The following just came across from the Nashville Predators:
Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club claimed forward Brandon Yip on waivers from the Colorado Avalanche and activated forward Jerred Smithson from injured reserve.
Yip, 26 (4/25/85), has 41 points (23g-18a) in 113 career NHL contests, all with Colorado, since the 2009-10 campaign. The Vancouver, B.C., native has been limited to 10 games in 2011-12 - going pointless - due to arm (missed 18 games from Oct. 8-Nov. 15) and groin (missed four games from Dec. 13-19) injuries. The 6-1, 195-pound right wing amassed 108 points (45g-63a) in 139 games with Boston University from 2005-09, helping the Terriers win the 2009 NCAA National Championship on a team that also included current Predator Colin Wilson.
Colorado's seventh selection, 239th overall (eighth round), in the 2004 Entry Draft, Yip is on a one-way contract worth $750,000.
After the jump, a bit of a scouting report on your newest Predator...
Over at SB Nation's Colorado Avalanche blog, Mile High Hockey, here's what they had to say yesterday when Yip went on waivers:
After a promising rookie season in which he scored 19 points (11g, 8a) in 32 games, Yip has struggled to provide reliable, solid offense for the Avs ever since. He had a disappointing season last year, only hitting the back of the net 12 times and helping out on 10 others over 71 games. For those who are bad at math, that's only 3 more points in over twice as many games.
This year has not fared any better for the forward. He has been a healthy scratch in all but 10 games this season, and he has scored no goals and had no assists.
And here's the scouting report from his profile page:
| Assets |
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| Flaws |
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| Career Potential |
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Where do you see a guy like this fitting in the lineup? Is this a 4th-line "grit" player in the Halischuk mold? It would seem like the Preds are already well-stocked with such players, so we'll see if perhaps this is the prelude to another move.
0 recs | 117 comments
we finally got out top 6 forward!!!!!!!!!!!! wtf?!
Creeping Death - January 19, 2012
If they don’t make another move following this, it’s puzzling. They already have a stack of guys who fill this role, and a couple of guys in Milwaukee who can do the same?
CreedFeed - January 19, 2012
The Brandon Yip acquisition is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Preds. Yip was a big-time scorer at the NCAA level for Boston University and has shown the ability to score in spurts at the NHL level
-he had 11 goals in 32 games as a rookie in ’09-10. And there is a strong “familiarity factor” with Yip; he was teammates with Colin Wilson at BU and grew up playing hockey with Shea Weber in British Columbia youth hockey leagues. Yip and Weber have also played summer hockey together at various steps of their development.Beyond Colin Wilson, the Preds have a strong relationship with the BU program. Assistant GM Paul Fenton was a star at BU from ’78-82 and Chief Amateur Scout Jeff Kealty was a standout at BU in the ’90s. Both have close relationships with legendary coach Jack Parker, so not only does Yip appear to be a good on-ice fit for the Preds, but the organization has good idea of his abilities to fit into the locker room culture as well.
—Jay Levin, NashvillePredators.com
Predmonton - January 19, 2012
I agree; even though he has some physical issues, we had to spend little and we just may hit the big time with him because everyone plays better in Nasville! Yes! :)
amyinsparta - January 19, 2012
Sucks to BU
Go Huskies
Predneck - January 19, 2012
Which Huskies? Washington Huskies? Northeastern Huskies? UConn Huskies?
I applied to all three schools.
Aditya T (smashville) - January 19, 2012
Grew up in ct so GO UCONN!!!
Shadow23 - January 19, 2012 via iPhone app
Well
He has an Offensive upside and shoots the puck. He may do well in our system. Obviously DP is hoping that he will be the SK74 from last year. And as bad as I do not want to say it, he possibly could be. Wonder if we will see him tonight.
