How the Nashville Predators Can Improve in 2022 Offseason
Nashville Predators need a big free agent upgrade
I’ve been beating this drum for a few years now, and will continue to until Poile makes a bold addition to boost this offense. This team needs more wingers that can fuel the offensive rush, and not leave all of the scoring responsbilities on just a few players.
The Predators are in a position this offseason, even if they do pay Filip Forsberg handsomely, to make a key upgrade to their top-six. Preferably a winger who can be an instant fit
There are some worthy options in this year’s free agency market, but also not without a steep price. One interesting possibility that falls into this category is Ondrej Palat.
Palat has been a major factor into the Tampa Bay Lightning pushing for a three-peat in this postseason. In the 2nd-round sweep of the Florida Panthers, he tallied points in three of the four games and a goal in Game 4.
With this said, the Predators will likely have to pay upwards of $6M per year for the top line scorer. Palat has more than earned himself a nice pay raise after what he’s accomplsihed in his ten years with Tampa that has resulted in 423 points.
Palat is someone to think about if Poile decides to get aggressive, and especially if they lose Forsberg they’ll have more money to spend and a big hole to fill.
Even if Forsberg stays, the projected cap space for the Predators leaves room to make another major addition in free agency. A second line of Palat, Johansen, and Tomasino sparks my interest.
Another possible unrestricted free agent that’s gotten some buzz is Max Domi. He’d be an instant offensie upgrade to the top six of the roster as well, but also not without a steep price.
Domi also has had his moments of not producing, so you have to keep that in mind with the risk involved.
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You could most likely get Domi for a cheaper price than Palat, but still be an upgrade. Domi is also a former 70-plus point scorer in 2018-19, and other times has crossed the 50-point mark and 40-point marks.
Other options out there that could address wing or center are Reilly Smith, Phil Kessell, Andrew Copp, and a handful of others. Some more unrealistic than others. Either way, Poile needs to be aggressive at this position of need in free agency.
Stay the course on the youth path
The Nashville Predators got a little younger in 2021-22 and gave some of their up-and-coming players chances to play full-time, most importantly Philip Tomasino. He played in 76 games in his first season in the NHL. Pretty strong achievement for the 20-year-old.
Additionally, you saw Alexandre Carrier take on a vital role on defense and played really well. Tanner Jeannot confirmed Poile’s decision to protect him in the expansion draft by hanging around in the Calder Trophy race all season.
Now the Predators should continue on the youth path by getting Cody Glass back into the lineup, and hopefully find a way to boost Eeli Tolvanen‘s goal production back up.
Glass has had an oustanding season for the Milwaukee Admirals by leading the team in points with 62, and racking up 48 assists. I can realistically see him moving in for a departed Nick Cousins who is going to be an unrestricted free agent.
Despite the Predators needing to add a veteran scorer in free agency, they’re still predominantly heading down a path of leaning on a lot of younger players.
Connor Ingram will almost certainly be Juuse Saros‘ full-time backup next season, while the 25-yera-old Jeremy Lauzon stands a high chance of being a third pairing defenseman to open up 2022-23.
Keep the momentum up of successful drafts recently
If the Predators are going to continue down the path of youth and retooling, obviously they’re going to need to keep having successful draft classes.
You have to be pleased with how Poile has drafted over the last three drafts taking players who are expected to have to bright NHL futures. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic ranks the Nashville Predators prospect pool at No.12 as of February.
Look at these draft picks since 2019 that almost all should end up eventually being in the NHL for the Predators:
2019: Philip Tomasino, Egor Afanasyev, Juuso Parssinen
2020: Yaroslav Askarov, Luke Evangelista, Luke Prokop, Adam Wilsby
2021: Fedor Svechkov, Zachary L’Heureux
Unfortunately the Predators don’t have a plethora of draft picks in 2022. Just six picks currently, with the 2nd-round pick being traded for Jeremy Lauzon and the 6th-round pick being traded to the Ducks back in 2020, along with Matt Irwin.
To turn into a consistent Stanley Cup contender you have to build through the draft, and the Predators have been doing that over the last three drafts. Keep that momentum going in 2022.
As far as what position the Predators should target in the first round, I’m not against just taking the top player available on your draft board regardless of position if it comes to that. I’m really intrigued by adding another dynamic scoring center, and Sporting News‘ latest mock draft has Rutger McGroarty going the the Predators at Pick No.17.
Reading McGroarty’s scouting report as a “power forward” with a “heavy shot”, sign me up for that. The Nashville Predators need more of that in their pipeline.
Having a solid 2022 draft class that addressess needs in the prospect pool isn’t an instant fix to next season, but it does continue to build on the retooling that Poile always talks about.
You cannot lose Forsberg in free agency
By choosing to keep Forsberg at the trade deadline, Poile now has to live with the likelihood that he will have to overpay to keep his prized superstar forward.
While it’s totally understandable why Poile chose not to trade Forsberg and derail the Predators’ season back in March, but also at the same time, for what? A first-round sweep?
So now Poile has to pull out all the stops to get Forsberg re-signed, even if that means paying him more than he would like. Forsberg has all the leverage at the negotiating table.
In the end, I’m remain fairly optimistic that Poile retains him and Forsberg shows some loyalty to the only franchise he’s logged NHL minutes for. He’s the all-time leading goal scorer and is still in the prime of his career.
The question remains if Forsberg truly feels the Predators are building a Stanley Cup contending team and believes in this front office’s vision. With his next contract likely being a long-term variety, I’m sure it’s weighing heavily on his mind. This is something we can only speculate on until free agency fires up and teams begin emerging.
This piece from Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report lists some landing spots for Forsberg if Nashville can’t retain him, and the Calgary Flames raised my eyebrows the most.
If the Flames don’t hold onto pending UFA Johnny Gaudreau, then they’ll be an aggressive suitor for Forsberg and that would be an enticing alternative for Forsberg.
Unequivocally, the Nashville Predators will be worse in 2022-23 if Forsberg isn’t re-signed and a real rebuild, not a retool, will be a reality.
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Final Thoughts on Nashville Predators Offseason
The Nashville Predators just can’t get out of being average. This is what the front office is tasked with addressing this offseason. How do they get this franchise back over the first round hump.
These aren’t all instant fixes, but the Predators have a solid, young nucleus mixed with a few seasoned veterans to make a big jump forward in 2022-23 only if they have an effective 2022 offseason.
Continuing to develop your youth, having another strong draft class, being aggressive in free agency to fix some offensive woes, and re-signing Forsberg are four ways that this team will get better this summer.