Paul McCann: What a Week It Was

RIP James Garner.

1 – Jokinen – Ribeiro – Neal
2 – Wilson – Roy – Smith
3 – Bourque – Jarnkrok – Stalberg/Forsberg
4 – Cullen – Gaustad – Nystrom

This is what I had in mind and here's why:

Ribeiro seems to be pretty much a lock to play with Neal as of right now. Neal is a natural right wing (like a lot of snipers and power forwards who play on their opposite side) and Jokinen will provide a little more of defensive capabilities to that line.

In the past, Roy was one of those guys who made players around him better and both Smith and Wilson are capable goal scorers. Wilson will need to step it up this season and playing with Smith, who he has had a lot of success with in the past, might help him do so. I also think that, because Wilson is just as much of a playmaker as he is a goal scorer, that playing with Roy (who can also score fairly well) and Smith could help him offensively.

Bourque and Jarnkrok seemed to have a lot of success playing together last season so it would make sense for them to play together again. Stalberg, who is known for his breakaway speed, will hopefully do well with this already fast line. The only problem I see with this line is that Jarnkrok would be much better with a player that can put the puck in the net. IF Forsberg is NHL ready and could replace Stalberg on this line, I think this line would be even more successful because Stalberg has shown he is not a great finisher.

The last line is kind of a "here's what's left" line but it will be a very good shutdown line for the Preds and one that can be relied on to be put in clutch situations and not make a lot of mistakes.

Roy has taken a serious pay cut--don't know if he's got bonus clauses. If he really is healthy, this could be a solid signing for you. I think Olie would be better in the middle. Will be interesting to see how the lines set up at the start of the season.

1 – Jokinen – Ribeiro – Neal
2 – Wilson – Roy – Smith
3 – Bourque – Jarnkrok – Stalberg/Forsberg
4 – Cullen – Gaustad – Nystrom

This is what I had in mind and here's why:

Ribeiro seems to be pretty much a lock to play with Neal as of right now. Neal is a natural right wing (like a lot of snipers and power forwards who play on their opposite side) and Jokinen will provide a little more of defensive capabilities to that line.

In the past, Roy was one of those guys who made players around him better and both Smith and Wilson are capable goal scorers. Wilson will need to step it up this season and playing with Smith, who he has had a lot of success with in the past, might help him do so. I also think that, because Wilson is just as much of a playmaker as he is a goal scorer, that playing with Roy (who can also score fairly well) and Smith could help him offensively.

Bourque and Jarnkrok seemed to have a lot of success playing together last season so it would make sense for them to play together again. Stalberg, who is known for his breakaway speed, will hopefully do well with this already fast line. The only problem I see with this line is that Jarnkrok would be much better with a player that can put the puck in the net. IF Forsberg is NHL ready and could replace Stalberg on this line, I think this line would be even more successful because Stalberg has shown he is not a great finisher.

The last line is kind of a "here's what's left" line but it will be a very good shutdown line for the Preds and one that can be relied on to be put in clutch situations and not make a lot of mistakes.
- Bryant44

So with these signings is it safe to assume the preds are going for the lottery pick this year? I mean all the signings are spare parts and piles of poop. They would have been better getting vinny for basically nothing and having a legit number 2 center and not these spare parts.

So with these signings is it safe to assume the preds are going for the lottery pick this year? I mean all the signings are spare parts and piles of poop. They would have been better getting vinny for basically nothing and having a legit number 2 center and not these spare parts.
- jmdodgeser4

- Predaceous[/

Perfect and only response that deserves.

I see zero reason why Bourque is on this roster come the regular season.

I see zero reason why Bourque is on this roster come the regular season.
- nikoli1206

Exactly! This is what I've been saying. I play Forsberg long before Bourque.

