Predlines
Fansided

Nashville Predators: Salary Cap advantage for Poile and Predators

By Corey Francis

May 9, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Viktor Arvidsson (38) and center Ryan Johansen (92) celebrate Arvidsson's game winner in overtime against the San Jose Sharks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV/The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK
May 9, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville Predators left wing Viktor Arvidsson (38) and center Ryan Johansen (92) celebrate Arvidsson's game winner in overtime against the San Jose Sharks at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: George Walker IV/The Tennessean via USA TODAY NETWORK /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks right wing Patrick Eaves (18) skates against the Calgary Flames during the third period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks right wing Patrick Eaves (18) skates against the Calgary Flames during the third period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Take from a conference rival

James Neal is gone. We know that. The spot left open accounted for 41 goals. That cost the team $5 million dollars. What would you say to a player that, though a few years older, scored more goals and assists, and has a higher scoring percentage? And, he was part of a team the Nashville Predators beat in the playoffs.

There is such a player. The name? Patrick Eaves. In 2016-17, Eaves finished with 51 points, scoring on 15.3% of his shots. He also plays aggressively on defense with 89 hits, 43 blocks, and 30 takeaways. All are comparable to Neal. Most are better.

Their are two added bonuses. First, he was a Nashville Predator, coming to the team in the same trade that brought Calle Jarnkrok in 2014. He only played 5 games, but the team is aware of what he can do. Additionally, his contract in 2016-17 was a whopping $1 million. Eaves is older, turning 33 back in May, but last season was his best. Paying $3 million a year for what he can do would be a steal.

Home/Editorials