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Predators sign defenseman Tyler Sloan, prepare for possible arbitration with Weber

Washington Capitals v Pittsburgh Penguins

PITTSBURGH, PA - FEBRUARY 21: Tyler Sloan #89 of the Washington Capitals during the NHL game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on February 21, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Capitals defeated the Penguins 1-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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The Nashville Predators made a minor move on Thursday by signing former Capitals defenseman Tyler Sloan to a one-year deal. Sloan became an unrestricted free agent this summer after the Capitals bought-out the remaining year on his contract that was scheduled to pay him $700,000 this season. Last season, Sloan had a goal and five assists in 33 NHL games as he split time between the Washington Capitals, Hershey Bears, and the press box.

The move gives the Predators more depth on the blueline as they work to resolve a few question marks. General Manager David Poile has already announced that the team plans on auditioning a few of their highly-touted defensive prospects for third-pairing roles behind the likes of Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Jonathan Blum, Kevin Klein, and/or Brett Lebda. Adding more intrigue to the corps of defensemen—and possibly causing the Predators to sign Sloan for insurance purposes is that Francis Bouillon experienced another setback in his recovery for last season’s concussion. GM Poile explained:

“Things were looking very good. He was exercising at a very high level and his confidence to be ready for training camp was very good. Then he had these headaches. So our medical staff has recommended he back off his workouts.”

Sloan would bring in more depth for a team that is already planning on breaking in a few youngsters into the line-up. Only time will tell if Sloan is comfortable in the role though. It was reported that the Capitals bought Sloan out of his contract because he asked for a trade in order to get more playing time. Here’s what Jeff Helperl (Sloan’s agent) had to say after the Caps parted ways with his client:

“He wanted to get to a spot that he could play. He was always used as a seventh or eighth defenseman.”

Unless he plans on playing more time as a forward or the NHL allows teams to dress eight defensemen on a nightly-basis, there’s a very good chance he’ll wind up in the press box just as often as he did in Washington.

More importantly for the Predators and their fans, the team continues to work towards a deal with their superstar captain Shea Weber. If the two sides are unable to come to an amicable decision on their own, Weber’s arbitration hearing is set for Tuesday, August 2nd. If they can’t work something out before the hearing, an independent arbitrator will rule on Weber’s worth and the team will agree to any of the terms handed down. Realistically, the Predators will sign Weber no matter how expensive the terms would be next week—they’d just like to bring him back at the most cost-effective price. GM Poile talked about their plans over the next few days:

“We are preparing to go to Toronto (for arbitration). Would I like to sign Shea to a longer-term contract vs. going to arbitration? Absolutely.”

Of course Poile would like to sign Weber before arbitration. In other news, the sky is blue and the sun is bright. Bringing in Tyler Sloan for depth purposes will have no affect whatsoever on the Weber negotiations. However, one has to wonder just how bad Bouillon’s concussion really is. After looking like he was going to hit training camp in great condition, now there are questions whether he’ll be healthy enough to start camp on time with his teammates on September 15.

One thing we know is Tyler Sloan will be there—and a much wealthy Shea Weber.