Paul McCann: Huge Win One - Much More Work to Do

I am really liking Beck's play. Would love to see him on a line with Wilson.

when marginal players like Ryan Clowe are drawing the kind of return that NY gave, I simply cannot see the Predators getting involved.
- pmccann

I can.... if they're selling. If teams are going to overpay for marginal talent then it's time to shed some dead weight on this team and get some draft picks. The Preds have way too many role players, not enough playmakers. While I don't necessarily want to go for a playmaker now, summertime will do, I would like to get some of the role players, and even some guys with decent production off the roster. For whatever reason this year's team feels like an expansion team to me. We've gone backwards with the player pickups we've had recently, and put them together for a highly forgettable roster.

"We added the best player we could find at the deadline in Colin Wilson's return"

"We added the best player we could find at the deadline in Colin Wilson's return"
- PoileRulezzzYo

I thought it was calling up Chris Mueller.

I can.... if they're selling. If teams are going to overpay for marginal talent then it's time to shed some dead weight on this team and get some draft picks. The Preds have way too many role players, not enough playmakers. While I don't necessarily want to go for a playmaker now, summertime will do, I would like to get some of the role players, and even some guys with decent production off the roster. For whatever reason this year's team feels like an expansion team to me. We've gone backwards with the player pickups we've had recently, and put them together for a highly forgettable roster.
- Predaceous

I agree. We have about 15 guys that are the same guy talent wise. well 15 may be high but think about it 13, 16, 17, 18, 19 & 24 are basically the same guy the problem is that we have some injuries that are giving most of these guys minutes. I guess if we were to get rid of some of the teens that we could call up Beck's linemates from Milwaukee for a few games.

I dont see DP doing anything of substance.

I agree. We have about 15 guys that are the same guy talent wise. well 15 may be high but think about it 13, 16, 17, 18, 19 & 24 are basically the same guy the problem is that we have some injuries that are giving most of these guys minutes. I guess if we were to get rid of some of the teens that we could call up Beck's linemates from Milwaukee for a few games.

I dont see DP doing anything of substance.
- im4preds

On that list, the guys I'd like to see go first are Clune and Yip, but Trotz loves them, and a lot of people (me included) jumped on the Clune bandwagon after the Dallas game. Maybe if he would just STOP FIGHTING or whatever that is that he calls fighting. #hugfest

Spaling, to me, can be a future replacement for Legwand. Mueller can replace Goose if that's the direction they want to go to save $$. Of all those players I think Halischuk has the most potential to really do something with his career, but it'll probably take getting away from Trotz for him to realize his full potential.

On that list, the guys I'd like to see go first are Clune and Yip, but Trotz loves them, and a lot of people (me included) jumped on the Clune bandwagon after the Dallas game. Maybe if he would just STOP FIGHTING or whatever that is that he calls fighting. #hugfest

Spaling, to me, can be a future replacement for Legwand. Mueller can replace Goose if that's the direction they want to go to save $$. Of all those players I think Halischuk has the most potential to really do something with his career, but it'll probably take getting away from Trotz for him to realize his full potential.
- Predaceous

At least Clune shows effort night in and night out. The last few games most of these guy's play like they they just want to get this season over with.
I said at the beginning of this shortened season that I felt coaching would really come into play. I think it has. While I really like Trotz, sometimes you need to make a change just for change sakes. I think we are at that point. With all the locker room talks and captain's meetings these guy's just don't seem like they want to play for this guy anymore.

At least Clune shows effort night in and night out. The last few games most of these guy's play like they they just want to get this season over with.I said at the beginning of this shortened season that I felt coaching would really come into play. I think it has. While I really like Trotz, sometimes you need to make a change just for change sakes. I think we are at that point. With all the locker room talks and captain's meetings these guy's just don't seem like they want to play for this guy anymore.
- wrister

1. Does Smith still play on this team?
2. Sometimes a system change yields positive results.

1. Does Smith still play on this team?
2. Sometimes a system change yields positive results.
- buelleo

According to Mark Howard this morning, PReds have signed Zach Budish so there you go folks, the Preds are finished

According to Mark Howard this morning, PReds have signed Zach Budish so there you go folks, the Preds are finished
- im4preds

Hannan gone.....

Goodbye Scott Hannan! We hardly knew ye...

Hannan was such a good free agent signing that he garnered a 6th/7th round pick in return. I suppose that's better than a bag of pucks.

Bluejackets just traded for Gaborik. At least they're going for it. I bet his contract is terrible though.

Hannan was such a good free agent signing that he garnered a 6th/7th round pick in return. I suppose that's better than a bag of pucks.

Bluejackets just traded for Gaborik. At least they're going for it. I bet his contract is terrible though.
- sigep predfan

Next year is his last year. 7.5 million...could be a bad one...but not if he put 30 in the net.

