The Buffalo Sabres traded Paul Gaustad at the trading deadline to the Nashville Predators for a 1st round pick.  The Predators apparently wanted to make sure the investment they made in him returned. 

Kevin Wilson, Manager of the Predators' Hockey Communications, tweeted Saturday night that Nashville had re-signed the faceoff specialist to a 4-year, $13 million deal, averaging a $3.25 cap hit per season. 

Gaustad had 21 points in 70 games last season, and he had four points after his trade from the Sabres.  He scored a goal and two points in the playoffs for the Predators before being knocked out by the Phoenix Coyotes in the Conference Semifinals. 

Gaustad was set to become an unrestricted free agent tomorrow at noon, but this deal ensures that he will not be hitting the open market. 

Meanwhile, the Predators are set to allow star defensman Ryan Suter to hit the market at noon tomorrow.