Predators Agree to Terms With Hamhuis

[VodkaFish]

Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators Executive Vice President/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has agreed to terms with defenseman Dan Hamhuis (Dan HAM-yoos) to a four-year contract that will pay him $1.5 million in 2006-07, $1.75 million in 2007-08, $2.25 million in 2008-09 and $2.5 million in 2009-10.

Hamhuis, 23 (12/13/82), led Nashville in average ice time (22:33) in 2005-06 and was one of two Predators to skate in all 82 games. The Smithers, B.C. native ranked second on the club with a +11 rating and posted career-highs in assists (31) and points (7g-31-38pts). He also ranked second on the club in both hits (114) and blocked shots (100). Following the 2006 NHL post-season, the 6-1, 200-pound rearguard led Team Canada d-men in scoring (1g-4a) at the 2006 World Championships.

Originally Nashville’s first choice, 12th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Hamhuis has netted 14 goals and 50 assists (14g-50a-64pts) in 162 games with the Predators over the past three seasons. In 2004-05, he was named an American Hockey League Second Team All-Star after ranking second among AHL defensemen in scoring with 51 points (13g-38a) for Nashville’s primary developmental affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals.

[cowboy]

[Isles4life]

Good young defenseman. Smart move to get him for a few years.