Nashville Predators: Sorting through Predators trade rumors

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 21: General manager David Poile of the Nashville Predators poses for a portrait with the NHL General Manager of the Year Award at the 2017 NHL Awards at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 21: General manager David Poile of the Nashville Predators poses for a portrait with the NHL General Manager of the Year Award at the 2017 NHL Awards at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
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There are just over two weeks left between now and the NHL trade deadline. What are the latest trade rumors surrounding the Nashville Predators?

Make no mistake. The Nashville Predators are a legitimate favorite to come out of the Western Conference to play of Lord Stanley’s Cup. The roster is filled with talented players. It may be the most-complete roster in the NHL.

However, even the most complete roster can improve. For example, the 2016 Chicago Cubs were the odds-on favorite to win the World Series. Still, the backend of the bullpen needed stabilizing. The team went out and acquired Aroldis Champman. The rest is history.

If there is a weakness on the Predators it is their lack of scoring on 5v5 situations. They have improved. To start the season, the Predators ranked last in even-strength scoring. Now, they are tied at 19th in the league with 114 goals in these situations. That is the good news.

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The bad news? They are 30 goals behind the Vegas Golden Knights, who are tops in the league. The St. Louis Blues are 16 ahead of the Predators, and the Winnipeg Jets have12 tallies more. Part of the concern for the Predators is the lack of scoring from the winger positions. Sure, the wings on the top two lines lead the team with goals. After that, it is P.K. Subban, Calle Jarnkrok, Roman Josi, and Mattias Ekholm.

It is well documented General Manager David Poile’s desire to add a top-six winger. Debate rages on where such a player will actually line-up. But, there are some interesting options.

Let’s discuss a few of the latest rumors.