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The Curious Case of David Legwand

February 4, 2014, 5:23 PM ET [14 Comments]
Paul McCann
Nashville Predators Blogger •Predators Radio Network • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The time has come to have this discussion as TSN’s Bob McKenzie talked trade deadline last night and the expected rumors have broken out about the Nashville Predators potentially trading their first ever draft pick, David Legwand. TSN has the Predators center at number 10 on their Trade Bait list and McKenzie said directly that the Predators are “shopping David Legwand hard.” David Poile can shop all he wants, however, the issue here is that Legwand has a full no movement clause in his contract so the decision on if/when/where he goes lies completely with the 33 year old veteran. So in order to answer some questions surrounding this situation, let’s look at the player.

David Legwand was drafted in the 1998 NHL Entry Darft 2nd overall, he is the Predators’ franchise leader in points, goals and games played. In 951 NHL games he has 210 goals, 355 assists, a career +20 and frankly, Legwand has always had a flair for the big moment from scoring the first overtime penalty shot winner in NHL history back in 2000 at Madison Square Garden to as recently as last Friday night’s dramatic last second game tying goal. Legwand is one of the best skaters in the game, he makes it look effortless, however he has never seemed to live up to the expectations that came with his lofty draft position. He is one of the more solid two-way centers in the league and provides stability up the middle with the defensive responsibility of his game. Offensively, besides his flair for the dramatic, he is notoriously streaky, coming up big at times and disappearing at others.

Should the Predators trade David Legwand? - Ok… there is not a clear yes or no answer to this question. The answer is… it depends. You will hear a lot of Predator fans complain about Legwand’s current contract (that expires at the end this season.) They say he was overpaid to stay in Nashville during the franchise’s “summer from hell.” I disagree with that assessment. $27 million over six years was market value at the time, if he would’ve hit UFA status, it is my belief that he would’ve gotten even more than what he got from Nashville on the open market. There is a segment of Predator fans that would like to see Legwand moved and have been screaming for it for years. There is also a less vocal segment (until now) that has seen the value of this player, understands that he is not the scoring machine that they expected from the player drafted right behind Vincent Lacavalier, but he does add value as the two-way center he is. So my answer to this question is… If the Predators want to resign Legwand and he is asking for a reasonable contract, then no… the Predators shouldn’t trade him… however, if Legwand is not part of the future plans of this team… then yes, David Poile should try and get some value for him. After the whole Suter fiasco from two summers ago, the one thing that I don’t believe David Poile should do is let him walk for nothing.

So… that question and answer leads to another one… Should the Predators re-sign David Legwand?

I can hear many fans screaming “HELL NO!” right now and … but let’s look at it a little less dispassionately. I will look at the case for and against re-signing the only original Predator left on the team.

The Case Against

Those against re-signing Legwand say that it’s time to move on and let the last vestige of the 1998 Predators go. David Legwand has never lived up to his potential in a Nashville Predators uniform and it’s time to give up the hope that he will. He seems to be stepping up his performance because it is a contract year, but will slide right back down after the contract is signed sealed and delivered. The pundits and posters who think that Legwand should not be re-signed say he gets out-muscled for the puck and gives up way too many turnovers. The last reason for not re-signing may be the most logical and reasonable one, he simply may be too expensive for a team already committed to over $53 million next season, and that is without re-signing RFA’s Michael Del Zotto, Ryan Ellis, Nick Spaling, Taylor Beck and Simon Moser.

The Case For

Those for re-signing Legwand say that talented veteran two-way centers are not readily available and Legwand is that. You can usually count on him for double digit goals per year… his best year being 06-07 with 27 goals, his lowest was 05-06 with 7 over 44 games in an injury-shortened season. You can always count on 20 - 35 assists per year as well. He plays a responsible game, is rarely caught out of position and is one of the best skaters in the game. A career plus player, his worst season in this statistic saw him finish at a -6. Legwand has been a consistent performer and there is no reason to believe his performance will degrade over the next few seasons. A fairly durable player, he has three seasons where he played every game and five more where he was over 70 games played.

Like I said… you can make a case for either.

The facts are this… David Legwand will command decent money if he hits free agency. And that is the big “if”… It is my belief that David wants to stay in Music City and retire as a Nashville Predator. I don’t believe there will be much of a “hometown discount” for Legwand to re-sign, but there may be a slight one and that may be the difference.

Personally… I think I think Legwand is the kind of player that will be better appreciated in the rear view mirror and I don’t want that… so I would make every effort to re-sign him to finish his career as a Nashville Predator. But… I’m not the one making that call… frankly, the situation we have here is different from the Ryan Suter mess, Suter didn't have a No Trade Clause. I can live with a decision not to move Legwand if the team is still in the hunt come trade deadline.

After all… as we all have learned all too well, if he gets to July 1 unsigned… well… consider him gone.

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Random Notes

- The Predators got some help last night as Detroit took down the Canucks in regulation, drawing even with Nashville in games played. Nashville will have a game-in-hand after Vancouver’s game tonight in Boston.

- Tonight is the annual GnashVegas Casino Gala benefitting the Predators Foundation at Bridgestone Arena. Tickets are available at the door.

- Save the date! SlapShot Radio is sponsoring a support event at Bridgestone Arena’s newest hot spot Tavern 96. Saturday, February 15th we will be gathering to cheer on Team USA as they take on Team Russia. Doors open at 6am and the puck drops at 6:30am… mark your calendars and come on out to join us!

- The final is set for the legendary Beanpot. The 62nd annual tournament final features Boston College and Northeastern battling it out next Monday night at TD Garden in Boston.

- Nine games tonight – 6pm starts – Canucks @ Bruins, Avalanche @ Rangers, Jets @ Hurricanes. 6:30pm starts – Flames @ Canadiens, Maple Leafs @ Panthers, Islanders @ Capitals. 7pm starts – Senators @ Blues, Lightning @ Wild. 8pm start – Stars @ Coyotes.

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