While tied for 32nd in the NHL, the Predators' GM is already planning for the worst.
While tied for 32nd in the NHL, the Predators' GM is already planning for the worst.
The Nashville Predators had very high expectations to win the Stanley Cup within the next few seasons because of such a great free agency and off-season. With this poor start and not much signs of life or turning it around, general manager Barry Trotz has already had some major considerations about the future of the team.
Trotz spoke about the Predators' situation on the radio and said, "...if we don't get it going, then I'm going to start our rebuild plan." First off, this must be a new plan because there was no way that an off-season in which Nashville signed Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei, and re-signed Juuse Saros and Alexandre Carrier would lead to any thoughts the team was trying to do anything but win it all immediately.
There are a few things that Trotz said could mean. Saying that publicly so early in the season while the team is just three games under .500 may be a way to light a fire under the players.
It took some time last season for the Predators to learn Andrew Brunette's system and it eventually paid off when Nashville went on an impressive second-half run by getting points in 18 consecutive games.
There are much higher expectations for the Predators this season because of the additions, we saw what the team could do with a much weaker looking roster, and Brunette's system is known by most.
Trotz could also be serious as the window for the Predators to win isn't open for very long. They likely have 3-4 years, if that. Almost the entire core that includes Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, Ryan O'Reilly, Gustav Nyquist, Stamkos, Marchessault, and Skjei are all at least 30 years old. Everyone just mentioned except for Forsberg and Skjei are 33 years of age or older.
The core is on the back nine and before we really see signs of decline, the Predators had to make quick moves towards the Stanley Cup. Prospects are coming and some good young talent is on the team, but they aren't yet ready to become the core.
By the time they are, it will be too late for the veterans on the team and could be a challenging transition. It's not very easy to replace players of the caliber the Predators will eventually be losing since they are nearing the end of their careers.
If Trotz is serious, what could a rebuild look like? Of course any team wants to go through a fast and successful rebuild so that the cycle doesn't repeat itself sooner than necessary.
But most importantly, does that rebuild keep Forsberg and Saros on the team? They both recently signed lengthy contracts. Even though both are at the top of their game, it's a trade most easily completed in the off-season and not that easy to pull off.
The Predators have the prospects and assets to be able to maneuver a lot and get many different faces on the team. While Trotz has done some great work and made some very one-sided trades in favour of the Predators, it won't be an easy task.
Not too many teams are looking to make big deals this early in the season and the Predators could quickly go on a winning streak and get right back in the race. Don't expect anything just yet, but this is definitely a situation to monitor.
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