Predators Acquire Nick Tarnasky

[Snipes19]

Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has acquired forward Nick Tarnasky from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a conditional selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. The pick sent to the Lightning is Nashville’s sixth-round choice, unless Tarnasky plays more than 55 NHL games in 2008-09, in which case it turns into a fifth-round selection.

Tarnasky, 23 (11/24/84), has played 169 National Hockey League games with the Lightning since 2005-06, amassing 20 points (11g-9a) and 162 penalty minutes. He attained career highs in games played (80), goals (6) and points (10) in 2007-08, in addition to tying a career best for assists (4). A native of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, the 6-2, 224-pound center also played six playoff games for Tampa Bay in 2007. He was originally Tampa’s eighth selection (ninth round, 287th overall) in the 2003 Entry Draft held in Nashville.

Nashville now has 12 picks in next summer’s 2009 NHL Entry Draft in Montreal, including a first rounder, two second rounders, two third rounders, three fourth rounders, two fifth rounders and two seventh rounders.

[Snipes19]

Good trade for the Preds. They add another middleweight to give them some more toughness. They didn't have that good of a group of MW's with only Weber and Tootoo (and maybe Nichol), so Tarnasky is a good addition for them.

Hopefully they still keep Gratton and Grant though to enforce. They definitely need to keep at least Gratton.

[caps05]

Originally Posted by Wes McSnipes

Good trade for the Preds. They add another middleweight to give them some more toughness. They didn't have that good of a group of MW's with only Weber and Tootoo (and maybe Nichol), so Tarnasky is a good addition for them.

Hopefully they still keep Gratton and Grant though to enforce. They definitely need to keep at least Gratton.

Agreed. I wouldn't mind seeing them keep both, but realistically, they'll keep only one or the other, and most likely it'll be Gratton.

[Humpzilla]

Although I am surprised, someone had to be traded. Still, I didn't think it would be Tarnasky. But at least he'll get a chance to play, as Tarno would probably be playing in the AHL for the next 2 seasons, if he is lucky.

[The Crow]

Thats it. Lawton is a fukkin a$$hole. What the hell does he think he is doing???This sux so bad. Tarno is/was my favorite player on the Lightning. Just when I though it couldnt get any worse. God dammit

[The Crow]

Originally Posted by Humpzilla

Although I am surprised, someone had to be traded. Still, I didn't think it would be Tarnasky. But at least he'll get a chance to play, as Tarno would probably be playing in the AHL for the next 2 seasons, if he is lucky.

Good point thoguh Hump, its probably for the best....

[ToxinX]

Originally Posted by Humpzilla

Although I am surprised, someone had to be traded. Still, I didn't think it would be Tarnasky. But at least he'll get a chance to play, as Tarno would probably be playing in the AHL for the next 2 seasons, if he is lucky.

good points... I don't think he is a good fit for a Melrose team... not extremely fast or offensively gifted, not a legit enforcer...
I DO like Nick though... always have, always will... His name just has grit.... gotta love the gap-toothed grill too... What he did have going for him is heart... tons of it... So I wish him well in Nashville...
-X

[HordiBrusk29]

Hopefully Nashville doesn't believe this will solve their toughness issues. In other words, I sure hope there's still a roster spot for either Gratton or Grant.

[MsHollywood]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Hopefully Nashville doesn't believe this will solve their toughness issues. In other words, I sure hope there's still a roster spot for either Gratton or Grant.

Completely agree.

[Isles4life]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Hopefully Nashville doesn't believe this will solve their toughness issues. In other words, I sure hope there's still a roster spot for either Gratton or Grant.

That was my worry when I saw this trade as well. It's nice that Tarnasky should now get the opportunity to play in Nashville instead of the crowded forward ranks in Tampa, but the Preds need to keep Gratton with the big club. I don't see Grant sticking over him.

[R.Middleton]

Not to darken the mood but I thought Nashville already had plenty of energy guys.

Smithson, Tootoo, Gratton/Grant, Nichol, Ortmeyer, and now Tarnasky.

Hard to understand this move.

[kwnger1371]

Originally Posted by WildyCoyote34

Not to darken the mood but I thought Nashville already had plenty of energy guys.

Smithson, Tootoo, Gratton/Grant, Nichol, Ortmeyer, and now Tarnasky.

Hard to understand this move.

I think that you could take out Ortmeyer and put in Tarno. Don't get me wrong I agree with you they have some enegry guys. But Grant is probably not making the team and Gratton is is still up in the air to. If I were a Pred fan I would want Tarno in over Ortmeyer or Smithson, even as a Wings fan I would like to see him play over them so the Wings play Downey. Tarno can play some what can't he?