What's Happening?
The Nashville Predators have signed forward Chase Bradley to a two-year, two-way contract, completing the final component of their trade involving Jack Drury with the Colorado Avalanche. The contract, announced by the team, includes an $875,000 cap hit
at the NHL level. Bradley, originally drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2020, did not sign with them and instead played three seasons at the University of Connecticut. He turned professional in the 2024-25 season with Colorado, spending most of his rookie year in the minors. Bradley played two games with the Avalanche without scoring any points but showed promise during the AHL playoffs with five goals and five assists in 17 games. This performance likely contributed to his inclusion in the Drury trade. Bradley is expected to start the upcoming season with the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals, as he still has a year of waiver exemption remaining.
Why It's Important?
This signing is significant for the Nashville Predators as it completes their strategic trade involving Jack Drury, potentially strengthening their roster depth. Bradley's addition provides the team with a promising young player who has shown potential in the AHL playoffs. For the Predators, this move is part of a broader strategy to build a competitive team by acquiring young talent with room for development. The signing also highlights the team's focus on future growth and flexibility, as Bradley's two-way contract allows for movement between the NHL and AHL, depending on his performance. This flexibility is crucial for managing team dynamics and salary cap considerations. Additionally, the Predators still have two restricted free agents, Mavrik Bourque and Justin Barron, to address, which could further impact their roster and salary cap management.
What's Next?
With Bradley's signing, the Nashville Predators will likely focus on resolving the contract situations of their remaining restricted free agents, Mavrik Bourque and Justin Barron. Both players are arbitration-eligible, and the filing deadline is approaching. The outcomes of these negotiations will be important for the Predators as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season. Bradley's performance in the AHL will be closely monitored, as a strong showing could lead to a recall to the NHL. The Predators will also be assessing how Bradley fits into their long-term plans, especially considering his potential to contribute at the NHL level. The team's management will need to balance immediate performance needs with future development goals as they prepare for the new season.
