Nashville Predators, Poile Fairly Quiet at the Trade Deadline
By Jake Evans
Headed to Edmonton
Sunday, the Predators announced that they had sent winger Pontus Aberg to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for winger Mark Letestu. The team then turned around and sent Letestu to the Columbus Blue Jackets, in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Aberg was a player who just could never crack the Predators roster full time.
Last season, Aberg only saw 15 regular season games, however, seemed to be breaking out in the playoffs. After Ryan Johansen and Kevin Fiala both went down for the remainder of the postseason, Aberg tallied 2 goals and 3 assists in 16 games. He saw his ice time go up by almost two full minutes, and seemed poised for a breakout campaign this season.
It never happened though, as Aberg only managed 2 goals and 6 assists in 37 games this season. He never could get in a rhythm, and was bounced around on many different lines.
That being said, this trade helps Nashville. With the acquisition of the 4th round pick, Nashville now own five picks in the 2018 NHL Draft.