Nashville Predators: We have a love/hate relationship with the roster news

Frederick Gaudreau Sent Down – Don’t Love, But Don’t Hate

Heading into camp this season, it was expected Freddy Gaudreau would have a roster spot. He was every one’s favorite “Little Frenchman” after his performance in the Stanley Cup Finals. Gaudreau showed he had what it took to perform at the NHL level. Of course, no one could have foreseen the success Miikka Salomaki would have had this preseason. Well, almost no one. I asked nhl.com Predators correspondent, Robby Stanley when he opened up for questions about the Predators.

https://twitter.com/arob31/status/900801624209227776

He responded on his YouTube series, “The Breakout” by saying it will be difficult for Salomaki to find playing time this year. He also noted that Austin Watson did a good job last year at filling the void left by Salomaki.

All joking aside, no one could have predicted his performance this preseason. Not even me, even though I wasn’t shocked. He is essentially a bigger Viktor Arviddson with just a tad less offensive skill. However, it did happen. Unfortunately for Freddy Gaudreau, it happened. There was simply no way the Predators could ignore the success Salomaki had. So, that meant another roster spot down. Gaudreau would have to prove he deserved a spot.

Gaudreau had a below-average preseason. He posted middle of the team possession numbers throughout the preseason. Worse, he lost the majority of his faceoffs. He could not be counted on to take the fourth line center role. Ultimately, Gaudreau will earn some call-ups this season. If he could find his postseason magic again, he will be able to find a spot on the roster permanently. Until then, he will have to hang out with Kamenev and company in Milwaukee. Admirals fans rejoice.