Limited Free Agency Action is a Good Sign
By Jake Evans
In a summer that is already full of free agency moves, do not expect many moves on the Nashville Predators’ part. A lack of action is a positive sign about this team.
We are barely into NHL free agency season, and there have already been multiple big moves. Former New York Islanders captain John Tavares has signed with Toronto. James van Riemsdyk signed with Philadelphia. Paul Stastny signed with Vegas. And Buffalo traded Ryan O’Reilly to St. Louis for a slew of players and draft picks.
With all this action so far, most of the big name free agents have already signed, meaning that free agency will slow significantly from here.
The Nashville Predators made a few minor moves on Sunday, but nothing that will make headlines. Nashville signed defenseman Jarred Tinordi, forward Rocco Grimaldi, and forward Connor Brickley on Sunday. None of these additions are likely to ever make an impact with the Predators, however, anything can happen.
That being said, do not let the Predators free agency inaction lead you to believe that they’re falling behind. David Poile knows what he is doing, and right now, the best move might be nothing.
Nashville’s Priorities
This offseason, Nashville’s priority is not to make any additions, but to develop their current prospects and secure their current stars. Ryan Ellis is expected to sign an extension soon, on the back of 37 points in 57 games in his half season.
Earlier last week, Nashville extended qualifying offers to all three restricted free agents on the roster; Juuse Saros, Ryan Hartman, and Miikka Salomaki.
The real priority for the Predators though this summer seems to be the development of Eeli Tolvanen and Dante Fabbro, Nashville’s top two prospects.
Tolvanen appeared in 3 games last season for Nashville, but didn’t record a point. He’s highly talented, but clearly, he wasn’t quite ready for the NHL. However, those 3 games were good, as he is expected to spend a fair amount of time with the Predators this season.
He scored a goal last week in the Predators’ Future Stars Game, and had a solid developmental camp.
Fabbro had a very good camp too, but is returning to Boston University again, where he will serve as the Terriers’ captain. “I’m excited to play here. I want to play here.” said Fabbro over the weekend.
Many are afraid of Fabbro pulling a Jimmy Vesey on the Predators, and opting for free agency, however, Fabbro is a huge Predators fan, and his sister even plays collegiate soccer in town. If I had to guess, I’d say he’ll sign with Nashville after his collegiate season, and join the Predators.
Strengthening the Current Roster
All of this to say, Nashville isn’t really looking to add to their President’s Trophy-winning roster.
Assuming that Ellis signs an extension, and Salomaki, Hartman, and Saros sign, the Predators bring back their entire 2017-2018 roster (minus Mike Fisher who joined the party late into the season).
Nashville really doesn’t NEED anything. Everyone is back, and a few future stars are right behind them. Tolvanen is Nashville’s next great forward, Fabbro is the next great defenseman, and Saros is the next great goalie.
And they’re all NHL ready.
Basically, do not take Poile’s inaction as a sign of weakness. This Predators team is strong and will be for many years to come. The free agency period can be scary for some teams like Nashville when you hear about big name guys going places, and the Predators’ enemies adding star power.
That’s all just noise, so block it out for now.
The Predators are still among the best teams in the NHL. They didn’t show it in the playoffs, but they are still very good. We saw that for 82 games last season.
Next: Nashville Predators: NHL Entry Draft 2018 Additions
So now, just block out all the free agency noise. Vegas will try to be showy like usual, and some big players will move.
Whatever.
Don’t expect any significant moves anytime soon. Just remember, silent but deadly.