Nashville Predators: What signing Lyytinen means for the future

Joonas Lyytinen, the Nashville Predators’ newest defenseman, has the potential to take the team to the next level of blue line depth.

Ask any NHL insider about the Nashville Predators, and “defense” is mentioned. It’s an identity that Predators’ General Manager David Poile does not shy away from; in fact, he frequently doubles down. In agreement with this trend, Finnish defenseman Joonas Lyytinen worked his way into the discussion as of late.

The Predators selected Lyytinen with their 5th round pick in the 2014 NHL draft (#132 overall). I know what you’re probably thinking: there must have been 131 more impressive guys in the draft that year. Keep in mind, though, in the same year, Nashville selected Viktor Arvidsson at number 112, so don’t scoff immediately at the triple-digits.

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Let’s get into some details – what kind of player is Joonas Lyytinen? For starters, he’s a 22-year-old defenseman with a left-handed shot. At 5’10” and 150 lbs, he won’t be the biggest guy on the ice. His small size is compensated for by speed and talent.

Lyytinen is coming off his fourth professional season with Finnish team KalPa. During their silver-medal-earning playoff run, Lyytinen managed 7 points (2G, 5A), nearly 30% of his regular season tally. While his regular season numbers aren’t otherworldly, it’s always a good sign when a young player knows how to turn it up in the postseason.

Room in the cupboard?

Of course, the lingering question is whether the Nashville Predators need another talented defenseman. When your blue line boasts Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, Mattias Ekholm, and (oh yeah) P.K. Subban, it’s hard to argue that salary and roster space should go towards strengthening it further.

More than likely, Lyytinen will spend at least a portion of the 2017/2018 season with the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals. After that, he will hopefully have the experience necessary to slot in alongside Yannick Weber on the Predators’ third defensive pairing. It’s a position currently shared by Matt Irwin, Anthony Bitetto, Brad Hunt, and even Petter Granberg. If all goes according to plan, Lyytinen will provide the permanent occupant the Predators need.

Quality contract

Joonas Lyytinen’s entry-level contract keeps him on the Predators’ bankroll for the next two years, moving him to restricted free agent status after 2019. If Nashville finds a regular place for him on the blue line, their league-best defensive core will combine for just over 25% of their total cap space. Lyytinen has the potential to take the Predators to the next level of blue line depth.

Next: Relax, everything is going to be OK

The good news is the cost is low, the talent is high, and the Predators have time.