The Predators appear to be set to dip their toes into the college free agent waters. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports (Twitter link) that Nashville is closing in on signing winger Lukas Craggs to an entry-level deal.
Craggs recently wrapped up his junior season with Bowling Green State University after they were eliminated in the first round of the NCAA tournament last week. His offensive numbers don’t jump off the table – he had 25 points in 35 games this season but he led the NCAA in penalty minutes with 118, surpassing the century mark for the second straight season.
Nashville wasn’t the only team going after Craggs as the Kings were also known to be interested. While he doesn’t profile as a big scorer at the professional level, he could fit in on an energy fourth line. As Craggs is 22, he will be capped at a two-year deal. It remains to be seen if the Predators will be willing to burn the first season of the contract now or if it will begin next season. If 2018-19 winds up being the first year of the deal, he will not be eligible to suit up for Nashville in the playoffs.