Nashville GM David Poile thinks that Paul Gaustad will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Poile dealt for Gaustad at the trade deadline, giving the Sabres a first round pick with Buffalo adding a fourth rounder to seal the deal. The Predators will still try and sign Gaustad before the deadline. "It would appear he's going to free agency, but I'm holding out hope he might change his mind," Poile said. "The discussions have been very positive about Nashville and where he fits in and his role and his comfort here." Stay tuned.

Paul Gaustad and the Nashville Predators are working toward getting a new contract done. "We have spoken with the team. Both parties are interested and looking at options for the future," said Gaustad's agent, Michael Gorman. "I know that Nashville is interested in keeping Paul and Paul definitely enjoyed his time in Nashville, so it's our intention to see if we can get something done, and there's still plenty of time for that." If something can't be worked out then the towering center will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

While the Predators want to bring back Paul Gaustad, it's unclear whether they'll meet his demands. Nashville gave up a first-round pick for Gaustad at the trading deadline. He continues to be a faceoff wizard, winning 58.8 percent of them with the club, but his offensive upside is limited and he averaged 11:36 in the postseason, after a 13:31 mark in 14 games in the regular season. Gaustad is coming off a four-year deal with a cap hit of $2.3 million, and the Preds will have to determine if they want to pay around that much for a bottom-six forward who is among the best faceoff men in the game.

Paul Gaustad is eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer. The Predators gave up a first-round pick for him at the trade deadline, so they'll probably make a pitch to retain his services but he'll likely have to come at a cheaper rate after his previous cap hit was set at $2.3 million. Gaustad is a strong faceoff man, who can chip in some offense and physicality to a team's bottom-six forward group.

Paul Gaustad was given the day off practice on Thursday. Coach Barry Trotz gave the forward the day off, along with Hal Gill. "They're both penalty killers so like most penalty killers they get hit with shots," Trotz said. Look for Gaustad to be in the lineup for Game 4 Friday.

Two of the 'newest' Predators, Paul Guastad and Andrei Kostitsyn, have adjusted to the team's system after coming over in trade-deadline moves. Kostitsyn had 12 points in 19 games, while Gaustad won 58.8 percent of his faceoffs during the regular season. They each had two points in the first-round series. Kostitsyn's versaitility has allowed him to play all over the lineup, while Gaustad has provided energy and key faceoff wins. "[Gaustad] brings a different element to the game, especially with his faceoffs. We use him in every situation down the stretch," forward Brandon Yip said. "Especially when it's crunch time, he's winning those draws, so he has been a great help and a great guy to play with. He's a veteran player and he knows a lot about where to be, and he helps me out. He's good to have on your line."

Paul Gaustad (upper body) will play in Saturday's game. Gaustad was sidelined for four straight contests. He has 20 points and 72 penalty minutes in 62 games with the Buffalo Sabres and Nashville Predators.

Paul Gaustad won't play Thursday and is targeting Saturday's contest versus Winnipeg for his return from an upper-body injury. He has missed three games already with what is believed to be a hand/wrist ailment. "We made the decision to make sure everything was 100 percent," Gaustad said Thursday. "I'm looking at Saturday. I would like to help out right now. But long term going toward the playoffs it would be the best decision to stay off the ice tonight."

Paul Gaustad (wrist) is projected to be a game-time decision on Thursday. The Nashville Predators acquired Gaustad and a fourth rounder from the Buffalo Sabres on Feb. 27 in exchange for a first round pick. Gaustad has three assists in six games since coming to Nashville, but he hasn't played since March 15.

It does not appear that Paul Gaustad (hand) will play in the Predators games this weekend. He will miss Saturday's game against the Kings and Sunday's contest against the Ducks while he recovers from a hand injury sustained in Thursday's game against the Sharks. The Preds are hoping Gaustad will be able to dress for games next week.