Predators Could Have Trader's Remorse with Ryan Johansen According to THN Writers

The Nashville Predators traded Ryan Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche, and THN writers think Nashville may have to watch while Johansen flourishes out west.

The Hockey News staff just completed their preseason predictions voting on everything from which team will hoist the Stanley Cup to who will will the Hart Trophy and which GM is on the hottest seat this season. One question the staff voted on was "Which player will benefit from a change of scenery?" Former Nashville Predator turned Colorado Avalanche Ryan Johansen tied for first with departing Avs forward Alex Newhook who landed with the Montreal Canadiens. 

One of Barry Trotz's most impressive moves as he took over the General Manager position was trading Ryan Johansen to the Avs. Johansen's $8 million contract was thought to be "immovable", and to get the deal done the Predators retained 50% of his salary for the next two seasons. It was a good fit for Colorado who was shopping for a second line center, and Nashville banked some extra cap space and created another roster opportunity for a young developing player.

But might the move haunt Nashville?

The Hockey News staff thinks the change of scenery may be just the ticket for Johansen to have a bounce back season after scoring 12 goals and 28 points in his 55 games last season in Nashville. Johansen suffered an injury on February 21 and missed the remainder of the season but is expected to be 100% as training camp kicks off. 

Johansen is walking into a golden opportunity to play top six minutes on a team that will likely battle Dallas at the top of the Central Division. After a disappointing first round loss to the Seattle Kraken in the playoffs, the Avalanche are determined to get back to a deep Cup run this postseason. Johansen and his likely line mates Valeri Nichuchkin and Jonathan Drouin could make an important contribution towards that goal. Drouin is hoping that his new tenure with the Avalanche and line mate Johansen can jump start s career that has struggled a bit since 2018-2019. 

While Johansen and Colorado could make a deep push for the postseason, Nashville may end up watching from the "murky middle" of the Division. The Predators will be focusing on filling the roster spot Johansen has left with perhaps young Cody Glass or veteran free agent signing Ryan O'Reilly while other Predators players battle for their opportunities for NHL minutes. 

Meanwhile Johansen, with Drouin and Nichushkin at his side, may give Nashville a bit of trade regret if he has the positive response to a change of scenery that The Hockey News staff expects. 

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