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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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NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 08: Steve Sullivan #26 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 8, 2011 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 08: Steve Sullivan #26 of the Nashville Predators skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 8, 2011 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Notable Transactions

Trade #1: Nashville Predators acquire Steve Sullivan from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for 2004 and 2005 2nd-round picks. (February 16, 2004)

This is a trade that often isn’t remembered among the huge moments in franchise history, but it’s arguably the first time that Poile went out and acquired a recognized name to bolster scoring and genuinely bring a new, exciting element to the team.

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Sullivan had scored 60-plus points for each of his four seasons with the Blackhawks and came into Nashville with 43 points in 56 games that year. The Predators were looking to add to a roster that was on the verge of making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, so they acquired the speedy winger for a few decent draft picks.

Sullivan went on to become one of the most beloved early Predators, putting up 263 points in 317 games in his time in Music City. Memorable moments include a hat trick in his first game as a Predator, as well as coming back from a chronic back injury that sidelined him for almost two years to the tune of 32 points in 41 games.

Many have cited Sullivan as the reason they became Predators fans originally, and it’s not hard to see why.

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