SinBinPred - January 19, 2012
He was brought in for the fans...
the fans of sesame street martians. I don’t know if they did this in Colorado, but it would be funny to here the Bridge “YipYipYipYip..YipYipYipYip”ing in unison after he makes a big play, and I wouldn’t be suprised if people started showing up dressed like these guys:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVrQ-NYIz54
Predmonton - January 19, 2012
We definitely did this in Colorado. Great meme. Unfortunately, it hadn’t been used much since his rookie season. I really do hope he gets back to his scoring ways…just not on March 8 or April 7, kay? Thanks.
Cheryl Bradley - January 19, 2012
Hahahaha!! Oh man, I hope that happens.
davisca - January 19, 2012 via Android app
sadly
When i saw us pick him up thats what came to mind first
Shadow23 - January 19, 2012 via iPhone app
Option 3:
Indifferent.
That’s what I voted for.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 19, 2012
Maybe SOB will be tucked away in Yip suitcase.
That’d make me happy :)
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 19, 2012
Have to be an awful big suitcase.
CAustin - January 19, 2012
Hunh.
Glad Smitty’s back, but dunno about Yip. What does he bring that Mueller doesn’t? (That’s an actual, non-snarky question. I don’t honestly know anything about this guy.)
CAustin - January 19, 2012
That's cause there's nothing to know.
Pekka for Predator Pontiff - January 19, 2012
Its all smoke and mirrors. Hey look over here while I pick Cal O’reilly up off waivers
Creeping Death - January 19, 2012
Wrong O’ player.
CAustin - January 19, 2012
Why, why, why?
GoPreds00 - January 19, 2012
Why?
Nothing wrong with picking up a guy like Yip, but exactly what does he bring to the team that we don’t already have? Honestly, don’t be surprised if this is the extent of what we do for help at forward before the deadline.
Suter should be signing soon after this pickup. :/
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
On the plus side, it raises the payroll somewhat.
CAustin - January 19, 2012
That makes me feel warm and fuzzy. :/
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
C’mon Grizzled, you gotta have faith. The ZP acquisition will happen any day now…
Griz-ATL - January 19, 2012
Yeah! I heard from a very reliable anonymous source that ZP definitely might possibly have a chance of coming to the Preds unless he gets traded to another team or resigns.
Stormyt - January 19, 2012
I do have faith……..faith that Poile will do nothing. :D
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
I see this as an attempt to show Weber and Suter that we are willing to get them help.
Notice I said attempt. He looks like he could he a solid 3rd or 4th line guy. He is cheap, and as someone already said, low risk high reward. Its going to be tough to find a top 6 forward without giving anything up, so I’m thinking this is a move by Poile to try to appease Webs and Sutes. Don’t think its going to do the trick, but we will see I guess.
Preds of State - January 19, 2012
Sigh. Why, indeed. We have loads of “Yips”. Does Bourque get sent down to make room for this guy?
ninab - January 19, 2012
there’s room. as i understand it there were only 21 players on the roster after Mueller got sent down yesterday.
CAustin - January 19, 2012
he has a little skill
Maybe he becomes the player Bergfors was supposed to be. It’d be nice to have another JP Dumont-type fourth liner around.
Sam Page - January 19, 2012 via iPhone app
He'll wear #18, same number as Bergfors
Bergfors 2: The Forsbergening?
DonBorvio - January 19, 2012
Cool, just need to take the name plates off. Good lord, we put the C in cheap.
Kidding. Sort of. I like the pickup. But it would be nice to shop at Macy’s instead of Ross all the time. Or even JC Penney.
el pucko - January 19, 2012
its more like the HEAP in cheap
scap heap……orrrr Poile needed Yip in order to trade our 10 other forwards that “have offensive upside”
jeffery101y - January 19, 2012
HAhahahahahahah!
cisar - January 19, 2012
Maybe we'll see less of McG now.
JBoogie22 - January 19, 2012
that's what i'm thinking
I’m thinking he’s an asset picked up to help out our fourth line now since HB has sadly found his way down there he needs a solid person to help him out and McG doesn’t cut it in the least bit. Yip seems like a good compliment to HB but i guess we’ll see
Herzausstein - January 19, 2012
Considering the Preds gave up nothing to get him
I’d say it’s a decent pick-up. And his contract is up at the end of this year, so even if he doesn’t work out it won’t matter in the long run.
