Option #3
Honestly, I do not like any other option on the roster right now. Kevin Fiala is inconsistent and has trouble controlling the puck from time to time. Colton Sissons works hard at all times but just doesn’t have the same energy at Arvidsson. He does go to the net, which does make him a possibility.
That means finding someone off the roster. How about Rickard Rakell? It is highly unlikely the Anaheim Ducks will move this key forward. Or would they even make a trade with the Predators? Still, it could work in this situation.
In each of the last two seasons, Rakell has 30+ goals. The right-handed shooter is performing below expectations so far this season, with a 5.4% shooting percentage. But, the entire team is struggling as well, being one of the worst in shot-sharing metrics.
The Ducks have zero cap space this season, and are only projected to have about $6 million in space this offseason. Unloading some salary could be helpful to Anaheim, and Rakell makes $3.8 million. He also has three years left on his contract. The Nashville Predators could package Zac Rinaldo or Rocco Grimaldi with a third-round pick to acquire Rakell. It won’t hurt the Predators’ offseason plans this offseason. Well, maybe.