Nashville Predators: Channel your inner Monty Hall! Let’s make a deal!

No games, no problem! The break from action on the ice allows for things to happen behind the scenes. It’s time to play a Nashville Predators’ version of Let’s Make a Deal!

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, canine and feline and animals of all ages! Welcome to the show of all shows, the game where you – yes you, our wonderful viewers – get the opportunity to play General Manager of the Nashville Predators! I am your host – the clown that always frowns, the goon to make you swoon, the dolt here to give you a jolt of hockey fun…

Okay, you get the idea. The NHL’s trade deadline is February 26, which means it is time for every fan’s favorite game of “Reckless Speculation.” While surveys say the Predators will make a move before the deadline comes, fans hope for something that does not cost big bucks. No whammies.

It is certain that General Manager David Poile will phone a friend or two before the deadline. Conversations with other front office staffs will include “I’ll take (insert name) for $1 million, Alex,” with replies like “deal or no deal.” If they are in on a player with multiple teams, let’s hope they don’t hear “you are the weakest link.”

Earlier this week, Darren Dreger suggested on TSN 1260 the Predators “would be foolish not to consider” trades for offensive support. We know the defensive roster is loaded with ability – but can argue if they are playing up to their potential – and there is more depth on the way. Furthermore, Poile stated using their first-round pick in the NHL Draft.

And, the Predators are doing their due-diligence.

With that in mind, let’s play “Let’s Make a Deal.”

Door number 1

Do you want to know what is behind door number one? Let me give you a few hints. This 29-year-old player has four consecutive 60-points seasons, and five such seasons over his last six. He is tied for his team’s lead in points, even though his shooting percentage is low. Outside of his first two seasons, his CorsiFor ratings have been 51.7 or higher.

Any guesses? Let’s see if you’re right. Open Door Number 1!

It’s….Max Pacioretty!

Sure, the Montreal Canadiens and Poile have worked together in the past, but this is one that needs to not happen. Max is a great player, no doubt, but his expiring $5 million dollar contract is not worth the effort. The rental of Pacioretty may get the Predators to the playoffs, but they are going there anyway.

If acquired, Pacioretty would likely be on the Predators third line. I doubt the team will change the second line of Kyle Turris, Kevin Fiala and Craig Smith. The move would allow Forsberg to rejoin the JoFA line, but is it enough to get the Predators to the Stanley Cup? Not sure if it fits.

Door number 2

Here we have another enticing player. For three full seasons, he achieved at least 49 points, including 26 or more goals. This season, the 28-year-old is on pace for 58 points with 22 goals and 36 assists. He is shooting more now than any other season but making less, which is part of the reason for his lower goal output projection.

His possession stats are solid, making 54.5% of his starts in the offensive zone. A CorsiFor of 51.0 is right on his career averages. Furthermore, he is not afraid of the big stage. In 19 playoff games last season, he earned 6 goals and 5 assists. His final goal of the 2017 playoffs extended the Eastern Conference Final to a Game 6.

OPEN THE DOOR!

Here is…..Mike Hoffman. Yes, the former teammate of Turris is a player the Nashville Predators could go after. With 29 points on the season, he is third on the Ottawa Senators.

But, do the Predators have room for him? Hoffman has two years left on his current contract at a cost of $5.2 million per year. At the end of this year, the contracts of Scott Hartnell and Cody McLeod expire. That frees up $2.33 million. It is uncertain if the Predators re-sign Alexei Emelin, but that would be another $4.1 million available.

The defense is set. As are the centers and most of the wingers. The addition of Hoffman could be what the Predators need.

Door number 3

His team is struggling, but he is not. With the team investing $10 million dollars a year on a young stud, there will be no room for this fighter. His $6 million contract expires this year.

At just 26-years-old, he is second on his current team in points. If he were on the Nashville Predators now, he would be the team leader in points and goals. But he is more than a scorer. His 6-feet 2-inch, 212 lbs body can leave a hurting on opponents. Already he boasts 90 hits on the season. That is third on his current team, and would be third on the Predators.

Open door number 3!

Evander Kane!

Could you imagine Kane playing on a line with Nick Bonino and Calle Jarnkrok? Or with Kyle Turris and Craig Smith? Or with just anyone?

The thought of Kane on the Predators is intriguing. He shoots at a high rate, creates high danger chances and rebounds, and plays special teams well. The Predators could use him on their third line.