And if you’re worried that we already have a lot of guys like this, we can now send some back to Milwaukee to likely get more playing time and get better for the future. There’s also the whole issue of X games played makes you no longer a rookie which would probably affect contract negotiations in some way.
Er.. I think I’m getting the point across I’m trying to make, anyway.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 19, 2012
Exactly…not having to trade a player is always a good thing. Hopefully Wilson can help get his motor running. Plus who knows, maybe Weber and Yip are good buddies? I am going to just go with the wait and see attitude on this.
Predmonton - January 19, 2012
I think that's a very fair point.
davisca - January 19, 2012 via Android app
besides
The Ads have been losing and need their scoring help back.
Only Fan In J.C. ? - January 19, 2012
Meh
ahall07 - January 19, 2012
The only thing that maybe makes sense...
is either this is a pre-cursor like Dirk said for something else, or maybe Poile is hedging his bets knowing that the Preds always get injured in this stretch run into the playoffs…added insurance.
Yip could be another Oshie if he worked his ass off…just sayin’
HardCorePredFan316 - January 19, 2012
yip was a healthy scratch a bit for the avs this year after coming off of injuries. I thought I had read that his off ice work ethic left a lot to be desired, but can’t find where that was…
beersam82 - January 19, 2012
Adrian Dater our beat reporter brought it up a few times but yes he couldnt seem to find that mojo or speed again after his rookie season. In his rookie tryout he was hitting everything and scoring goals, after that he sort of became a pylon gliding aimlessly across the ice
Cole D Hamilton - January 19, 2012
Oshie, now that would be a great acquisition!
predrock - January 19, 2012
Have fun with the eternal frustration that is Brandon Yip. Hope he fares better there then he did here. Good luck!
Cole D Hamilton - January 19, 2012
Can we have Shane O’Brien back? Please?
CAustin - January 19, 2012
Never we love him here. We will however trade SOB for Suter if you want…
Cole D Hamilton - January 19, 2012
Hold your breath
We will call you when we are ready.
Preds of State - January 19, 2012
See, the problem here is that we want them both…
davisca - January 19, 2012 via Android app
Since he played with Wilson, could they perhaps be hoping for some chemistry? If he’s put to use, that is.
emzee - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Off topic
Am I the only one tired of reading about the mancrush Cooper has on Springsteen? He’s about 25 years late to be a fanboy. It seems he tweets about him at least 3 times a week..
predrock - January 19, 2012
Hahaha…I know what your talking about.
Predmonton - January 19, 2012
My guess is
they just need another forward to have as a healthy scratch so they don’t have to call up Mueller or one of the other guys every time and risk losing there rookie status.
RemoWilliams84 - January 19, 2012
whether that scratch is him or Big Ern will depend on who we are playing that night.
RemoWilliams84 - January 19, 2012
or who is injured at any given time
Only Fan In J.C. ? - January 19, 2012
What's with those eyebrows?
predrock - January 19, 2012
arm & groin injuries?
anyone check his selection of “in room” movies?
Chas-E - January 19, 2012
Ladies......
davisca - January 19, 2012 via Android app
Maybe it has something to do with the rumored “lack of work ethic”. Maybe his work ethic is good, just not for hockey! :)
amyinsparta - January 19, 2012
Funny and inconsequential as it sounds...
I recognized his name, and while that doesn’t always mean anything, I think it’s better than some no-name. This doesn’t seem like a stupid move to me. He was basically free, has a lot of potential, and a hilarious name. What’s not to like? Hopefully he’ll be helpful and fit in, but if not then we can get rid of him. I think this’ll be good though, in the long run. At least I hope so. Barry seems to have a way of getting to stubborn players…
davisca - January 19, 2012 via Android app
Oops, mobile post fail.
davisca - January 19, 2012 via Android app
I may be the only one who thinks so,
but I think the Yip claim was very smart. I saw when the Avs waived him the other day and thought he could be a productive 3rd or 4th liner for us. He’s more of a gritty type player like Halischuk or Tootoo, but does show offensive skill in limited minutes. These kind of players seem to flourish in Trotz forechecking system. Of course this isn’t the top tier forward we’re all looking for, but it’s definitely an upgrade over playing rookies going into a playoff run.
