Paul McCann: Wrap Up Day - Part 1

Paul, no love for a healthy Kevin Klein returning to face Trotz?

I'm rooting for Trotz & Washington now that the Preds are eliminated, but I think the Rangers are a superior team. It's going to be a tough challenge for Washington to win in that series. I will admit, watching Ward play last night made me wish the Preds had him for the Hawks series to create traffic in front of Darling & Crawford. Ugh.

As for the Preds' offseason moves, I'd like to see:

Fisher: Re-sign (2-3 years @ $2.5M per year)
Ribeiro: Re-sign (2 years @ $3-4M per year, but don't go crazy)
Wilson: Re-sign (4 years @ $4M per year)
Smith: Re-sign (4 years @ $4M per year)
Jarnkrok: Re-sign (2 years @ $2M per year)
Beck: Re-sign (2 years @ $2M per year)

If Cullen & Volchenkov are cheap, there is room to sign them.
Let Santorelli, Franson & Borque walk.

I don't necessarily want to see it happen, but if Smith or Wilson got some kind of crazy offer (like $5M plus), it might be better for the Preds to let them walk & get the good draft picks coming back. Fiala should be ready next year & it would free up some cap space to try and find a big top-6 center in free agency.

Re-sign Franson 6 mil x 5 years.

I'm rooting for Trotz & Washington now that the Preds are eliminated, but I think the Rangers are a superior team. It's going to be a tough challenge for Washington to win in that series. I will admit, watching Ward play last night made me wish the Preds had him for the Hawks series to create traffic in front of Darling & Crawford. Ugh.

As for the Preds' offseason moves, I'd like to see:

Fisher: Re-sign (2-3 years @ $2.5M per year)
Ribeiro: Re-sign (2 years @ $3-4M per year, but don't go crazy)
Wilson: Re-sign (4 years @ $4M per year)
Smith: Re-sign (4 years @ $4M per year)
Jarnkrok: Re-sign (2 years @ $2M per year)
Beck: Re-sign (2 years @ $2M per year)

If Cullen & Volchenkov are cheap, there is room to sign them.
Let Santorelli, Franson & Borque walk.

I don't necessarily want to see it happen, but if Smith or Wilson got some kind of crazy offer (like $5M plus), it might be better for the Preds to let them walk & get the good draft picks coming back. Fiala should be ready next year & it would free up some cap space to try and find a big top-6 center in free agency.
- holycow_75

Why do you say let borque walk? Does he have any offensive upside or will he primarily be a bottom 6 role player his whole career? Just watching him play, I thought he showed some good signs of offensive upside, he passes decently, I think if he shot the puck more, we would see him on the stat sheet more often. Just curious.

I'm rooting for Trotz & Washington now that the Preds are eliminated, but I think the Rangers are a superior team. It's going to be a tough challenge for Washington to win in that series. I will admit, watching Ward play last night made me wish the Preds had him for the Hawks series to create traffic in front of Darling & Crawford. Ugh.

As for the Preds' offseason moves, I'd like to see:

Fisher: Re-sign (2-3 years @ $2.5M per year)
Ribeiro: Re-sign (2 years @ $3-4M per year, but don't go crazy)
Wilson: Re-sign (4 years @ $4M per year)
Smith: Re-sign (4 years @ $4M per year)
Jarnkrok: Re-sign (2 years @ $2M per year)
Beck: Re-sign (2 years @ $2M per year)

If Cullen & Volchenkov are cheap, there is room to sign them.
Let Santorelli, Franson & Borque walk.

I don't necessarily want to see it happen, but if Smith or Wilson got some kind of crazy offer (like $5M plus), it might be better for the Preds to let them walk & get the good draft picks coming back. Fiala should be ready next year & it would free up some cap space to try and find a big top-6 center in free agency.
- holycow_75

Also who would you target in FA this upcoming offseason for a center? None really strike me as #1c material. Maybe soderberg?

Also who would you target in FA this upcoming offseason for a center? None really strike me as #1c material. Maybe soderberg?
- benjichronic

Not a lot of UFA top-6 talent available, but I'm thinking along the lines of a trade at the draft using some of the compensatory picks if Wilson or Smith were signed by another team. If, for example, Smith signed an offer sheet & the Preds got a couple of high draft picks, they could package the picks with another player & get a top-6 guy from a team that needs the picks. Edmonton needs D, so maybe a couple of picks plus Eckholm gets you a top-6 guy. (Not that I'm crazy about losing Eckholm, but you have to give up something to get something).

As for Borque - I think Beck's game has more offensive upside & they play a similar role on the 4th line. I like Borque. I'm not opposed to keeping him, but he's a small guy & something about me likes a Nystrom/Gaustad/Beck 4th line better than one with Borque on it.

The only free agents I care about are Fisher and Ribeiro. Smith and Wilson should be brought back of course. The rest are expendable. They can be replaced.

Edmonton wants a defenseman. We need a top line center. You have to give up something to get something. So, trade Josi for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Imagine RNH, Ribs, Fish, and Goose up the middle with wingers like Forsberg, Wilson, Smith, Neal, Fiala, Jarny, Arvidson, and Nystrom.

