A preview of the Nashville Predators starts and ends with Subban, Subban, Subban.
Not everyone’s favorite player but what a sweet deal for the Predators.
Pekka Rinne will need a better season this year to help the Preds get over the next hump in their development – file photo by Lewis Bleiman
How did General Manager David Poile pull off this trade – really this was a steal in broad daylight in front of 50 witnesses!
Subban was traded for another top defenseman in the League, Shea Weber. But why might you ask did Nashville make this trade? Weber is 30 and is under contract for 10 more years. Subban is younger and in his prime. The statistics say Poile knew what he was doing.
Subban will be joining defensemen Roman Josi and Matthias Ekholm. Nashville looks to have a strong defensive bench.
The offense is young with Filip Forsberg as leading scorer last season. Ryan Johansen, who was a trade last season, is improving.
Goaltending is the one unstable area for the Predators. Pekka Rinne did not have the best of seasons last campaign and was so-so in the postseason. Rinne did play well in the World Cup of Hockey but was backstopping an undermanned and outmatched Team Finland in the tourney.
Back-up goalie, Carter Hutton played well last season but is now in St. Louis. Marek Mazanec seems to be the choice for the Predators. He is 25 and in his career has played in only 27 NHL games.
Overall: Getting to the second round in the playoffs last season should help this team in the 2016-2017 season. The trade for Subban makes this team better.
Subban’s puck-handling should help create more offense.
Goaltending for the upcoming season is a major question. I like their chances for a top spot in the Central Division and a place in the division playoffs. Are they Cup contenders – maybe next season.
Another View: ESPN insider Corey Pronman has released his annual look at the top prospect pools around the NHL (http://ow.ly/wphs303WSIa). The good news for the Predators is he has them ranked at No. 10 overall, and one of only six teams in the Western Conference in the Top 16 teams.
You must be logged in to post a comment.