Q and A: The Nashville Predators Offseason Plans
Today's mailbag includes questions about the veterans, the upcoming draft, and Mark Borowiecki's future with the Predators.
There are plenty of questions swirling around the Nashville Predators as the team begins a reset under incoming General Manager Barry Trotz and new head coach Andrew Brunette. Let's take a look at some of Nashville's burning questions when it comes to the Predators and what may be next for the franchise.
What does the "reset" mean for the veterans?
While I don't think Barry Trotz will use "Best available offer!" as his sales pitch with the vets, I do think you are on the right track with regards to some veterans on the roster. The reset will focus on the players who are going to be better in the next two years - and for some veterans that isn't the case.
Roman Josi, Matt Duchene, and Ryan McDonagh have either a no trade or no move clause. Josi is a defensive veteran who will be important for the younger roster, Duchene has made it clear he loves Nashville and doesn't want to play anywhere else, and it is doubtful McDonagh would waive his no trade clause again or that a team would want to take on the 34 year old's $6.7 million dollar contract.
The veterans I'd keep an eye on as far as trade pieces are Ryan Johansen, Tyson Barrie, Colton Sissons, and (shudder) Juuse Saros. It would take a "Tanner Jeannot on steroids" type deal to part with Saros, but there may be teams willing to make that kind of offer for the goaltender. The defense is a little lean when it comes to youth (although I liked what I saw in the brief eight games from Spencer Stastney), so Nashville may hang on to Barrie, and I don't know how many teams will be looking for the specific role Sissons fills. Barry Trotz threw down a gauntlet of sorts at the end of the season press conference with regards to Johansen.
"You know Joey's going to have to have his best summer," Trotz said. "The league is getting quicker. Joey's a skillful player. He's got lots of things to offer, but the game is getting quicker and he is not. That's not one of his strengths. Right now he's chasing the moving train a little bit."
If there is one player I wouldn't bet against when it comes to a surprise comeback, it's Ryan Johansen. While he is 30 years old and has to step up his game, he is a player who could shock everyone at training camp if his injury heals according to schedule and he puts in the work. If Trotz isn't convinced it will happen, Johansen and a little sweetener to make his contract more palatable could be gone next season.
The Predators will need some veteran experience on and off the ice as they navigate the next few seasons of a reset, but I'm sure Barry Trotz is taking every call that comes in when it comes to making trades.
Trading up in the draft?
Colin @bbruins1011 asks:
Do you think the Predators trade to move up in the 1st round of the NHL Entry Draft Wednesday June 28?
The 2024 draft is going to be exciting for the city of Nashville and for the Nashville Predators who have a whopping 13 picks. This is an interesting draft year with a generational talent in Connor Bedard and a handful of likely NHL ready franchise changing players. There is plenty of depth beyond that top tier as well. Because of this, I don't expect the Predators to trade up in the first round. There are plenty of high quality players further down the order, and because of the depth the Preds are likely content to pick at 15.
I think it's far more likely that Poile and Trotz use their draft capital and cap space to make a deal for a younger NHL player who could keep the window of this reset within a three(ish) year window. Short of convincing the Blackhawks, Ducks, or Blue Jackets to give up one of the top picks in the draft, I expect Nashville to sit tight.
Mark Borowiecki and his future?
Catherine @MegsDaughter24 asks:
Any word on Boro's role with the team?
Mark Borowiecki announced on Instagram after the regular season ended that his time as a professional hockey player had come to an end. The 33 year old defenseman missed most of last season after suffering a scary concussion. While Boro didn't return to play, he was active skating with the other injured players during their time of recovery as well.
Before Borowiecki made his announcement, David Poile was asked about Boro's future with the team.
"I'd really like to talk to him about that," Poile said of Boro being involved with the Nashville Predators. "He is a real mentor to the younger guys, He's really helped us this year especially down the stretch. Boro is certainly the guy that we're going to talk to regardless of his playing status after the season."
There is no word on further conversations between Borowiecki and the Predators as of yet. With three young children and a love for Ottawa, the beloved Predator may choose to enjoy his retirement instead of accepting a full time position. The franchise would be lucky to have him in a leadership role with the team, so we can keep hoping until we hear otherwise.