Predators Sign Bonk and de Vries

[enforcer55]

Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators Executive Vice President/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has agreed to terms on two-year contracts with both free-agent forward Radek Bonk (RA-dehk BOHNK) and free-agent defenseman Greg de Vries (GREHG deh-VREES).

“We are very excited to add these two veteran players to the Nashville lineup,” said Poile. “Bonk is a big, experienced center that can play the shut-down defensive role and also fill in in more offensive situations. Greg de Vries has Stanley Cup experience as well as size and skill and he will be a mentor to our defense corps.”

Bonk, 31 (1/9/76), appeared in 74 games with Montreal this past season, registering 13 goals and 10 assists (13g-10a-23pts). The 6-3, 213-pound center has posted 171 goals and 272 assists (171g-272a-443pts) in 824 games played over 12 NHL seasons (1994-2007) with Ottawa and Montreal. His top offensive season came in 2001-02 when he registered 25 goals and 45 assists (25g-45a-70pts) with Ottawa, and he scored 20-or-more goals in four consecutive seasons (1999-2003). The Krnov, Czech Republic native has also appeared in two NHL All-Star Games (2000 and 2001).

Bonk was originally Ottawa’s first choice (third overall) in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. His contract will pay him $1.35 million in 2007-08 and $1.6 million in 2008-09.

de Vries, 34 (1/4/73), appeared in all 82 games for the Atlanta Thrashers this past year for the second consecutive season and averaged 22:14 of ice time per game, third-most on the club. The 6-2, 220-pound backliner also registered 24 points (3g-21a) and ranked 11th in the NHL with 179 blocked shots.

The Sundridge, Ont. native captured the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2001 and appeared in six games with Nashville during the Predators’ inaugural season of 1998-99. de Vries has posted 174 points (43g-131a) in 730 career NHL games over 11 NHL seasons (1995-2007) with Edmonton, Nashville, Colorado, the New York Rangers, Ottawa and Atlanta.

de Vries was originally signed as a free agent by Edmonton on March 20, 1994. His contract will pay him $2.25 million in 2007-08 and $2.75 million in 2008-09.

[bengino]

if the Preds use Bonk as a second line center as opposed to a checking line guy, he can be a good producer which is defensively responsible.

[Isles4life]

I've never been much of a Bonk fan. I don't see good things happening for the Preds this season.

[mongoose]

he actually did a god job last year as a checker but chipchura may be ready for that role.

[Cat Smasher]

well I like Bonk, he was supposed to be the next big thing, as a hockey card collector everyone grabbed his stuff, it was worth alot back then, but he's considered a bust.

And Nashville, **** who cares anymore, fans aint coming...

[BrianTheAdsFan]

This pretty much says Forsberg isn't coming back...