So with these signings is it safe to assume the preds are going for the lottery pick this year? I mean all the signings are spare parts and piles of poop. They would have been better getting vinny for basically nothing and having a legit number 2 center and not these spare parts.
- jmdodgeser4

Exactly! This is what I've been saying. I play Forsberg long before Bourque.
- LongTooth

Bourque and two pretty decent seasons before he slumped last season. I wouldn't play Forsberg over him unless Forsberg has absolutely no more development left to do in Milwaukee.

So with these signings is it safe to assume the preds are going for the lottery pick this year? I mean all the signings are spare parts and piles of poop. They would have been better getting vinny for basically nothing and having a legit number 2 center and not these spare parts.
- jmdodgeser4

Do you even watch hockey?

So with these signings is it safe to assume the preds are going for the lottery pick this year? I mean all the signings are spare parts and piles of poop. They would have been better getting vinny for basically nothing and having a legit number 2 center and not these spare parts.
- jmdodgeser4

Here is the thing:

No one in this fan base wants VL until 2018...especially for any large percentage of his contract. Would he be a better fit right now? Sure. Problem is the Preds are not a contender right now and he doesn't make them one. By the time the Preds start ramping up again, VL would be washed up.

I have no doubt at least one of these guys will most likely work out. But really...adding VL to this roster at his age and cost makes zero sense.

Here is the thing:

No one in this fan base wants VL until 2018...especially for any large percentage of his contract. Would he be a better fit right now? Sure. Problem is the Preds are not a contender right now and he doesn't make them one. By the time the Preds start ramping up again, VL would be washed up.

I have no doubt at least one of these guys will most likely work out. But really...adding VL to this roster at his age and cost makes zero sense.
- PoileRulezzzYo

Honestly I don't see how any of the Preds recent signings make any sense. Bringing in a slew of over the hill rentals on a team that clearly is not yet a contender anyway only impedes chances for the young up and comers like Forsberg, Jarnkrok, Salomaki, Sissons, and Aberg just to name a few, to get a crack at getting their careers jump started in the NHL.

Let these guys start getting some time with the big club.

Honestly I don't see how any of the Preds recent signings make any sense. Bringing in a slew of over the hill rentals on a team that clearly is not yet a contender anyway only impedes chances for the young up and comers like Forsberg, Jarnkrok, Salomaki, Sissons, and Aberg just to name a few, to get a crack at getting their careers jump started in the NHL.

Let these guys start getting some time with the big club.
- MnGump

Wrong, it gives them time to continue developing. Forsberg is only 19. What's the rush? Same with the others you mentioned with the exception of Jarnkrok who I expect to be on the Preds roster opening day.

What Poile did was create incentive for these players to do really well and earn their next contract, whoever that may be from. The youngsters will get their time on the roster. Injuries will happen. And if these new guys truly aren't worth the one year contract Poile gave them then the youngsters will be up sooner rather than later. At that point it's not a big deal because the team hasn't committed to anyone past this season. It's strictly a transition move, and brilliant by Poile.

Wrong, it gives them time to continue developing. Forsberg is only 19. What's the rush? Same with the others you mentioned with the exception of Jarnkrok who I expect to be on the Preds roster opening day.

What Poile did was create incentive for these players to do really well and earn their next contract, whoever that may be from. The youngsters will get their time on the roster. Injuries will happen. And if these new guys truly aren't worth the one year contract Poile gave them then the youngsters will be up sooner rather than later. At that point it's not a big deal because the team hasn't committed to anyone past this season. It's strictly a transition move, and brilliant by Poile.
- Predaceous

Meh, I guess you're entitled to your homer-esque opinion, but for all intents and purposes, these moves by Poile are more based on a lack of options more than anything and probably shouldn't be equated to being "brilliant" by any stretch of the imagination.

