Nashville Predators: David Poile Staying Aggressive in NHL Free Agency
By Chad Minton
To stay in Stanley Cup contention, the Nashville Predators need a strong showing in NHL free agency. They haven’t wasted anytime getting things started.
A power move in free agency has happened by the Nashville Predators as they’re looking to stay in Stanley Cup contention going into next season. They’ve gotten NHL free agency off to a bang by signing former Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino, while also saying farewell to Colin Wilson in a trade to the Colorado Avalanche.
Here is the overview of the Wilson trade:
It’s undoubtedly tough to see Wilson go, but he’s a player you can live with losing. It’s the young core of players like Viktor Arvidsson, Filip Forsberg, Colton Sissons and Pontus Aberg that you can’t afford to lose.
Wilson will almost certainly be a bigger focal point in that offense than he would be to remain in a Predators uniform. As solid as he’s been over the years, the collection of young talent that’s surfacing in Nashville makes him expendable.
As for the big addition of Bonino, an instant need is addressed with the vacancy of James Neal left behind. We also still have no clue if Mike Fisher will return for another season. Now the Predators have a backup plan, and a solid one, if Fisher does retire. Even if he stays, Bonino will bolster up the roster both offensively and defensively. He’s an excellent all-around player that does a little bit of everything. His deal is for four years at 4.1 million, as reported by TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger:
Confirming Nick Bonino is going to Nashville. 4/5 year term.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2017
Filling the scoring void of Neal is now complete with Bonino, an 18-goal scorer last season. Huge props go out to General Manager David Poile for showing why he’s one of the best in the business, and why he’s currently the GM of the Year from last season. Poile essentially gained money to spend by adding Bonino and trading Wilson to the Colorado Avalanche:
Nick Bonino's AAV is $4.1 million, so the Predators add a little money. https://t.co/FtTxtbeEpf
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) July 1, 2017
Poile has once again made sure the Predators don’t sit idle while the rest of the league passes them up, and the best part is he’s keeping the young core intact. Seeing him stay aggressive in free agency is a refreshing thing to see. Some teams rest on the laurels after having such successful season.
Next: Prospects Take the Ice at Bridgestone
Free agency frenzy isn’t over yet for the Predators, and they have money to spend if they can make the right deal. This team has already proven they’re just a few pieces away from bringing a Stanley Cup to Nashville.