The Predators were set to sign free agent defenseman Francis Bouillon to a one-year deal, until they found out he's still rehabbing a groin injury, reports the Nashville Tennessean.
Bouillon, 33, had a one-year contract on the table, worth $750,000, but he'll have to prove he's healthy before signing it.
The Predators restructured their deal yesterday, agreeing to a professional tryout contract, which will allow the team to re-evaluate him before officially signing him.
"What I said to him today is that you make sure this is 100 percent," Predators GM David Poile told the Tennessean. "What we're trying to do here is look at the long run. So if it takes a week or two to make sure he's in shape and ready to go, then that's what we'll do."
Neither side plans on rushing the matter, as Bouillon will see some game action this week and the two sides will go from there.
"I can push pretty hard (while skating), but I always feel a little pinch there in the groin, so that's the main problem," Bouillon told the paper. "I guess I can do pretty much everything on the ice, but I haven't practiced with NHL players yet."
Files from:
Nashville Tennessean
[ From the Editor ]
The Predators aren't going to back away from the deal, unless Bouillon's groin is in shambles. It's a wait-and-see situation, and once Bouillon's cleared to play consistently, he'll sign his deal and the Predators will have a veteran in the back end. -- David Pagnotta
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