Nashville Predators: A Wing and Some Prayers

Free Agents

There are two heavyweight free agents whose names have been frequently floated around Smashville quarters. One of which should sound familiar to those who had their ears to the ground around the trade deadline- that being Boston Bruins winger Loui Eriksson.

There were rumors then as there are now that the Predators may seek to acquire the 30-year-old to bolster scoring depth, a feat at which he would surely succeed, fresh off a 30-goal, 63 point season. Though Eriksson seems a bit slower than he was in his 70-point days, his 2015-16 salary came in at $4.25 million- the same as Craig Smith’s, and unlikely to dip coming off such a stellar year.

The Preds have the cap room if they wish to pull the trigger, but have been mentioned as mulling over another option- 28-year-old Kyle Okposo. The winger marked 22 goals and 64 points as a top-liner for the Islanders this past season, and would serve as a wholly valid source of additional offense.

Okposo is showing every sign of being in the prime of his career and his $2.8 million salary is destined to inflate on the open market. A natural right winger, he may not end up down the left side if added to the Predator roster, but his presence would certainly shuffle the cards. Talent, at the right price, can always find a place.

Next: The Free Agents Part II