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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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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 5: Colin Wilson #33 of the Nashville Predators skates during the second period of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on January 5, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 5: Colin Wilson #33 of the Nashville Predators skates during the second period of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on January 5, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Trade #5: Nashville Predators acquire 2008 first round pick (7th overall) from the New York Islanders in exchange for 2008 first (9th overall) and 2nd (40th overall) round picks. (June 20, 2008)

Poile made waves at the draft as the Predators traded up to select their guy in Colin Wilson, a high-scoring American winger from the US National Team. Wilson was arguably the most touted forward the team had selected since the likes of Scott Hartnell and David Legwand, and he was so good in college that the Predators called him up after just one season in juniors.

Unfortunately, many of us know the story of Wilson; his development track was rushed, he was thrust onto an NHL team with little room to develop his scoring prowess, and he ultimately flamed out despite always flashing enormous potential in the postseason.

Still, this remains one of the more aggressive moves by Poile for a chosen draftee, and at the time it electrified the fans with the impending future of an exciting young scorer finally arriving in Nashville.

Wilson would go on to score 13 goals in the postseason for the Predators, including a game-winner in 2015. He always showed up big time in the playoffs.

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