Nashville Predators acquires Florida Panthers' free agent forward Niclas Bergfors – NHL offseason Update
Nashville Predators made its second move in a single day after acquiring Brett Lebda and Robert Slaney from Toronto Maple Leafs for Matthew Lombardi and Cody Franson earlier on Sunday. Later on, Nashville signed Florida Panthers' free agent forward, Niclas
Bergfors, to a one-year, $575,000 contract.
It was officially announced by team's general manager, David Poile, as many players are yet to be signed on day-three of the 2011 National Hockey League's (NHL) free agency.
"This move allows us more certainty with our roster heading into this season", Predators' Poile said. "Now it's my job to build around the strong core we have in place and when the opportunity presents, I'd like to strike to help make that core even better".
Unfortunately, Florida Panthers, a team which Bergfors played a single season with, was not even offered a qualifying offer to consider making an agreement.
Drafted as the 23rd overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by New Jersey Devils in round-one, the Swedish right wing played three seasons with them until being traded to Atlanta Thrashers for two seasons.
He was acquired by Florida last year, in which he put up seven points, 1 goal and 6 assists, in only 20 games played.
Bergfors highest season came in 2010-2011 with Atlanta as he registered 29 points, 11 goals and 18 assists, in only 52 games played.
It might again be the same situation for Bergfors as has only been awarded a one-year contract with Nashville, but it will certainly depend upon his performance during the upcoming 2011-2012 season whether they wish to retain him later on or not.
Until 2009 season, Bergfors continued to play with minor league teams in the American Hockey League (AHL) like Lowell Devils, New Jersey Devils affiliate along with Swedish leagues.
Being a 23rd overall pick, Bergfors certainly has the capabilities of becoming a top-notch player in the league.
Finding the right team might just be the reason for his slump so far. Nashville did exactly that, as they firstly signed him to a one-year contract in order to see how he can play on their ice.
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