Denis Gurianov had a new contract. The Nashville Predators sign young forward Denis Gurianov to a one year deal that will have an AAV of $850k. This is a great deal for both sides as his hockey career continues.
Denis Gurianov #Preds
1 year / 1-way
$850,000Gurianov did not receive a QO from Montreal, resulting in him being UFA and able to sign with any team he wanted. https://t.co/lIsAw119Ox
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) July 11, 2023
Predators Sign Denis Gurianov
After being traded to Montreal in exchange for Evgenii Dadonov, Gurianov was one of the bright spots on the Canadiens offence. He was missing a spark. However, his time in Montreal has come to an end.
Being drafted by the Dallas Stars 12th overall in 2015, he quickly became one of the team’s top forwards. He made a name for himself with the AHL’s Texas Stars.
Gurianov started his 2022-2023 season in a bit of a slump, only recording 9 points in 43 games. Gurianov went to Montreal in a trade prior to the deadline. After being traded to Montreal, he only recorded 8 points in 23 games but solidified his spot in Montreal fairly quickly.
What This Means
The Denis Gurianov contract makes sense for the present. Although Gurianov had a pretty bad year, only notching a combined 17 points through a combined 66 games, he can establish himself further as one of the top players, given a full healthy season on the top line.
With a new supporting cast of talent in Nashville, Gurianov will have the opportunity to soar. Barry Trotz has been a busy man this summer and has retooled the entire club. For a club that barely missed the playoffs, Trotz is hoping that the new look Predators can expand on their late season surge.
Gurianov has the potential and the contract is a low risk high reward potential contract. Joining a core group of Ryan O’Reilly, Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and Jusse Saros should make for a fun group to watch. Nashville may not be the best team, but they will be competitive in the Central Division.
Main Photo: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
