Steve Begin's NHL Return Was a Brief Cameo

Eleven year NHL veteran Steve Begin's return to the league with the Nashville Predators was something that he had been dreaming of since he was signed to a one year, two-way contract on October 21.

Since being drafted in the second round (40th overall) by the Flames in the 1996 Entry Draft, Begin had played 486 NHL games and had 100 points (52g-48a) and amassed 525 penalty minutes.

Last season, he played 77 games with Boston where he had 5 goals and 9 assists in a gritty role on a successful team. He also played 13 playoff games before the Bruins were ousted in the second round.

During the off season, Begin was caught in a numbers game where many older established veteran NHLers are starting to find themselves where some teams, like Boston, have no cap room, and other teams, like the Predators, spend money within a strict budget.

His best choice at the time was to go to Milwaukee, work hard, and wait to get the call, which finally came on Thursday. In two games with the Predators, he played 25 shifts, had two shots, and was a minus two in a fourth line role. He also had two penalties, one of which was a questionable boarding call that went the wrong way on Saturday.

After Saturday's game, Begin was excited to be back at the top level, "It feels pretty good. This one was a tough one but we won yesterday. It was a long road, but I'm glad that I'm here now. I plan to make the most out of it and do my best and try to stick around as long as I can."

As far as added pressure in trying to stick in the NHL after having not been in the minors since 2001, other than the lockout season, he said, "I've got to come here and play my game. There's no reason to put extra pressure on my shoulders. I'm here to do a job and I've got to do it the best I can. I've got things to work on. All I want to do is stay here and win."

After the game, Barry Trotz commented on Begin, "He comes as advertised. He's a very hard worker, a physical guy. He gives you what he has."

After a pause, Trotz added, " He a guy that has some value to an organization for sure. He's hard, he comes and competes and he's a real good pro."

Minutes after speaking with the player and the coach, Begin got the word from the Predators that he was headed back to the bus rides of the AHL in Milwaukee.

I can't imagine that Begin had the same twinkle in his eyes after getting the bad news that he did moments before when he was pleased with his return to the NHL. We wish him the best and hope to see him back in the league again.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Predators Recall Steve Begin from Milwaukee

Early in the season, the Nashville Predators signed NHL veteran Steve Begin as a depth move to have a versatile player with extensive NHL experience for later in the season when the troops were wearing thin.

That exact situation has presented itself and Begin has been recalled from Milwaukee. It appears that David Legwand's lower body injury will continue to linger for an extended period. Now, Patric Hornqvist has suffered a mystery upper body injury and it appears that he also will be out for a few games.

Begin is the perfect replacement as he can come in and slip into any line as needed and provide veteran leadership, stability, and grit to the young Predator lineup. He will not provide much offense but will help on the penalty kill and defensing top players from other teams.

In other news, Josh Cooper reports that Pekka Rinne will travel to New Jersey with the team this afternoon. It is unclear if Mark Dekanich will be returned to Milwaukee. Josh also reports that Cody Franson will miss Friday and Saturday's games due to the death of his grandmother.

Here is the full release from the Predators...

NASHVILLE PREDATORS RECALL FORWARD STEVE BEGIN

Nashville, Tenn. (December 16, 2010) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has recalled forward Steve Begin from Milwaukee (AHL).

Begin, 32 (6/14/78), signed with Nashville on Oct. 21, and has posted four points (3g-1a) in 21 games for the Admirals this season. The Trois-Rivieres, Que., native has played 486 career NHL games since 1997-98, posting 100 points (52g-48a) and 535 penalty minutes. He spent the 2009-10 season with the Boston Bruins, posting 14 points (5g-9a) and 53 penalty minutes while playing a career-high 77 games.

The 6-0, 192-pound center was a teammate of Predators forward J-P Dumont for three seasons (1996-98) with the QMJHL’s Val d’Or Foreurs, notching 117 points (44g-73a) and 520 penalty minutes in 157 games. The duo, along with Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo, helped Val d’Or win the 1998 President’s Trophy as QMJHL champions.

The Predators make a quick stop in the Garden State tomorrow night to take on the New Jersey Devils (6 p.m. CT, FOX Sports Tennessee, 102.9 FM The Buzz), but are back in Smashville tomorrow night (7 p.m. CT, 102.9 FM The Buzz), facing off against the Los Angeles Kings. In the spirit of the season, the Nashville Predators and the United States Marine Corps Reserve (USMC) are teaming up to host the second of two Toys for Tots toy drives at Saturday’s game. Attending fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys the main entrance where players’ and coaches’ family members will be on-hand to collect donations. At the doors, donors will receive an exclusive discount ticket voucher for a future game.

Tickets are still available for Saturday’s contest and may be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office, by calling (615) 770-PUCK (7825) or online via nashvillepredators.com.

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Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass

Predators Officially Announce Steve Begin Signing

In a story that broke yesterday, it has been confirmed that free agent center, Steve Begin cleared waivers this morning and the Predators have officially announced his signing and that he will be assigned to Milwaukee.

In a separate announcement, the OHL announced their participants in the Subway Super Series that will play a Russian squad next month in Canada. Predator prospects that were named include Ryan Ellis, Taylor Beck, and Michael Latta.

Here is the release on the Begin signing...


PREDATORS SIGN FORWARD STEVE BEGIN TO A ONE-YEAR, TWO-WAY CONTRACT

Nashville, Tenn. (October 21, 2010) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed free-agent forward Steve Begin (STEEV bey-ZHIN) to a one-year, two-way contract worth $550,000 on the NHL level and $105,000 on the AHL level. Begin cleared waivers on Thursday and will report to Milwaukee (AHL).

Begin, 32 (6/14/78), has played 486 career NHL games since 1997-98, posting 100 points (52g-48a) and 535 penalty minutes. The Trois-Rivieres, Que., native spent the 2009-10 season with the Boston Bruins, posting 14 points (5g-9a) and 53 penalty minutes while playing a career-high 77 games. Selected 40th overall (second round) by Calgary in the 1996 Entry Draft, Begin spent parts of six seasons with the Flames (1997-2003) before joining his home-province Montreal Canadiens from 2003 until a trade to the Dallas Stars (for defenseman Doug Janik) on Feb. 26, 2009.

The 6-0, 192-pound center was a teammate of Predators forward J-P Dumont for three seasons (1996-98) with the QMJHL’s Val d’Or Foreurs, notching 117 points (44g-73a) and 520 penalty minutes in 157 games. The duo, along with Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo, helped Val d’Or win the 1998 President’s Trophy as QMJHL champions.

More Later...

Buddy Oakes for PredsOnTheGlass