspended indefinitely and put in stage two of the NHL and NHLPA's substance abuse and behavioral health program, per a press release from NHL Public Relations.

NHL PR noted that Watson is in treatment for alcohol abuse and cannot return until granted approval to do so by the program's administrators. The league said the latest suspension is a result of "his ongoing issues with alcohol abuse."

Watson was previously suspended for the preseason and the Preds' first 18 regular-season games following a no-contest plea to domestic abuse, according to Paul Skrbina of the Tennesseean. He returned to play 34 more games before the latest suspension.

Per Skrbina, Watson was previously arrested and charged with domestic assault against Jenn Guardino, his girlfriend, on June 16.

Emily Kaplan of ESPN provided more details of what allegedly occurred that day: "On June 16, a witness flagged down a police officer to a gas station in Franklin, Tennessee, where Watson and his girlfriend, Jenn Guardino, were in a parked car. Watson told police he and Guardino were arguing and that he pushed her. Officers said they found red marks on her chest, and she said Watson caused them." 

Per Kaplan, Guardino released an October 13 statement in which she said Watson did not "hit or abuse" her.

Following the latest suspension, Joe Rexrode of the Tennesseean wrote an editorial in support of Guardino, Watson and their daughter:

"Alcoholism is a disease that kills. And when you consider what Watson risked while lapsing over the summer and getting into an argument with his girlfriend that got him charged with domestic violence, and when you consider the opportunity the Nashville Predators gave him after he pleaded no contest, then you must realize the obvious with this news that he has blown it: The guy is in danger.

"So root with me. Root for Watson. Root for his girlfriend, Jenn Gaurdino, who is battling the same disease. Root for their baby daughter, who already was going to have to read about the incident her parents got into on June 16, 2018, and wonder—like the rest of the world—what exactly happened. Root for truth in Guardino’s public vows that Watson did not and does abuse her. There are only two people in the world who will ever know for certain."

The 27-year-old left wing is in his fifth NHL season, all with Nashville.

The Nashville Predators announced Thursday that they placed defenseman P.K. Subban on injured reserve and activated fellow blueliner Dan Hamhuis from IR in a corresponding move.

According to Paul Skrbina of The Tennessean, Subban suffered an upper-body injury during Tuesday's loss to the San Jose Sharks.

The Preds acquired Subban from the Montreal Canadiens in 2016 in an offseason trade that sent defenseman Shea Weber north of the border. And Subban's arrival has paid major dividends for Nashville.

This season, Subban is producing to the tune of two goals and 10 assists for 12 points in 18 games along with a plus-8 rating.

After struggling to find his form during his first campaign with the Predators in 2016-17, Subban was at the top of his game last season, registering 16 goals and 43 assists for 59 points, which was the second-highest point total of his career.

He also appeared in all 82 regular-season games and chipped in nine points in 13 playoff games.

Subban missed 16 games because of injury in 2016-17, but he finished with 10 goals and 30 assists for 40 points before contributing 12 points in 22 playoff games before Nashville fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Final.

Although Subban sat out 14 contests in 2015-16 and 16 the next season, he isn't used to extended absences, appearing in all 82 games in 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2017-18 after playing 81 games in 2011-12.

The two-time NHL First-Team All-Star is regarded as one of the most dynamic offensive blueliners in the league, and his presence is huge for a Nashville team that isn't exactly stacked with talent up front.

The former Norris Trophy winner is a game-changer thanks to his two-way style of play, and replacing what he brings to the table is virtually impossible.

If Subban does miss additional time, then stud rearguard Roman Josi figures to be leaned on even more heavily, while Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis could be asked to take on greater offensive roles as well.

The Preds boast solid defensive depth, but it will be tested in a big way without Subban, and additional injuries could be devastating.

Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson is serving an 18-game suspension after pleading no-contest on a domestic assault charge in June following an incident involving his girlfriend, Jenn Guardino.

But on Saturday, Guardino said in a statement that Watson never hit her or abused her, per Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada:

According to the Associated Press (h/t Sportsnet), Watson was arrested on June 16 in Franklin, Tennessee, "after a witness flagged down a police officer to a gas station." Watson told authorities he was having an argument with Guardino and had pushed her, while "officers said they found red marks on her chest, and [Guardino] said Watson caused them."

As a result of his no-contest plea, he's serving three months of probation and undergoing an "in-patient treatment program and a batterer's intervention program."

The NHL initially suspended him 27 games, though an arbitrator reduced his penalty to 18 games. On Friday, the NHL released its own statement announcing its disappointment in that decision, per Emily Kaplan of ESPN.com:

"We firmly believe that the right of appeal to an arbitrator of League discipline was never intended to substitute the arbitrator's judgment for that of the Commissioner, particularly on matters of important League policy and the articulation of acceptable standards of conduct for individuals involved in the National Hockey League."

According to Kaplan, a Predators spokesperson said the team was aware Guardino was going to make a public statement.

Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson saw his 27-game suspension for domestic violence reduced to 18 games on Thursday. 

The NHL and NHL Players Association released a joint statement on the ruling issued by neutral arbitrator Shyam Das:

"The National Hockey League Players' Association and National Hockey League announced today that Nashville Predators' forward Austin Watson's 27-game suspension issued pursuant to Article 18-A of the NHL/NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement has been reduced by Arbitrator Shyam Das to a suspension covering the first 18 games of the 2018-19 regular season."

The Predators also issued a statement, which Dan Rosen of NHL.com shared: "Our organization was not involved in the appeal of Austin Watson's 27-game suspension, but we are aware of its reduction to 18 games. As previously stated, our focus has and will continue to be the health and well-being of Austin and his family."

This ruling means Watson will be eligible to return to the ice for Nashville's game on Nov. 15 against the Arizona Coyotes.