Shawn Kehoe - January 19, 2012
He couldn’t beat out Chuck Kobasew or Cody McLeod for playing time.
Just saying.
His career year in goals was inflated due to a HISTORICALLY UNSUSTAINABLE SHOOTING PERCENTAGE.
Mike @ MHH - January 19, 2012
Trust us...
We know all about HISTORICALLY UNSUSTAINABLE SHOOTING PERCENTAGE…i.e. Sergei Kostitsyn..
HardCorePredFan316 - January 19, 2012
Only he sustains it! He’s hovering around 25% again!
DonBorvio - January 19, 2012
Yeah, I do think they’re going to try to Kostitsyn him.
CAustin - January 19, 2012
This sounds oddly painful.
HardCorePredFan316 - January 19, 2012
Heh heh heh
davisca - January 19, 2012
Wait, Yip’s gonna have to forecheck? Hmm, that might be a problem.
DiD - January 19, 2012
Why not?
I think that’s a better question than “why.” Cheap, low risk high reward, Boston U connection, a bit more depth if GMDP is pulling the trigger on something else. Fine with it. Welcome to the party, Brandon. The big one will have to wait, but I think we got better today.
el pucko - January 19, 2012
I like it.
Most people hit on the points why this is good: it doesn’t cost us anything, AHL players don’t have to be called up as much. Also, it’s one more player that can fill a whole if we trade a 3rd/4th liner as part of a package in the upcoming month or so.
DonBorvio - January 19, 2012
Not costing us anything
Is probably the biggest reason why this is a good pick up.
If we had traded for him, I wouldn’t be behind it so much, but since we got him for practically free it’s fine. If it’s a bust then no big deal, if it works out then that’s awesome.
Old Kentucky Shark - January 19, 2012
Yippee!!!
Let’s get back to winning tonight!
Creeping Death - January 19, 2012
I wonder if he’s related to Vern Yip, one of HGTV’s top designers and all around good guy? Vern is Asian of some sort, so I suppose the name is also. just thought I would throw in a bit of useless and likely unwanted information!
amyinsparta - January 19, 2012
I'm sure not all Asian Yips are related, but ya never know.
LuvthePreds - January 19, 2012
Oh, and question (hopefully this is a new post, and not a reply... stupid mobile).
Is Yip playing tonight?? I would assume so…
davisca - January 19, 2012 via Android app
No, he won't join the team in time
Dirk Hoag - January 19, 2012
boo
i like McG but he’s not really what the team needs we need someone with a little more offensive upside but can still be “Gritty”
Herzausstein - January 19, 2012
Well, Dex likes him, so mystery solved.
@dexshow
Mark Dekanich
@PredsOddManRush Yipper = #beauty and a good player
CAustin - January 19, 2012
Calling a player “beauty” = uncomfortable
HardCorePredFan316 - January 19, 2012
Do you mean it makes you uncomfortable or Dex is uncomfortable and can’t find anything else to say?
CAustin - January 19, 2012
I think it’s just Canadian for “good one.” Learned that watching Great White North.
el pucko - January 19, 2012
That’s what I took it to mean, but sometimes I’m slow on the uptake about these things.
CAustin - January 19, 2012
No slower than Roli’s glove. Actually, all kidding aside, I think the Bolts have a second half run in them. Wondering if we’re starting to see some of those signs now. SE Division up for grabs.
el pucko - January 19, 2012
They don’t. It’s over. (sob) They’d need to get 80% of the possible points left to have an outside chance at the playoffs. That’s not to say they couldn’t have a great run, but they would literally have to have a record-breaking run to make the postseason.
But I trust in the Jedi Master to build up into a team that will take over the world in a few years. In the meantime, go Panthers! (I couldn’t bear it for the Caps to win it all.)
