Nashville Predators: Four forwards who could be traded this weekend
The clock is ticking down as the trade deadline approaches. Rumors swirl about who the Nashville Predators may add. Who they send away is just as important.
Let the trade games begin! As the NHL trade deadline approaches, teams are jockeying for position to acquire a player they believe will push them over the top. A few teams already landed key pieces, while rumors of talks surround others. The Nashville Predators are right in the middle of it all; however, there is nothing to report. At least, not yet.
There has been action. The New Jersey Devils added Michael Grabner from the New York Rangers. It is the first time the two teams have worked together. The Rangers also shipped Holden on up to Boston. And, the Philadelphia Flyers added Predators’ nemesis Petr Mrazek from the Detroit Red Wings.
As for the Predators, rumors swirl about possible targets. Many people want to see defensemen Erik Karlsson come over from the Senators. The asking price for the arguably the league’s best defenseman would be astronomical. And, with the team’s defense already established, Karlsson will not likely play on the third pairing. After missing the first half of the season, Ryan Ellis’s return changed the team’s line-up. I don’t believe this trade will happen.
Other possibilities suggested include rentals Rick Nash and Evander Kane. Still, the price could be high for either player. Mike Hoffman has been mentioned and would provide the team with a longer-term solution to their roster needs.
With any trade, players and draft picks will be packaged. The question is what players could be traded.
Aberg an obvious choice
Coming into the see I had hopes for Pontus Aberg. Like many of you, we thought he could be another Viktor Arviddson. All the signs were there. For two consecutive seasons in Milwaukee, Aberg achieved 25 or more goals. However, he struggled to find his way in two NHL stints last season. When it came to the playoffs, Aberg produced as the team hoped, contributing two goals and three assists. Far better than his two-points in regular season minutes.
That being said Aberg has not shown his scoring abilities with the Predators this season. In 37 games, he accumulated two goals and six assists. His limited time allowed only 39 shots on goal so far this season. Even so, he moves up and down the ice with aggressive tenacity.
Now, the Nashville Predators have prospect Eeli Tolvanen in the system. The team’s front office says Tolvanen is untouchable. With forward depth in the system, Aberg could be on his way out.
Finding Freddy a home
The Nashville Predators enjoy a wealth of NHL ability in their AHL affiliate. With players like Emil Petterson and Alexandre Carrier, the Predators hold players that could make NHL ice in the future. It may take an injury before someone is called upon, but there are players who can – and have – achieved ice time in Nashville.
One of the big asks when it comes to the trade market is the desire for players with NHL ice time. Frederick Gaudreau has more than most other prospects in Milwaukee. This year alone, Gaudreau has 20 games with the Predators. Though his scoring production was low, his character on ice may be attractive to other teams.
In the AHL, Gaudreau has 27 points in 34 games. He has achieved 40+ points in each of the last two seasons, but also played 60 or more games. When he gets consistent ice time, Gaudreau contributes. Let’s not forget the three goals he tallied in the playoffs last season. He has played on this stage before, and will again. It just may be on another team.
A bit Salty about this one
What team would not want a hard-working forward who doesn’t mind some physical play? That is exactly what they would receive if acquiring Miikka Salomaki. Every time he is on the ice he finds his way into the play. On offense, he tends to work the net or make a pass to a cutting teammate. But, when the opponent gets the puck, watch out of Salomaki to level a quality hit.
While averaging just over 10 minutes per game, Salomaki is fourth on the Predators in hits with 91. He is a defensive forward but can handle the puck. This season, Salomaki has blocked 32 shots, has 11 takeaways but only five turnovers. Not bad for a fourth line player.
The problem becomes finding ice time once Mike Fisher returns. There will be little room for game minutes at that time, and Salomaki is no longer able to be sent down to Milwaukee. Because of his physical play, teams make ask for Salomaki to be packaged in any deal.
Sorry, Sissons
Maybe a team wants a defensive forward with a bit more experience. Or, they desire a player capable of playing wing or center. Adding a player who contributed in the playoffs would not be a bad idea either. No matter which of these categories a team finds themselves in, Colton Sissons is the answer.
This season, Sissons has set career marks assists, points, faceoff wins, and blocks. At 24, he has yet to play a full season, but the potential is there. Last season, Sissons pushed the Predators to the Stanley Cup Final getting time up front with Ryan Johansen injured. That may help his trade stock.
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Acquiring Sissons gives teams a player with one more year of control before he becomes a restricted free agent. The potential for Sissons to be a second line center is noticeable. Moving up to a more offensively-deployed position should help Sisson grow into the scorer he can be. Right now, he see offensive zone starts about 30% of his time on the ice. No wonder he is third on the team in hits (95) and has 35 blocks. He also wins over 55% of his faceoffs. There is certainly a need for a player like Sissons on most NHL teams.