Predators Superlatives: Player Most Likely to Succeed Elsewhere in 2021

There have been several roster moves for the Nashville Predators during this offseason. Which player has the best chance to succeed elsewhere in 2021?

The Nashville Predators had a significant shift in player personnel this offseason that saw players like Nick Bonino, Kyle Turris, Craig Smith, Yannick Weber, Mikael Granlund, and many others leave the team for new opportunities (or at least free agency).

The likelihood that one of the many players who left will be on a successful team is high, but who is most likely? They may not get a Stanley Cup, but maybe it’s a playoff run, or an individual award.

It’s always hard to see one of your former favorites have major success in another uniform, like James Neal and Kevin Fiala.

Check out what the contributing writers’ thoughts are on “Smashville Superlatives.” Up next, it’s “The Player Most Likely to Succeed Elsewhere in 2021.”

Rich Howe’s Pick – @Rich_Howe_9

When thinking of Kyle Turris’ time with the Nashville Predators, the square peg/round hole scenario comes to mind. They just didn’t fit together.

Turris had some stellar seasons in Ottawa. His best coming in the 2014-15 season, where he scored 64 points (24 goals, 40 assists). The Nashville Predators brought him into the fold for this reason.

As it’s well known, Turris didn’t bring those production numbers with him upon joining the Predators. His best during his time with the Predators was his first season in 2017-18. He scored 42 points (13 goals, 29 assists). Not bad but not up to expectations commensurate with his salary, which was a massive deal for six years and $36M.

Is it fair to point the finger squarely at Turris? Not in the least. I place the majority of the blame on then head coach Peter Laviolette. Laviolette’s system wasn’t conducive to Turris’ style of play.

When thinking of Turris moving to the Edmonton Oilers, it isn’t a matter of will he do well? Who knows the answer to that? He will be on a team with some absolute superstars in Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, which always helps. He will also be on a team that will be hungry after their early Stanley Cup Qualifier exit.

My hope is that Turris will thrive during his time with the Oilers. After his lackluster stint with a dysfunctional Predators team, he deserves some time to shine and get back to the player he once was.

Chad Minton’s Pick – @chad_minton

I see the Minnesota Wild as an up-and-coming team in the Central Division, and Nick Bonino will fit in nicely with veteran leadership. Out of all the offseason losses for the Predators, the one that’s going to hurt them the most is Bonino, not to overlook the loss of Craig Smith, which will also be hard to replace.

Bonino was the most consistent player on the Predators last season, aside from Roman Josi.

Without Bonino’s steady production (18 goals, 17 assists, 17.2 shooting percentage), the Predators would’ve plummeted much further in the standings and may have missed the Stanley Cup Qualifiers altogether.

With his new team in Minnesota, I expect Bonino to pick up where he left off and continue to build on what has been a very respectable 11-year career that includes a Stanley Cup. He’ll come around in the neighborhood of 15-20 goals and provide stability just like he did in Nashville.

At first glance, this trade between Nashville and Minnesota makes sense for both clubs. The Wild are getting veteran leadership, while the Predators are fueling their trend of getting younger with Luke Kunin. However, Bonino will bring quicker results than Kunin at first.

Bonino has a few more productive seasons left in the NHL, and this was a great addition for Minnesota as they’ll look to charge up the Central Division pecking order.