CAustin - January 19, 2012
Bolts were doomed the moment they cut Andre Roy loose. :D
You can see how his AHL presence helped the Canes this season. :/
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Andre Roy? in 2004? They cut him loose and won the Cup. :P Now, Mathieu Roy, on the other hand…
CAustin - January 20, 2012
So many Roy’s, who can keep track of them all?! :D
Grizzledbear - January 20, 2012 via mobile
Dustin Penner
Why don’t we give him a look? He has a cap hit of 4.25 million and is a UFA after this season. LA has talked about dumping him. He has not fit well into their system. He scored 60+ points with Edmonton (a sorry team) before going to LA. He could be a beast here in Nashville! And we may be able to get him at a good price! Strike while you can DP! Give this guy a peek……because someone will.
SinBinPred - January 19, 2012
The Pancake Pantry could sponsor the trade.
CAustin - January 19, 2012
He has some hands on him, but his problem is generally work ethic. He could be a Getzlaf clone if he actually worked at it.
Predmonton - January 19, 2012
I liked him a lot more before he sucked in LA. It’s a cool thought, though — if we’re getting the guy the Kings thought they were getting.
el pucko - January 19, 2012
re:Penner
He is also a LW. Which we could use. He seems like the type of guy that could do well here. He has battled some injuries since being in LA. But he has 3 points in the last five games for them. I like him because he shoots the puck and has some Offensive talent. He could be the top 6 guy we have been looking for. He is 29 years old and probably in his prime!
SinBinPred - January 19, 2012
Penner is a slug.
Why on earth would anyone want a guy who has been nothing short of bad for two consecutive seasons? Aim for higher things my friends!
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Agreed, I don’t even know what it would take to motivate him at this point.
Predmonton - January 19, 2012
Even pancakes aren’t doing the trick for him. :D
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
I know he's stunk in LA
but if there’s the Penner who played in Edmonton rattling around in there somewhere, I believe Trotz can find him. And good lord would I love to have that dude on our team.
Shawn Kehoe - January 19, 2012
IMO, if’s are not what we should be looking to trade for.
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
ok, let me put it to you this way.
I believe there is the Penner of old still there. For whatever reason it hasn’t clicked for him in LA. It’s strange for a guy to go from a 20-30 goal scorer to a… well… an AHL type scorer. For someone who can probably regain his form, it’d be hard to pass him up for 3-4m a year. Again, this isn’t going to help us right now, but it would probably be a good offseason acquisition.
Shawn Kehoe - January 19, 2012
There is a long, long list of players who went from 30 goals to being fringe players the rest of their careers. Penner looks to be headed for that distinction.
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Still mulling this over and I still don’t like it. I don’t care that it basically cost us nothing. It feels like they made a move just to make a move and shut up the fans. Like this would pacify us.
The guy’s upsides are exactly the same upsides as a bunch of our other 3rd and 4th liners. And how does this make players like Geoffrion, Mueller, WIlson, Thang, etc. feel? He’s taking their possible spot in a lineup they all could very capably fill. I know it’s all part of the business but it’s not a move I like. Sorry to disagree.
ninab - January 19, 2012
Well said.
While it doesn’t hurt to pick the guy up, it really doesn’t help anything either.
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
These kids need to grab the bull by the horns while they’re up here. Good effort, a la Philstrom, isn’t going to cut it.
This is the big boy league and someone’s “feelings” hit the door when the million dollar paychecks come in. Those guys have been, and are on, the Darren Haydar/Jon Sim NHL track to success. Lets just hope they get an opportunity to carve out a niche on a lesser team like Peverly, Jones, and company have.
Shawn Kehoe - January 19, 2012
Yep-I totally get that. And agree. It’s a business, like I said. And if Yip scores within 1 to 2 games of getting in the lineup, I will eat my words because that’s the extent of the ‘shot’ they get when they are called up here. Other than Geoffrion, of course, who they showed amazing patience with.
ninab - January 20, 2012
Numbers
I posted this somewhere else too. DP is going to be a very busy man between now and next season. This is all of our UFA and RFA. I have a feeling that our team is going to look alot different next year. I think he will be starting now. But who does he move? Do we continue to rely on our youth? Yip is not a bad player. He may be just what we need. At that price, why not check him out? I like the changes that Florida made. Injuries have cost them a few games. But they are showing up like they didnt before. They did a major over haul. I am not saying thats what we need, but it looks like its coming. Too many to resign with the two big guys up top and Wilson and SK74 looking for money too.
