Preds Off Season Moves Graded

Take a look at my grade for each move and let me know what you think. The grade is based upon the move, necessity to be made and return value. Not all moves this off season are graded, but these are the ones I think are most important.

A Grade
Dan Hamhuis to Philly for Ryan Parent- Hamhuis was going to walk anyway for big money and the Preds get a highly valued young defenseman back from the Forsberg trade, a move they hated to make in the first place. Add in Parent's much needed size and offensive abilities, the Preds get an A considering they could have lost Hamhuis for nothing in return.

Matthew Lombardi Signing- 3 year contract at $3.5 million per year is not bad for a player coming into his prime. The Preds get more speed, save $1 million per year versus what Jason Arnott or Dan Hamhuis would be paid, add get 7 years younger when compared to Arnott. Great pickup for the Preds small market budget.

Shea Weber Named Captain- Pretty much the obvious choice along with Ryan Suter. A humble superstar who leads by example on and off the ice. If the Preds can get the money right, you hear mumblings that Weber could be in Nashville for a long time. He doesn't sound like a player looking for the highest contract, just a good home for the money. Active in the community with youth hockey, he is a great leader for the Preds at this time.

B Grade
Dan Ellis and Dustin Boyd to Montreal for Sergei Kostitsyn- Two more free agents who were more than likely going to walk for more money. Preds do lose a quality backup netminder in Ellis who has a chance to start in Tampa Bay after his trade there by Montreal. This leaves a monster hole if something was to happen to Pekka Rinne. Kostitsyn is young and a good gamble with his scoring potential. He led Belarus in points at the 2010 Olympics and has a good track record for points at the AHL level. Some good ice time and the right line combination could sprout a 20 goal scorer.

C Grade
Jason Arnott to New Jersey- The leading scorer over the last 4 years for a team that struggles to score leaves. It was probably unavoidable after the title of captain was going to be removed from Arnott. Prospect Matt Halischuk (who spends more time in minors than NHL at this point) and a 2nd round draft pick in return. You would like more for your top goal scorer and best slap shot, but considering his age and concussion issues not a bad move to get younger and free up salary. Not much in return and thus the C grade. Better grade if the 2nd round pick develops down the road.