Nashville bolsters its blue line depth, securing a high-scoring AHL standout and a physical right-shot veteran to join Alex Kerfoot in a busy free agency opening.
The Nashville Predators sign their first two defensemen of the free agency cycle in Colorado Avalanche's Jack Ahcan and the St. Louis Blues' Hunter Skinner.
Ahcan, a 23-year-old, 5-foot-8, lefty, spent the majority of the season with the Colorado Eagles in the AHL, scoring 50 points (11 goals and 39 assists) in 61 games. He played 11 games with the Avalanche, scoring two points (two assists).
Last season was the most games he played in the NHL over his entire career, dating back to his debut in the 2020-21 season.
Ahcan is signed to a two-year, $1.75 million deal with an $875,000 annual hit in Nashville. The new contract is a $100,000 raise from his previous contract.
Skinner, a 25-year-old, 6-foot-3, right-handed shot, has played one game in the NHL over his six-year professional career, which came last season.
In 60 games with the Springfield Falcons, he recorded 19 points off seven goals and 12 assists and had 61 penalty minutes. Skinner has spent the last four seasons primarily in the AHL.
Hunter's previous contract was for a year at $850,000.
The pair are the third signing that the general manager has made at the start of free agency, joining Utah Mammoth center Alex Kerfoot, who signed a two-year, $7 million contract with a $3.5 million annual cap hit.
