The Nashville Predators have signed free agent winger Viktor Stalberg, per Daniel Friedman of WFAN/CBS Sports New York.
Also, according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Stalberg has signed a four-year, $12 million deal. That’s outstanding value for what he can bring to the table.
Stalberg, 27, can provide decent offense but has just one season with 20 goals and 40 points. That said, he’s been buried on a Chicago Blackhawks roster that boasts All-Star players like Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, etc. Perhaps he’ll be able to realize his true potential once he gets his chance to become a top line winger here in Music City.
The former University of Vermont Catamount tallied 23 points in 47 games last season for Stanley Cup Champion Chicago. That offensive production would have put him third on the Preds in scoring.
Nashville is on record saying they want to get bigger and, at 6’3″ and 210 pounds, Stalberg helps them do just that. This should be a great fit for both the Predators and Stalberg.
The official press release is below.
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Nashville, Tenn. (July 5, 2013) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed forward Viktor Stalberg to a four-year, $12 million contract. He will make $2.5 million in 2013-14 and 2014-15 and $3.5 million in 2015-16 and 2016-17.
Stalberg, 27 (1/17/86), posted 23 points (9g-14a) in 47 regular-season games and three assists in 19 playoff games for the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks in 2012-13, his fourth NHL season. In his last full campaign with Chicago in 2011-12, the 6-3, 210-pound left wing amassed 22 goals and 43 points in 79 games, and was the only NHLer to register more than 25 points and 20 goals, despite zero coming on special teams. Since making his NHL debut with Toronto in 2009, Stalberg has 104 points (52g-52a) in 243 games.
Toronto’s fifth choice, 161st overall (sixth round), in the 2006 Entry Draft played three seasons at the University of Vermont from 2006-09, totaling 84 points (41g-43a) in 117 games and being named an NCAA First-Team All-American in 2008-09. A native of Stockholm, Sweden, Stalberg represented Sweden at the 2012 World Championships, recording four points (3g-1a) and a +4 rating in eight games.
Stalberg is on Twitter @VStalberg.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Sarah Fuqua (used with permission)