Weber-RFA at 7.5 million
Suter-UFA at 3.5 million
Colin Wilson-RFA at 875,000 with a bonus of 850,000
Toots-UFA at 1.35 million
Lindback-RFA with a cap hit of 875,000 but is making 738,000
SK74-RFA at 2.5 million
Hillen-RFA at 650,000
Cube-RFA at 1.5 million
and now Yip-UFA at 750,000
SinBinPred - January 19, 2012
Funny thing about Florida is that they made those changes while kicking and screaming about having to spend up to the cap. Seemed to help a bit. The Panthers are not as good as people think, and they’re actually below .500 if you add the OT/SO losses to the L column. But that cliche about how you can’t throw money at problems? Sure you can. It’s how I deal with problems like mortgage, car payments and food.
el pucko - January 19, 2012
… having to spend up to the floor, I mean
el pucko - January 19, 2012
Fun Yip Fact..
,,i pulled off his rookie card.
“…appeared in 32 games for Colorado in 2009-10. He scored 11 goals, including 2-goal games against the Red WIngs(dec 31), Blue Jackets(feb2), and the Blues(feb 8).”
i think he’ll fit in just fine.
robjustice - January 19, 2012
Just add Chicago to those names, and I am sold :)
Predmonton - January 19, 2012
Where is Bergfors?
Yip is the sound you would expect from the Doghouse?
Only Fan In J.C. ? - January 19, 2012
Suter/Weber
Many have said the right answer which is there is no right answer. Both are great because of one another. They have been playing together for 4+ years now. I recall as many Id assume when Suter was awful…(not the point) but now they have been groomed and are the future of the Preds. Its rather simple. Make it happen or the ship will sink.
So to spell it our for those who arent quite with me., they need to lock up Suter and Weber. If its for 3 year rather than 5 or 7, thats better than the alternative, I think. And go get a top 6 (whatever that is). Ha. DP hopefully will understand that he made that mistake in Washington years ago, got away with it for a yearish with Weber (RFA fiasco almost/kinda)…Not again. Third time he is out and consequently, so are we as Preds fans.
I understand Suter is waiting and Weber is waiting on him and DP is waiting on both but also waiting for other teams to drop out of the race. We have to wait for a month because that is how its done I guess.
ajs3677 - January 19, 2012
On the positive conspiracy side of things.......
One theory as to why we picked up Yip is to take a contract off the Avs hands for the purpose of another deal in the making with the Avs. We kind of did this last season when shortly after we got Fisher from Ottawa we put Svatos on waivers. It seemed like an odd move at the time, but my bet is that Poile and Murray had a wink/nod agreement that if the Sens needed an NHL caliber player after all the trades they made (they shipped off almost half of their forwards), Poile would slide him Svatos on waivers.
Probably only a slim possibility that kind of arrangment could happen here, but you never know. Wouldn’t surprise me in the least if this is all Poile does before the deadline passes. Outside of Fisher, our last 4 or 5 deadline acquistions are names like Hlavac and Boyd.
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Also look back to how Ryan Jones got claimed.
Predmonton - January 19, 2012
Good point. Would rather we’d not made that deal for Grebeshkov though.
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
Why not include that player in the trade, if that’s part of the deal? Putting a guy through waivers opens up the risk that another team claims him.
Dirk Hoag - January 19, 2012
It’s a good question, but the examples between us and both the Sens and Oilers seem go beyond just being a coincidence. Considering that it’s unlikely any of the teams ahead of us in points would have claimed Yip, we may have done them a favor. Just a possible scenario.
Grizzledbear - January 19, 2012 via mobile
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