Nash Daily: Predators UFAs Tyson Barrie, Kevin Lankinen Still Unsigned

Free agency has come to a screeching halt after NHL teams spent a record $1.12 billion in one day when the new league year began July 1.

While just about all the big-money deals are done, value can still be found on the open market.

Four Nashville Predators unrestricted free agents remain unsigned, highlighted by defenseman Tyson Barrie and goaltender Kevin Lankinen. Minor-leaguers Gustavs Grigals and Jasper Weatherby have also yet to secure contracts for 2024-25.

Barrie and Lankinen figure to land opportunities soon even though it’s clear the Predators have moved on from both players.

Barrie, ranked by Daily Faceoff as the second-best remaining free agent, struggled to adjust to coach Andrew Brunette’s system last season and eventually requested a trade, which at least briefly turned into an awkward situation when it became public knowledge in December. He finished the year with 15 points and a minus-10 rating across just 41 games.

But the 33-year-old isn’t far removed from some of his most productive seasons. Barrie posted 55 points (13 goals, 42 assists) while splitting 2022-23 between Edmonton and Nashville, and he surpassed 40 points in the two previous years he spent with the Oilers.

It seems like Barrie’s track record as an offensive-minded blueliner should help him find a roster spot by the start of training camps next month. He’ll just have to play for far less than the $5 million salary he earned from the Predators in 2023-24.

Lankinen’s availability, on the other hand, is a bit more surprising. Daily Faceoff lists him as the best available free-agent netminder.

In 43 appearances as the backup to Juuse Saros over the past two seasons, Lankinen compiled a 20-14-1 record with a 2.79 goals-against average and .912 save percentage. Those numbers gave credence to the idea he could develop into an NHL starter.

However, his performance with the Predators hasn’t immediately led to a chance to earn more regular playing time elsewhere, and at some point, Lankinen may have to settle for a role similar to the one he possessed in Nashville. Until then, it makes sense for him to wait out the market as long as possible in case an injury crops up in the preseason or a team gets cold feet about its goalie depth chart.

The latest from Nashville Hockey Now

In what amounted to a salary dump, the Predators traded Cody Glass and a pair of draft picks to Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Minor-league forward Jordan Frasca came back in the deal.

What does Nashville’s cap situation look like post-trade? Our Clay Brewer provided a breakdown. 

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