The first domino as far as retaining members of the 2016-17 Milwaukee Admirals has fallen. The Nashville Predators have signed defenseman Andrew O’Brien to a one-year, two-way contract that will keep him in the organization for the 2017-18 season.

Press Release via Nashville Predators:

Nashville, TN – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced Wednesday that the club has signed defenseman Andrew O’Brien to a one-year, two-way contract for 2017-18 worth $650,000 at the NHL level and $62,500 at the AHL level.

O’Brien, 24 (11/21/92), was acquired on Jan. 19, 2017, from Anaheim and appeared in 32 games with the Milwaukee Admirals in 2016-17, recording two goals and 10 points along with 36 penalty minutes. The Hamilton, Ontario, native also skated in 10 games for the San Diego Gulls last season, posting two assists.

A 6-foot-4, 208-pound blueliner, who was drafted in the fourth round (108th overall) of the 2012 Draft by Anaheim, O’Brien has appeared in 167 career AHL games and registered 40 points (12g-28a) and 216 penalty minutes.

O’Brien was acquired by the Predators from the team that they are now battling in the Western Conference Finals, the Anaheim Ducks, in exchange for Max Görtz. The move appeared to be one that swapped two prospects that simply needed a change of scenery. And that certainly turned into a positive for O’Brien who quickly adjusted to the Admirals and became a great locker room presence as well.

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