Meh, I guess you're entitled to your homer-esque opinion, but for all intents and purposes, these moves by Poile are more based on a lack of options more than anything and probably shouldn't be equated to being "brilliant" by any stretch of the imagination.
- MnGump

I am trying to respond to this without being rude, but I feel like you have no clue what you are talking about. These guys obviously don't make the Preds cup contenders. And if you think DP thinks he just made this team a cup contender, you are not very smart. What he did was risk almost nothing on a few guys who can play while the young prospects (Forsberg is 19 and weighs like 170 lbs) time to mature and develop so they aren't just thrown in the NHL on a first line with a ton of pressure. Not only that but these centers (if they play decent) become asset getters at the trade deadline. This is a build for the future (which doesn't even involve these players) not for a chance to win the cup this season.

Meh, I guess you're entitled to your homer-esque opinion, but for all intents and purposes, these moves by Poile are more based on a lack of options more than anything and probably shouldn't be equated to being "brilliant" by any stretch of the imagination.
- MnGump

"Homer-esque" I guess we are since most of us that comment are predators fans. And believe me, we also rant against them when they do something we disapprove of. I think Poile made great moves. As mentioned previously, I truly believe a couple of these vets will do well with a change of scenery. It also provides competition and depth which are two things we haven't had in awhile. It also provides trade bait at the trading deadline if playoffs are not in the picture. And last...marketing. Needed to do something to get fans back in the building.

I am trying to respond to this without being rude, but I feel like you have no clue what you are talking about. These guys obviously don't make the Preds cup contenders. And if you think DP thinks he just made this team a cup contender, you are not very smart. What he did was risk almost nothing on a few guys who can play while the young prospects (Forsberg is 19 and weighs like 170 lbs) time to mature and develop so they aren't just thrown in the NHL on a first line with a ton of pressure. Not only that but these centers (if they play decent) become asset getters at the trade deadline. This is a build for the future (which doesn't even involve these players) not for a chance to win the cup this season.
- jl639s

Just curious as to how long this "build for the future" is going to last, because these signings by Poile are certainly not precedent setting moves. In fact, they're right in line with what Poile seems to do every off season, and that is adding veteran players that are at or near the end of the their productive careers.
Just sayin, Nashvilles prospect pool isnt' exactly stacked with future HOF'rs, so although this build for the future mentality is plausible, at some point he has to start bringing in more meaningful and longer term veteran players.

Obviously no one looking at this roster and these latest moves is predicting cup contention, although I give just about any team a chip, chair and and chance, especially with a new coach and a new system.

I don't necessarily think the moves are bad by any means, I just don't think they're very meaningful, nor do they really positively impact the future of the Preds.

I just don't think biding time by signing over the hill rentals and essentially waiting for your prospects to mature enough to get involved while you have arguably the best d-man in the game wasting away his prime years is a very good business model. But, that's just my opinion, so I'm not saying I'm right or wrong.

Honestly I don't see how any of the Preds recent signings make any sense. Bringing in a slew of over the hill rentals on a team that clearly is not yet a contender anyway only impedes chances for the young up and comers like Forsberg, Jarnkrok, Salomaki, Sissons, and Aberg just to name a few, to get a crack at getting their careers jump started in the NHL.

Let these guys start getting some time with the big club.
- MnGump

Throwing players into the NHL causes many developmental issues. You can look at many recent examples why this is not a good idea (see Buffalo).

Those young players most likely will get time in the NHL this year...but thrusting these guys into situations they are not ready for will only stunt growth.

I am not a huge Poile fan...but these moves were WAY better than going out and getting VL.

Throwing players into the NHL causes many developmental issues. You can look at many recent examples why this is not a good idea (see Buffalo).

Those young players most likely will get time in the NHL this year...but thrusting these guys into situations they are not ready for will only stunt growth.

I am not a huge Poile fan...but these moves were WAY better than going out and getting VL.
- PoileRulezzzYo

Don't misunderstand, I'm all for the proper development of young prospects, but at the same time, Poile had no issues throwing Jones right into the fire. But that is really neither here nor there, my main observation is that like it or not, Nashville does have a few young prospects that are very close to if not ready to getting their shot in the NHL and stacking the offense with a handful of aging veterans that on the surface do not appear to be part of the future success of the Preds organization could hinder those younger players from getting their shot THIS season and getting adapted to the NHL game THIS season.

