Gill may have been a Canadien before, but he's a Pred for the next two years. (Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

Free agent Hal Gill has re-signed with the Predators.

Yep, we get our veteran defenseman back! Gill signed a two year $4 million contract today, giving the Preds a much needed confidence boost in the defensive line.

Gill was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in February for his veteran status in playoff games. How did he gain this status? Through a NHL career that includes time spent with the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Canadiens.

But for the next two years of his career, Gill will remain a proud member of the Nashville Predators.

(Photo: Bridget Samuels/flickr)

In terms of a late Valentine’s Day gift, I’d say Harold Priestley “Hal” Gill III was a pretty good one for the Predators. Acquired from the Montreal Canadiens on February 17 of this year, Gill was viewed as a much needed boost to the Preds’ roster.

I know, I know. Why would you trade up to three draft picks for a D-man in his late thirties? Well, it might have something to do with the fact that Gill is six foot seven inches tall.

Or it might have something to do with the fact that he has played in over one hundred playoff games.

And of course you have to consider the fact that since being drafted by the Bruins Gill has spent not only eight years with Boston (plus years with the AHL) but time with the Maple Leafs, Penguins, and Canadiens. Throw in the fact that he hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2009 and any team could use experience like that in their own playoff run.

The Massachusetts native has represented the US at the IIHF World Championships several times and even played with the USA Olympic team in the 2006 Torino games.

With any luck, Gill will add on to his over one thousand games played and maybe even add his name a second time to the Stanley Cup.

Season stats:

Games played: 76 (23 with Preds)

Goals: 1 (0 with Preds)

Assists: 12 (5 with Preds)

Shots on goal: 49 (16 with Preds)

Penalty minutes: 37 (8 with Preds)