Nashville Predators and defenseman Jake Livingstone agree to entry-level contract

Collegiate standout defenseman Jake Livingstone joined the professional ranks on Wednesday, signing a one-year entry-level contract with the Nashville Predators.

The #Preds have signed defenseman Jake Livingstone to a one-year, entry-level contract for the 2022-23 season.@celerocommerce | #Predshttps://t.co/QDdhuuLCyn

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) March 29, 2023

During his three-year career with the Minnesota State Mavericks, Livingstone collected 21 goals and 80 points in 111 games. For his efforts in 2022-2023, Livingstone picked up the CCHA conference’s defenseman of the year award for the second-straight season.

“Livingstone has a good two-way hockey sense and a solid 6-foot-3 frame,” said Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff’s prospect analyst. “When he wants to, Livingstone can absolutely light you up with a punishing hit and he puts some significant power behind his shot”

The blueliner turns 24 next month and has a chance to make an immediate impact for the Predators. “[Because of his age] what you see from him is what you’re getting, but he should have a shot at being a full-time NHLer with Nashville,” Ellis said.

Minnesota State collected consecutive Mason Cup CCHA tournament championships and appeared in their first-ever NCAA title game during Livingstone’s tenure in Mankato, losing to Denver in 2022.

The signing of the prized college free agent continues a busy final season for GM David Poile, who is retiring at the end of the 2022-2023 campaign.

The only GM in the history of the Nashville franchise, Poile has done everything in his power to position the Predators to succeed under the guidance of his successor, longtime former Preds coach Barry Trotz.

Poile traded Mattias Ekholm, Mikael Granlund, and Tanner Jeannot to the Oilers, Penguins, and Lightning, respectively, for a war chest of draft assets that will reset the team’s future.

Despite their deadline firesale, the Predators remarkably find themselves in the thick of the Western Conference wild-card race; they are just 3 points behind the division-rival Winnipeg Jets for the final playoff berth with 2 games in hand.

Livingstone will try to contribute to a Nashville defense anchored by superstar captain Roman Josi and goaltender Juuse Saros next season.