It’s the perfect time to see Colin Wilson depart, and that’s not easy to say. His time in Nashville has been a fun one, but he’s likely already hit his peak. The Predators have done the right thing moving on and giving Wilson to a team that needs him much more.
As much as both sides may have wanted to reach a deal, in the end they were probably very far apart. Both sides were getting frustrated, per Adam Vingan of the Tennessean:
"It was getting frustrating for both sides." Colin Wilson's inconsistent Predators career unceremoniously ends. https://t.co/Z3gNeJ5IoG
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) July 2, 2017
Parting ways is the best move for both parties. It’s ultimately a business, and financially the Predators can’t retain Wilson. He leaves the Predators with nearly 100 goals for the franchise, and some memorable moments in the playoffs. In return, the Predators get a fourth-round pick in 2019.
The Predators now have to get more scoring out of their younger players now that Wilson is gone.