Nashville Predators: Grading Their Offseason Free Agency Moves
By Chad Minton
Las Vegas Golden Knights. JAMES NEAL. C. . Winger
This is the toughest news of the offseason for the Predators. A mainly successful offseason is clouded by losing James Neal in the expansion draft. The Predators didn’t protect him, instead protecting Calle Jarnkrok.
The statement of this offseason from the Predators is to protect the young talent and retain the cornerstones, like Ryan Johansen. Losing Neal puts a lot of pressure on the younger players to increase their scoring outputs and mature more. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m still sour about Neal being lost.
Next: Checking Out The New Preds Away Jersey
Even with my discomfort of this loss, the offseason has been a productive one. The Predators are set up long-term to remain in the conversation for the Stanley Cup.