The only free agents I care about are Fisher and Ribeiro. Smith and Wilson should be brought back of course. The rest are expendable. They can be replaced.

Edmonton wants a defenseman. We need a top line center. You have to give up something to get something. So, trade Josi for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Imagine RNH, Ribs, Fish, and Goose up the middle with wingers like Forsberg, Wilson, Smith, Neal, Fiala, Jarny, Arvidson, and Nystrom.
- TerryB

I've asked this before too... don't think I've ever gotten a straight answer. Why not try conditioning one of smith or Wilson (assuming they get resigned in Nashville) to be the future 1c? They've both got the tools... both can pass, both can play down low, in the slot, on the half boards, both play responsible defense, both are relatively bigger in size, and both have good speed. they were both drafted as centers right? Didn't smith play center as recently as last year??

Paul McCann: Wrap Up Day - Part 1
- pmccann

I have to respectfully disagree. I don't think the Committed Indian has been funny for a while.

I've asked this before too... don't think I've ever gotten a straight answer. Why not try conditioning one of smith or Wilson (assuming they get resigned in Nashville) to be the future 1c? They've both got the tools... both can pass, both can play down low, in the slot, on the half boards, both play responsible defense, both are relatively bigger in size, and both have good speed. they were both drafted as centers right? Didn't smith play center as recently as last year??
- benjichronic

I'm in agreement with you in regards to Wilson, but Smith is better on the wing. However, much of it depends on the resigning of Ribeiro and Fiala. We could potentially go with:

Forsberg/Wilson/Neal
Fiala/Fisher/Smith

as our top two lines, but that's putting a lot of faith in another rookie in your top six, and it limits our depth a little bit. I'd rather keep Ribs as #1. Overall, Neal/Ribs/Forsberg and Wilson/Fisher/Smith are only going to improve. It's not like they weren't effective in the reg and post season. We got hurt more by our third line all year. I'd actually like to see how effective Fiala/Jarny/Stalberg could be. We know those two wings have sped to burn. If Stalberg could at very least maintain his somewhat physical improvement in his game and Jarny continues to get stronger, Fiala will add scoring. A somewhat dangerous third will do wonders for our top two. As far as Bourque, he's not going to bring anything. Beck is bigger and better in front of the net, and I think he's a great locker room guy. He's appears to be really good friends with our core of kids. If Cullen wants to stay, he's a good guy to have around. The trade acquisitions, Volchenkov, Bourque, and Hutton should walk away.

I'm in agreement with you in regards to Wilson, but Smith is better on the wing. However, much of it depends on the resigning of Ribeiro and Fiala. We could potentially go with:

Forsberg/Wilson/Neal
Fiala/Fisher/Smith

as our top two lines, but that's putting a lot of faith in another rookie in your top six, and it limits our depth a little bit. I'd rather keep Ribs as #1. Overall, Neal/Ribs/Forsberg and Wilson/Fisher/Smith are only going to improve. It's not like they weren't effective in the reg and post season. We got hurt more by our third line all year. I'd actually like to see how effective Fiala/Jarny/Stalberg could be. We know those two wings have sped to burn. If Stalberg could at very least maintain his somewhat physical improvement in his game and Jarny continues to get stronger, Fiala will add scoring. A somewhat dangerous third will do wonders for our top two. As far as Bourque, he's not going to bring anything. Beck is bigger and better in front of the net, and I think he's a great locker room guy. He's appears to be really good friends with our core of kids. If Cullen wants to stay, he's a good guy to have around. The trade acquisitions, Volchenkov, Bourque, and Hutton should walk away.
- Vegas Trotzkies

I don't disagree with keeping ribs as 1c. For now though, and maybe only up until next season. he's 34. He had a great season, but can he continue that pace at the age he is? Idk. I think longterm future, it makes no sense not to try out Wilson at center. Like I said he's got every tool/ asset needed to be successful at that position. Maybe just do something along the lines during next regular season like switch Wilson to center every other game. but that'd probably (frank) up the progress he's made at wing. jarny absolutely needs to put on more weight, stalberg... well he's kinda floundered around the nhl his whole career. Another guy who has the tools and skillset to be successful in his position, but has just never been able to completely connect the dots.

I've asked this before too... don't think I've ever gotten a straight answer. Why not try conditioning one of smith or Wilson (assuming they get resigned in Nashville) to be the future 1c? They've both got the tools... both can pass, both can play down low, in the slot, on the half boards, both play responsible defense, both are relatively bigger in size, and both have good speed. they were both drafted as centers right? Didn't smith play center as recently as last year??
- benjichronic

Wilson was drafted as a center, and has played there quite a bit over the years. If I'm not mistaken, Smith was drafted at center too, but hasn't played there as much (if really at all). I don't think either are 1st line material. Wilson maybe, but IMO, Smith is better on wing.

I think we have to bite the bullet and trade either (or a combo) of Jones, Smith, Fiala, Wilson, and picks to get a bona fide 1st line center. IMO, the only untouchables on this team are Weber, Josi, Forsberg, and Rinne.

