Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz isn't holding back this offseason. He's openly negotiating contracts with Juuse Saros and considering trade options if necessary. Trotz is also actively seeking impactful forwards for the team's top three lines.
The Predators are currently in a favorable position to contend for a win, but achieving this might require them to part with some of their young players or prospects in the process.
The Predators future plans with Juuse Saros
Trotz, in a discussion with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, shared insights about ongoing trade negotiations for Saros, stating, “Yeah, we’re talking to Juice and talking to his representative. I think they want to get something done. I would like to get something done. So we’re going to work toward that. I haven’t been in any hurry because I don’t think there’s any reason why I won’t get it done.”
The Nashville GM aims to reinforce the blue line post-Ryan McDonagh's trade to Tampa Bay. Unrestricted free agent Brett Pesce is a probable target for Nashville, but alternatives exist. Additionally, the Predators seek an offensive addition upfront.
“I'm going to look at all options (on the trade market). I thought we got really good production out of the bottom end of our roster last year. I'd like to continue to build the top nine so we can get multiple threats on every line,” said the Predators GM Trotz.
“You see that depth is everything in the playoffs. We relied heavily on one line last year, the Ryan O'Reilly line. They all had career years on that line. But I'm looking for more scoring. I'm looking at the trade market. I'm looking at free agency. And some options internally.”
Barry Trotz and the Nashville Predators in a unique position
The Predators find themselves in a unique situation with competitive strength, playoff potential, and ample cap space. This sets the stage for significant offseason moves, with the team poised to enhance its roster rather than maintaining the status quo or regressing.
With a significant $26 million in cap space, the Predators are poised to chase after prominent free agents like Jake Guentzel and Patrick Kane.
Nashville also has a group of promising prospects who are poised to make the jump to the NHL soon. However, with the risk of losing them on waivers if they're not moved, the Predators may need to make a trade this summer. Among the candidates are Philip Tomasino, Juuso Parssinen, and Egor Afanasyev, all drafted in 2019 and eligible for waivers this season.
The Nashville Predators, being a team beyond the rebuilding phase, cannot afford to promote all three prospects to full-time NHL roles simultaneously. It's too risky given the team's competitiveness and available cap space. They're more likely to prioritize experienced and impactful players to strengthen their roster.
Trotz seems determined to retain Saros, despite the emergence of top prospect Yaroslav Askarov, who is poised to join the NHL full-time next season. There's plenty of excitement brewing in Nashville, making this summer an intriguing one to watch.
The Predators this season
The Predators found themselves at the start of another extended offseason after being eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, falling to the Vancouver Canucks in six games.
The Canucks defeated the Predators 1-0 in Game 6 last week, earning themselves a spot in the Western Conference second round against the Edmonton Oilers denying Nashville a trip to the second round for the sixth consecutive season.
Follow Us
Subscribe