Nashville Predators: From lowest seed to NHL’s top team in 365 days
![WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 05: Ryan Johansen #92 of the Nashville Predators celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in the third period against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on April 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 05: Ryan Johansen #92 of the Nashville Predators celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal in the third period against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on April 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/cde476525e9e459a7d79818d58412499e61aa8e4c194bf55c3c0e577afdf0a40.jpg)
The right moves
This season, we witnessed history for David Poile. By beating the Edmonton Oilers on March 1, the Nashville Predators made Poile the winningest General Manager in the 100-year history of the NHL. His legacy is cemented for all time.
But, it is not just the wins which characterize his career; it is the transactions. Making trades for P.K. Subban, Ryan Johansen, and Filip Forsberg built a team with the ability to play at both ends of the ice. The addition of Kyle Turris sparked the offense early in the season, propelling the Predators to the top of the Central Division.
Signing Nick Bonino added depth and physicality the Predators needed. Allowing James Neal to leave provided space for Kevin Fiala to grow.
And, how about letting Barry Trotz go in order to bring in Peter Laviolette to coach the team? David Poile built this team and deserves as much of the credit as anyone.