Wilson was drafted as a center, and has played there quite a bit over the years. If I'm not mistaken, Smith was drafted at center too, but hasn't played there as much (if really at all). I don't think either are 1st line material. Wilson maybe, but IMO, Smith is better on wing.

I think we have to bite the bullet and trade either (or a combo) of Jones, Smith, Fiala, Wilson, and picks to get a bona fide 1st line center. IMO, the only untouchables on this team are Weber, Josi, Forsberg, and Rinne.
- Southstar

I think that's a bad route to take. Just do it internally and make a 1c. Easier said than done, but that way you don't lose players and picks. Unless it's a great deal, and you're getting a bona fide 1c back, if I'm poile, I'm getting Wilson ready to take over 1c duties in the next 2-3 years.

I think that's a bad route to take. Just do it internally and make a 1c. Easier said than done, but that way you don't lose players and picks. Unless it's a great deal, and you're getting a bona fide 1c back, if I'm poile, I'm getting Wilson ready to take over 1c duties in the next 2-3 years.
- benjichronic

Wilson can play center tomorrow if need be. The only reason he's not is because Trotz moved him because he prefers veteran, defensively minded centers. The only problem with moving him now is that you're rushing the development of your kids to fill holes. With two 35 year old centers in Ribs and Fish, he'll probably get a chance to play some games this year at center. We've realistically got Fiala, Arvidsson, Moses, and maybe Salomaki battling for a spot on the team next. Let them keep battling and developing for another year. Like I said, our top two lines weren't the problem this year. Let's roll with them again. There aren't any better #1C on the free agent market this year, and not really any upgrades at wing. We just need to stay the course. No trades, no rushing. Keep our depth and let them develop.

Wilson was drafted as a center, and has played there quite a bit over the years. If I'm not mistaken, Smith was drafted at center too, but hasn't played there as much (if really at all). I don't think either are 1st line material. Wilson maybe, but IMO, Smith is better on wing.

- Southstar

It's the opposite actually. Smith has played at center quite a bit, whereas Wilson has rarely been moved from the wings.

Wilson was drafted as a center, and has played there quite a bit over the years. If I'm not mistaken, Smith was drafted at center too, but hasn't played there as much (if really at all). I don't think either are 1st line material. Wilson maybe, but IMO, Smith is better on wing.

I think we have to bite the bullet and trade either (or a combo) of Jones, Smith, Fiala, Wilson, and picks to get a bona fide 1st line center. IMO, the only untouchables on this team are Weber, Josi, Forsberg, and Rinne.
- Southstar

No combination of those guys plus multiple picks is going to go out the door for any top line center in this league! I wouldn't trade all that even for Crosby, Malkin, Giroux, etc.

"The NHL is dark tonight… waiting on Game Seven tomorrow night in Tampa"

The 'Hawks and Preds can only play so many two day games!

No combination of those guys plus multiple picks is going to go out the door for any top line center in this league! I wouldn't trade all that even for Crosby, Malkin, Giroux, etc.
- TerryB

Yeah it's somewhat clear that you have to do a majority of the building internally for the best longterm out come. I think they should just stick to that course. Worst case scenario, you know you have two wingers that were originally centers, that could move back to that position, need be.

Wilson was drafted as a center, and has played there quite a bit over the years. If I'm not mistaken, Smith was drafted at center too, but hasn't played there as much (if really at all). I don't think either are 1st line material. Wilson maybe, but IMO, Smith is better on wing.

I think we have to bite the bullet and trade either (or a combo) of Jones, Smith, Fiala, Wilson, and picks to get a bona fide 1st line center. IMO, the only untouchables on this team are Weber, Josi, Forsberg, and Rinne.
- Southstar

If I were a Preds fan contemplating trading a big name to get a true #1C, I'd be more inclined to trade Weber or Rinne than Jones or Wilson. The Red Wings and Hawks have proven repeatedly that you don't need a top tier G to win if the team in front of him is good enough, and just my opinion, but I think Weber is a tad overrated. Before I get flamed, I will qualify that by saying I think he's very, very good...like top 10 in the league good, but I don't think he's God like. The Preds D looked damned impressive to me without him. Weber to Edmonton for some more offense?

Dont forget about Watson. If he does not sign a NHL contract we could loose him.

Franson needs to leave the state ASAP!!

Franson needs to leave the state ASAP!!
- SouthNash

poor guy. Hes a good 2nd pairing d man who was just a terrible fit on Nashville and they couldn't/didn't need to utilize his shot with Weber and Josi

poor guy. Hes a good 2nd pairing d man who was just a terrible fit on Nashville and they couldn't/didn't need to utilize his shot with Weber and Josi
- Santo_44

He got torched repeatedly. He is at best a 5/6 guy in this league as a specialty dman for the PP.

poor guy. Hes a good 2nd pairing d man who was just a terrible fit on Nashville and they couldn't/didn't need to utilize his shot with Weber and Josi
- Santo_44

Yeah there was a little more to it than that. So many times I've watched other players blast right past him cuz he doesn't move his feet in the defensive zone. I think he's just a 3rd pair guy, at best maybe a #5 paired with a better #4.