As far as VL goes, I can't disagree with that sentiment.

Honestly I don't see how any of the Preds recent signings make any sense. Bringing in a slew of over the hill rentals on a team that clearly is not yet a contender anyway only impedes chances for the young up and comers like Forsberg, Jarnkrok, Salomaki, Sissons, and Aberg just to name a few, to get a crack at getting their careers jump started in the NHL.

Let these guys start getting some time with the big club.
- MnGump

I think the signings are just more to fill holes than anything else. At the end of the season, as of right now, I expect Roy and Fisher to walk and Ribeiro to stay (as he has said he intended to live in Nashville once he retires.) Poile has stated several times that he wants to go after a true number one center so signing these centers to low-cost one-year contracts gives the Predators a lot of room to maneuver, should the center that fits the description they are looking for becomes available.

As far as rookies go, I think Laviolette is going to have a lot to do with their playing time. I could feasibly see him pressuring Poile to trade one of the more veteran forwards to make room for a Forsberg or Sissons to jump up to the NHL; assuming they would be more, or even just as, effective in their positions.

I think the signings are just more to fill holes than anything else. At the end of the season, as of right now, I expect Roy and Fisher to walk and Ribeiro to stay (as he has said he intended to live in Nashville once he retires.) Poile has stated several times that he wants to go after a true number one center so signing these centers to low-cost one-year contracts gives the Predators a lot of room to maneuver, should the center that fits the description they are looking for becomes available.

As far as rookies go, I think Laviolette is going to have a lot to do with their playing time. I could feasibly see him pressuring Poile to trade one of the more veteran forwards to make room for a Forsberg or Sissons to jump up to the NHL; assuming they would be more, or even just as, effective in their positions.
- Bryant44

Yep, pretty good take, but as far as the tradeablitly of any of the new signees?... I don't know exactly how much interest is going to be garnered by guys like Roy or Joikinen. There's a reason those guys signed one year deals. Either way, I think room should have been made for Forsberg, Sissons and Jarnkrok before these guys were considered. Well at least a couple of them...

Yep, pretty good take, but as far as the tradeablitly of any of the new signees?... I don't know exactly how much interest is going to be garnered by guys like Roy or Joikinen. There's a reason those guys signed one year deals. Either way, I think room should have been made for Forsberg, Sissons and Jarnkrok before these guys were considered. Well at least a couple of them...
- MnGump

Bringing in experienced vets gives the Preds a better chance of returning to the playoffs than bringing up Forsberg, and Sissons. Jarnkrok probably makes the roster anyway. Poile doesn't have the luxury of having three bad seasons in a row. If the Preds don't make the playoffs this season he's likely gone.

Also, these moves have bumped up season ticket sales. That's huge in this market.

Given all he was up against (free agent targets signing for less to play near home, Spezza nixing a trade here) the moves Poile made to put together a competitive roster for minimal dollars thereby creating a low rist/high reward situation was BRILLIANT!!!!

Bringing in experienced vets gives the Preds a better chance of returning to the playoffs than bringing up Forsberg, and Sissons. Jarnkrok probably makes the roster anyway. Poile doesn't have the luxury of having three bad seasons in a row. If the Preds don't make the playoffs this season he's likely gone.

Also, these moves have bumped up season ticket sales. That's huge in this market.

Given all he was up against (free agent targets signing for less to play near home, Spezza nixing a trade here) the moves Poile made to put together a competitive roster for minimal dollars thereby creating a low rist/high reward situation was BRILLIANT!!!!
- Predaceous

I think the single biggest thing is that it creates competition for roster spots. If the kids are going to play they're going to have to earn it, not be pencilled in from the get go.