As a late-90s expansion draft team, and more often than not a playoff contender, It’s no surprise some strange players have suited up for the Nashville Predators over the years. Whether trying to cash in on younger players, or find that right veteran addition, the Preds are familiar with wheeling and dealing to find the right piece.
Number 5- John Slaney
Known as a journeyman AHL defenseman, John Slaney’s fifth NHL team was the Nashville Predators. He was playing for the Phoenix Coyotes during the 1997-98 season finding some success before he was claimed by the Predators in the 1998 expansion draft. Slaney finished out the final year of his contract split between the Predators and the Admirals of the IHL, playing 46 games with the big club. In the summer of 1999 he signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, ending his short tenure with the Predators.
Number 4- Jan Hlavac
Once a promising prospect for the New York Rangers, Hlavac struggled once he was dealt to the Flyers as part of the Eric Lindros trade. After a few more seasons around the NHL, he fled to Europe during the NHL lockout. Hlavac returned to the NHL in 2008, signing a contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He struggled to find success yet again and was dealt to the Nashville Predators on February 26, 2008 for a seventh round pick. He played 18 games for the Predators, scoring three goals and 13 points in 18 games. After the season ended he couldn’t find any interested team in the NHL, so he returned to Europe for a second time.
Number 3- Rich Peverley
In an inspiring start to a professional career, Rich Peverley went undrafted and spent a few seasons in the ECHL after his college career. He was later promoted and signed to the Milwaukee Admirals, the Predators AHL affiliate. After leading the team in points during the 2006-07 season, he was signed to a contract by the Predators in January of 2007. Peverley spent the next two seasons bouncing back and fourth from the AHL and NHL. He suited up for 73 games as a Predator before he was claimed on waivers by the Atlanta Thrashers on January 10, 2009.
Number 2- Scott Hanan
Best known as a long-time San Jose Shark, Hannan left the Sharks for five seasons between 2007 to 2012, and became somewhat of a journeyman in that time. He played three-and-a-half seasons with the Avalanche, before being dealt to the Capitals, and later signed with the Flames. Hannan, now 33, signed a one-year, one million dollar contract with the Predators for the 2012-13 season. Hannan served mainly as the seventh man, only dressing for 29 games. At the 2013 trade deadline, he was dealt back to his original team the San Jose Sharks.
Number 1- Michael Leighton
After Leighton’s early NHL career with the Blackhawks failed to take off, He was dealt to the Buffalo Sabres. After not playing a game in the NHL that season. Leighton signed with the Ducks in the summer of 2006, and when they tried to recall him in November, he was claimed on waivers by the Nashville Predators. His lone appearance came in relief of Chris Mason during a game against the Buffalo Sabres on December 21, 2006, playing 19 minutes. Less than a month later, Leighton was again placed on waivers, this time being claimed by the Philadelphia Flyers.
Honorable mentions-
Derek Roy
After opening his career with a decade-long stint with the Buffalo Sabres, Derek Roy became a journeyman later in his career, playing for five different teams in three seasons. Roy signed a one-year, one million dollar contract with the Predators to start the 2014-15 season. He played all of 26 games for the Preds before he was dealt to the Edmonton Oilers for Mark Arcobello on December 29.
Anders Lindback
Lindback was originally drafted by the Predators in 2008 and made his debut in 2010. He mainly saw time as Pekka Rinne’s backup, and showing decent potential doing so, culminating in back-to-back shutouts in December of 2010. After the 2012-13 lockout Lindback was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning after just 38 games in the Predators crease.
by: Dan Esche (@DanTheFlyeraFan)
photo credit: usatoday.com
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