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Nashville Predators: Comparing the Trades

By Marcus Young

May 5, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) talks with teammate center Ryan Johansen (92) during a stop in play against the San Jose Sharks in game four of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) talks with teammate center Ryan Johansen (92) during a stop in play against the San Jose Sharks in game four of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan Johansen for Seth Jones

On January 6th, 2016, David Poile made a blockbuster trade to start the New Year off with a bang. The Nashville Predators sent off future star defenseman Seth Jones to The Columbus Blue Jackets for star and number one center Ryan Johansen. This is one of those few trades you will argue about for a few years because it is unclear who won the trade. It’s a very fair trade that sends two young promising stars to teams that were in need of their positions.

David Poile, once the trade was made, said he believes this trade gives him his first ever number one center. Which is completely accurate. Think back on some of our other centers. David Legwand  was meant  to be our top guy but was consistent on a more average level, not a number one role. Mike Fisher and Mike Ribeiro were both brought to this team in their thirties, and even though they have been very successful in Predator Gold they are more of a number two or three guys on the depth chart.

What makes Johansen different? Well for one he hasn’t hit his prime yet since we acquired him at the young age of 23. The other difference is Joey is a pure playmaker, a type of player we have never seen in Nashville. Not only does he make the passes, but he can create his own opportunities to score.

His first goal as a Predator is a great example of how he’s able to create his own opportunities. Watch as he creates his own space by moving the puck and his eyes in a way to make the defense believe he was going for a pass. Then in an instant, he snipes the puck top shelf past Varlamov.

And here’s his a great assist for a James Neal goal to extend the lead in an important Game 6 against Anaheim in the playoffs. After a turnover by Corey Perry, Johansen was able to gather the puck race down with Neal on the other side of him. What he does was very similar to his goal in the first example. Again, with the way he handles the puck and uses his eyes he makes the defenseman and the goalie think he’s going to shoot and then makes a great pass across the net to The Real Deal James Neal.

His abilities in the offensive zone are something that hasn’t been showcased on this team before and he adds a different dynamic that we have always needed.

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