Predlines
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 15
Next
11 March 2004: Kimmo Timonen of the Nashville Predators during the Predators 1-1 tie to the St. Louis Blues at the Savvis Center in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)
11 March 2004: Kimmo Timonen of the Nashville Predators during the Predators 1-1 tie to the St. Louis Blues at the Savvis Center in St. Louis, MO. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images) /

Trade #3: Nashville Predators acquire 2007 first round pick from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Kimmo Timonen, Scott Hartnell. (June 18th, 2007)

As a direct result of Poile’s move at the deadline, as well as his need to pay some young players, longtime stalwarts Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell needed to be let go.

Hartnell was a young, talented forward with 20-plus goal capability already proven, and Timonen was arguably Poile’s masterpiece of player development, coming in during the expansion draft as a protection fee and developing into one of the NHL’s most reliable blue liners and the team’s captain for the 2006-07 season before this trade.

In one fell swoop, the Predators had lost most of their prospect pool and two of their best players to one team. Paul Holmgren looked like a genius and Poile played the fool, with Timonen going on to become a fan favorite in Philly and Hartnell developing into a 30-goal scorer and beloved personality for his rough play and glorious chirping.

That first round pick? Jonathan Blum, an American defender who flamed out and only played 110 NHL games (22 as a Predator).

Home/All-Time Lists