Michael Del Zotto being shopped

[Excelsior]

Mike Halford, NBC Sports- Vancouver’s been the busiest team at this weekend’s NHL Entry Draft, but Nashville’s doing all it can to get in that conversation.

After making a big splash in acquiring James Neal and reportedly having a trade for Jason Spezza rejected, the Preds are now looking to trade Michael Del Zotto, per TVA.

Though curious, it’s not an incredibly surprising development. Del Zotto struggled after coming over from the Rangers midway through the year, sitting as a healthy scratch at one point after then-head coach Barry Trotz said the defenseman’s “game has slipped.”

[The Bottlenecker]

I think MDZ can also be spelled like this: REDDEN. Where did his game go? Now, i understand that Nashville has a glut of talent on the blueline, but besides Jones and Weber, I would have thought that MDZ would easily challenge Josi and Ellis for the third ranked dman there. But he simply hasn't. Maybe one more change of scenery is necessary; somewhere he is guaranteed to be #2 at least.

[Excelsior]

I thought it was a strange trade at the time. Why the Preds traded for him with their D depth. I've heard that he has lots of talent but doesn't know how to use it.
Someone may give him one more chance in a sheltered environment but you can't teach hockey IQ.

[havanablast21]

I think MDZ can also be spelled like this: REDDEN. Where did his game go? Now, i understand that Nashville has a glut of talent on the blueline, but besides Jones and Weber, I would have thought that MDZ would easily challenge Josi and Ellis for the third ranked dman there. But he simply hasn't. Maybe one more change of scenery is necessary; somewhere he is guaranteed to be #2 at least.

You hit the nail smack dab on the head man! He's younger...so presumably still time but me thinks the Rangers win that trade over anyone else to touch MDZ.

[Zorro]

MDZ is in trouble of going into obscurity..

[STONE.]

Cam Barker 2.0

[Zorro]

Cam Barker 2.0

I heard from people that played junior hockey with Cam Barker that he had a drinking problem.. I wonder if this had any effects on his career??

Not sure what's up with MDZ??

[MXHockey]

Would have to think he is on his last chance after he lands somewhere. Not sure what team makes the most sense for him at this point. Preds are going to have a tough time moving him unless they give him away.

[Axeman33]

I still think in the right sitauation he's a top 4 Dman. He still has room to grow but he has already proven capable as far as being a top 4 D and a PP specialist. I will be shocked if someone doesn't give him a shot simply based on his previous work and age.

[deantime419]

Islanders love reclamation projects.
Maybe Panthers?
Buffalo could use a PP QB too.

[Dobber]

Cam Barker 2.0

This is what I'm afraid of too. Or Jonathan Blum.

Apparently, the Preds won't even make him a qualifying offer. If they can't trade him, he may just be a UFA.

MDZ was a force his first two years, and in junior. The guy hit anything that moved, and his presence was always noticed. Baffling. But yeah, I think you can stick a fork in him. And trust me when I say - I hope I'm wrong.

[Magicstew]

Maybe VCR could be a destination for him to give him some opportunity. Could be a cheap option for canuckleheads.

[uofmehockey]

Truly interesting how much his value has dropped over time. No QO coming from Nashville, so yeah he could be Barker 2.0, but he's for sure reached the Blum 2.0 level.

[Grin]

Islanders love reclamation projects.

The Islanders wouldn't surprise me. Del Zotto played junior in Oshawa. The Islanders already have Generals alumni Cal Clutterbuck, John Tavares, and Calvin de Hann; and just drafted current General Michael Dal Colle.

[lucifer316]

Bob McKenzie ‏@TSNBobMcKenzie 2m NSH not qualifying Michael Del Zotto. Throw another log on the UFA fire.