Predators Sign Defenseman Victor Bartley

[Thrillhouse]

Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed free-agent defenseman Victor Bartley to a two-year, two-way contract worth $525,000 on the NHL level and $67,500 on the AHL level in both 2011-12 and 2012-13.

Bartley, 23 (2/17/88), spent the 2010-11 campaign with Rogle of Sweden’s second division (Allsvenskan) ranking second among league defensemen in points and assists, and tied for third in goals (11g-23a-34pts, 52gp). The 6-0, 203-pound blueliner also finished first on Rogle in shots on goal (132) and second in penalty minutes (56), helping the club to a 26-11-15 record, good for second in the Allsvenskan. Despite Rogle falling short of promotion to the Swedish Elite League (Elitserien) for the 2011-12 season during postseason qualification play (Kval till Elitserien), Bartley tied for first in assists and sixth in points (2g-7a-9pts) among all skaters in 10 tournament games.

The native of Maple Ridge, B.C., native played five Western Hockey League seasons with Kamloops and Regina from 2004-09, amassing 168 points (36g-132a) and 466 penalty minutes in 336 games. He had his best junior season in 2008-09 when he tied for ninth among WHL defensemen in goals (15) and ranked 12th in points (46) while captaining the Pats. Bartley split his first professional season between the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies and AHL’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers in 2009-10.

[IhateLindros]

Loved this guy while he was in BPT! Played in all situations and has some defensive skill. Not sure he'll end up in Nashville, but Milwaukee will surely love him.

[BrianTheAdsFan]

Originally Posted by IhateLindros

Loved this guy while he was in BPT! Played in all situations and has some defensive skill. Not sure he'll end up in Nashville, but Milwaukee will surely love him.

I heard this about him as well.

Should be a solid signing for the Ads and might be a callup should the situation arise.

Thought he was older, but at 23, maybe just a late bloomer?

And in all reality, basically just one year removed from college seniors and has way more experience.

Should be a good signing.