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Nashville Predators: A Retrospective on David Poile’s Biggest Trades

By Eamon Smith

NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 7: Nashville Predators general manager David Poile walks with John Hynes prior to his first game as the new head coach of the Nashville Predators against the Boston Bruins at Bridgestone Arena on January 7, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 7: Nashville Predators general manager David Poile walks with John Hynes prior to his first game as the new head coach of the Nashville Predators against the Boston Bruins at Bridgestone Arena on January 7, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 11: James Neal #18 talks with Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators prior to a face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins during Game Six of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena on June 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 11: James Neal #18 talks with Ryan Ellis #4 of the Nashville Predators prior to a face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins during Game Six of the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena on June 11, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Trade #10: Nashville Predators acquire James Neal from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling. (June 27, 2014)

This is another huge move. James Neal obviously meant a ton to Nashville, with his wicked shot, clutch goal scoring, and fun personality, but Hornqvist was a player many were sad to see go. Hornqvist had eclipsed 20 goals 4 times in his 5 seasons in Nashville, and was a tough net front presence at 5v5 and with the man advantage.

But Neal offered even more upside with around point per game production and a 40 goal, 81 point year from his time in Pittsburgh. Hornqvist’s departure would end up creating one of the most bitter moments in franchise history, as the former homegrown Predator scored the last goal in the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals to defeat Nashville at home.

Neal is still remaining a productive player in the NHL as he now plays for the Edmonton Oilers.

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