I don't think a shortened season is when you bail on Trotz and Poile, especially with the injuries we have sustained.

The fact we are even in the playoff discussion being down some of our key players is amazing in itself.

Goose needs to stay, too valuable especially when he goes 79% in the face off circle. That was huge last night. Top 3 in NHL...that is hard to find.

If you are going to move some people, Spaling, Smith, Halischuck, etc etc etc are all similar players. My move would be dump SK74. Talk about lazy on the ice...holy crap. Then again, who wants that salary.

Watson, Budish, Ekholm, and Hellberg are going to be great for nashville later on. If anyone is going to replace Gaustad, it is Watson, who is 6'3", 202. Budish will add some size to the team as well at 6'3, 223. Ekholm is a big defensman as well. He needs to gain some weight but he could be a very good pk defenseman just because of his size and I'd like to see him play with Ellis. As for Hellberg, he is playing very well in his first year with the Admirals with a .919 SV % and a 2.26 GAA. Mitch Corn could turn him into a star, although goalies are very hard to predict. All-in-all, we've got some great defensive forwards with offensive upside coming in and I think if we got rid of Legwand and brought in a scoring forward, getting rid of one or two of our many depth players, I believe we would be set for the future. We are a young team, other than Erat, Fisher, Legwand, and Gaustad, and we have a lot of potential. Bourque, Beck, and Wilson all show great upside for the future to bring to scoring to the press.

I would have taken Sully back for a 7th....

I don't think a shortened season is when you bail on Trotz and Poile, especially with the injuries we have sustained.

The fact we are even in the playoff discussion being down some of our key players is amazing in itself.

Goose needs to stay, too valuable especially when he goes 79% in the face off circle. That was huge last night. Top 3 in NHL...that is hard to find.

If you are going to move some people, Spaling, Smith, Halischuck, etc etc etc are all similar players. My move would be dump SK74. Talk about lazy on the ice...holy crap. Then again, who wants that salary.
- predJD

I don't think a shortened season is when you bail on Trotz and Poile, especially with the injuries we have sustained.

The fact we are even in the playoff discussion being down some of our key players is amazing in itself.

Goose needs to stay, too valuable especially when he goes 79% in the face off circle. That was huge last night. Top 3 in NHL...that is hard to find.

If you are going to move some people, Spaling, Smith, Halischuck, etc etc etc are all similar players. My move would be dump SK74. Talk about lazy on the ice...holy crap. Then again, who wants that salary.
- predJD

I get so tired of the injury excuses.That happens to everyone.
Does 14 years and getting past the 1st round of the playoffs once equate to sticking around?
If we are just trying to get to the playoffs then job accomplished and maybe ownership is happy with that.

I get so tired of the injury excuses.That happens to everyone.
Does 14 years and getting past the 1st round of the playoffs once equate to sticking around?
If we are just trying to get to the playoffs then job accomplished and maybe ownership is happy with that.
- wrister

The Predators have been to the 2nd round TWICE.

We played the Canucks in 2010-2011 (after beating the Ducks in round 1).
We played the Coyotes in 2011-2012 (after beating the Redwings in round 1).

I would have taken Sully back for a 7th....
- PoileRulezzzYo

THIS ^^^

In a heartbeat ... I think Sully would be awesome for the kids on the team and transition him right into the front office / coaching staff upon retirement.

Only issue is, Sully likely to play another year or so ...

I would have taken Sully back for a 7th....
- PoileRulezzzYo

Yeah...no sh!t.

Paul McCann: Huge Win One - Much More Work to Do
- pmccann

Did you guys get Forsberg out of Wsh?

Erat and Latta for Forsberg...confirmed!!!

No more Erat in gold. Erat and Latta to WSH for Filip Forsberg. What do you guys think?

Watson, Budish, Ekholm, and Hellberg are going to be great for nashville later on. If anyone is going to replace Gaustad, it is Watson, who is 6'3", 202. Budish will add some size to the team as well at 6'3, 223. Ekholm is a big defensman as well. He needs to gain some weight but he could be a very good pk defenseman just because of his size and I'd like to see him play with Ellis. As for Hellberg, he is playing very well in his first year with the Admirals with a .919 SV % and a 2.26 GAA. Mitch Corn could turn him into a star, although goalies are very hard to predict. All-in-all, we've got some great defensive forwards with offensive upside coming in and I think if we got rid of Legwand and brought in a scoring forward, getting rid of one or two of our many depth players, I believe we would be set for the future. We are a young team, other than Erat, Fisher, Legwand, and Gaustad, and we have a lot of potential. Bourque, Beck, and Wilson all show great upside for the future to bring to scoring to the press.
- Bryant44

Or we could give up Erat and one of our prospects and get Forsberg!!! So pumped. I hope he turns out. He has a lot of potential, both great and underwhelming.