The Nashville Predators’ off-season signings continued as general manager Barry Trotz announced that forward Denis Gurianov has agreed to a one year, $850,000 contract. Per Cap Friendly, it is a one way contract which means he will earn the same salary if he is in the NHL or AHL next season. Gurianov joins the Predators after splitting the ’21-22 season between the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens where he totaled 7 goals and 17 points in 66 games. He notched a career high in goals with 20 during the ’19-20 season and a career high in points with 31 in ’21-22. Gurianov was a restricted free agent with Montreal but was not issued a qualifying offer which allowed him to sign with a team of his choosing.
Denis Gurianov is an interesting player. He was drafted 12th overall by Dallas in 2015 and was highly regarded for his skating and offensive potential but has never been able to put it all together. Now, Gurianov joins a Predators bottom 6 group that is getting more and more crowded. He will be competing for a roster spot and ice time with the likes of:
- Colton Sissons
- Yakov Trenin
- Cole Smith
- Michael McCarron
- Mark Jankowski
- Kiefer Sherwood
If Philip Tomasino and/or Luke Evangelista lock their roster spots in training camp, Gustav Nyquist and Juuso Parssinen could be part of that list plus it should be expected that Egor Afanasyev will be pushing for an NHL spot after his inaugural stint with the Predators. Gurianov’s speed does set him apart from some of that group but he will really have to pop to earn ice time from a group of players well-known to the organization. He will no doubt get an opportunity from head coach Andrew Brunette to show what he can do in what looks to be a very competitive training camp to come. In summary, Gurianov is a low risk signing who will add an element of speed to the roster and help push the Nashville Predators bottom 6 group
