Nashville Predators Puck Drop: Offseason News Starts Strong

Welcome to The Puck Drop, a weekly roundup of all things Nashville Predators. We look at news stories, social media posts, and everything else regarding YOUR NASHVILLE PREDATORS.

If the news that dropped on July 1 is any indication, Predators fans could be in for a wild ride this offseason. Buckle up, friends. Changes are happening.

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In his end-of-season press conference, GM David Poile voiced his dissatisfaction with where the team has finished in the playoffs the past few years. He also indicated that changes were coming.

The first major news of the offseason was a pretty big story. Poile traded home-grown fan-favorite Viktor Arvidsson to the L.A. Kings for a 2nd-round draft pick this year and a 3rd-round pick next year.

Arvidsson was a beloved player known for his fast skating and ability to crash the net. Unfortunately, he had been struggling for the past few years due to an injury sustained during the 2019-20 season.

In a radio interview with ESPN 102.5, Poile stated that had he not been traded, Arvidsson would have been selected by the Seattle Kraken in the NHL Expansion Draft taking place on July 21.

In this trade with Los Angeles, Poile was at least able to get the draft picks instead of losing Arvidsson with nothing in return.

Fans are all waiting to see what Poile’s next move will be. Will more players be traded in this offseason? Who will be on the protected player list for the expansion draft? Will Pekka Rinne retire, and if so, will Poile sign a veteran goaltender to back up Juuse Saros?

Poile and the Predators will answer these questions, and we probably won’t have to wait too long for the news. We may witness the most offseason movement that we have seen in years from the Predators.

Fairwell Viktor Arvidsson. You Will Be Missed

While Predators fans everywhere will miss Arvidsson, we all wish him and his family the best of luck as they start a brand new adventure in Los Angeles. Thank you for all of your contributions on and off the ice.

Man, there’s a lot of pollen in here.

Huge Party Coming To Broadway In February

The NHL recently announced that Nashville would host t an NHL Stadium Series game on February 27. The game featuring the Predators will take place in Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.

Nashville’s opponent for this outdoor game will be the Tampa Bay Lightning.

It looks like we need to start planning a Predlines meetup!!!

NHL Expansion Draft And Entry Draft Coming To ESPN

On July 21, the NHL will be hosting the Seattle Kraken Expansion Draft. Commissioner Gary Bettman recently announced that the draft would be televised on ESPN.

Bettman also announced that round 1 of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft would also be televised on ESPN on July 23.

Tune in to see which Predators player will be heading to Seatle and which young hopefuls are selected by Nashville in the Entry Draft.

Borowiecki Excited To Finally Help His New Community

Defenseman Mark Borowiecki makes a big impact on the ice. Off the ice, he couldn’t be more excited to finally get an opportunity to help out his new hometown in Nashville.

Borowiecki was able to personally hand out checks to the Nashville LGBT Chamber and the Oasis Center. Until now, the COVID pandemic had hampered his ability to personally meet the organizations he helps in the community.

Thank you, Mark, for all you do for your new hometown of Nashville.