Now that the Expansion Draft is completed, the Nashville Predators can spend money. Over $22 million to be exact. The question is who gets contracts.
It is done. Over. We saw it coming, but still didn’t expect it. The Nashville Predators lost a key figure in James Neal in the Expansion Draft. And, while it is tough to lose a great person, it is up to GM David Poile to move forward.
That should not be difficult. With Neal no longer on the Predators’ roster, the team now as $22.2 million in cap space. With several needs to fill, having the funds to make moves is important. The work now lays on Poile and the Predators’ front office to find the right fits for the team.
So, what holes are there? The defenseman positions are filled by P.K. Subban, Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, and Mattias Ekholm. Plus, more young depth. Calle Jarnkrok and Colton Sissons fill the center position, but a hole is there as well. It is the winger positions that must be addressed.
With that stated, there are several free agents that were on the team in 2016-17 the team would like back. Pontus Aberg, Viktor Arvidsson, and Ryan Johansen are among likely candidates to re-sign, as they are restricted free agents. That will help the winger depth. Add Mike Fisher and Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, whom are both unrestricted free agents, and options are plentiful.
But, will that be good enough? We take a look at the potential free agents forwards the Nashville Predators could court and sign.