According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, Watson's appeal hearing was held on Sept. 27 before Das was given time to make a decision.

Paul Skrbina of the Tennessean reported on Sept. 12 that Watson was arrested in June and released on $4,500 bond. The Predators forward was also sentenced to three months probation and issued to attend 26 weeks of batterer intervention.

Watson pleaded no contest to misdemeanor domestic assault in July.

Natalie Neysa Alund and Adam Tamburin of the Tennessean provided more details in August when they cited the police report, which said a witness saw Watson "swat" his girlfriend. The mother of Watson's child told police he "sometimes he gets handsy," with her, and this time caused scratches on her chest and bruises and bleeding on her shin.

Mike Brehm of USA Today noted Watson was permitted to take part in Nashville's pregame introductions on the ice for Tuesday's home opener despite the suspension.

The NHL has suspended Nashville Predators left wing Austin Watson for the first 27 games of the 2018-19 season because of "unacceptable off-ice conduct," Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reported Wednesday. 

Johnston noted Watson pleaded no contest to a domestic assault charge in July. He also shared NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's statement on the suspension:

"I have determined that Nashville player Austin Watson engaged in a physical confrontation with his domestic partner. Today's ruling, while tailored to the specific facts of this case and the individuals involved, is necessary and consistent with the NHL's strongly held view that it cannot and will not tolerate this and similar types of conduct."

Katie Strang of The Athletic reported the NHL Players' Association will file an appeal of the penalty.

Paul Skrbina of the Tennessean noted the NHL does not currently have a specific domestic violence policy with automatic punishments, in contrast to the NFL, NBA and MLB.

According to Skrbina, Watson was arrested in June and released on $4,500 bond. He was sentenced to 26 weeks of batterer intervention and an inpatient program for alcohol and substance abuse as part of three months' probation.

In August, Natalie Neysa Alund and Adam Tamburin of the Tennessean reported a witness saw Watson "swat" his girlfriend outside a gas station. The woman, who is also the mother of Watson's child, had scratches on her chest and a "bruised and bloody" left shin and told police Watson "sometimes gets handsy" with her.

The Predators drafted Watson with a first-round pick in 2010. He appeared in 76 games for the team last season.

The Nashville Predators announced Tuesday they had reached an agreement with defenseman Ryan Ellis on an eight-year, $50 million contract extension through the 2026-27 NHL season.

Preds general manager David Poile said Ellis is a "huge part of our team on and off the ice, and we are happy to have his leadership remain in our locker room for the foreseeable future."

Poile continued: "We have talked about wanting to keep the core of our team together, and this is another opportunity to help us do so while continuing to compete for a Stanley Cup. Ryan is entering his prime and is one of the reasons why we feel this team has a chance to win every time we step on the ice."

Ellis' new contract will kick in for the 2019-20 season. He'll make $3.5 million with a cap hit of $2.5 million for the upcoming campaign under the terms of his prior agreement, per Spotrac.

Adam Vingan of the Tennessean reported the deal doesn't include a no-movement or no-trade clause.

The 27-year-old Canadian tallied nine goals and 23 assists across just 44 appearances last season. His 32 points were just six shy of his career high despite being sidelined until early January because of offseason knee surgery.

"I love hockey the most in life, and you take that away, it's tough," Ellis told reporters following his return. "Take your phone away from you, and how would you feel, right? It'd be rough."

Micah Blake McCurdy of HockeyViz showcased the blueliner's strong across-the-board impact:

Much of the Predators' success in recent seasons, including an appearance in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, can be attributed to their terrific group of defensemen. Nashville won the Central Division last year and also topped the Western Conference.

Ellis' extension ensures the top four that also features Roman Josi, P.K. Subban and Mattias Ekholm will remain in place for at least two more seasons as the team looks to remain a contender in the West.

Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson was sentenced to probation and will undergo an intervention program after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors in his domestic violence case. 

TMZ Sports reported Watson will not have to serve any jail time, provided he complies with the terms of the plea deal. He will undergo a 26-week battery intervention program after admitting he pushed his girlfriend during an argument at a gas station in Tennessee.

The Franklin Police Dept. arrested Watson last month on domestic assault charges. He was facing up to a year in jail if convicted on the charges.

"The Nashville Predators have and will continue to stand side by side with AMEND in the fight to end violence against women," the Predators said in a statement at the time of Watson's arrest.

Watson, 26, scored 14 goals and had five assists last season. He was the club's 2010 first-round draft choice. 

Nashville Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne was named the 2018 Vezina Trophy winner Wednesday after leading his team to the playoffs with outstanding numbers.

The Winnipeg Jets' Connor Hellebuyck and the Tampa Bay Lightning's Andrei Vasilevskiy were the other finalists.

Rinne becomes the first Vezina winner in Predators history. He had previously been a finalist for the award three times in his career.

An eighth-round pick in 2004, Rinne just completed his 12th season in the league, all with Nashville. This was arguably the 35-year-old's best season to date. 

Just one year after leading his team to its first-ever Stanley Cup Final appearance, he found a way to up his game.

In 59 games, Rinne went 42-13-4 with a 2.31 GAA and a .927 save percentage. He ranked third in the league in wins and tied for first in shutouts (eight); for netminders with at least 50 games, he ranked first in GAA and save percentage.

With the Predators chasing their first-ever Presidents' Trophy, he was at his best. He went 23-5-1 over his final 29 regular-season appearances.

The Nashville star proved time and time again that he can deny shots in a variety of ways:

Rinne and the Predators were unable to build on last year's playoff success, however. Winnipeg eliminated Nashville in the second round in a series that went seven games. 

It may not be the trophy at the top of Rinne's list this season, but it's well-deserved nonetheless.