Nashville Predators: Top Five Forward Free Agent Targets This Summer

Vincent Trocheck

Although the Predators are fine at Center, Vincent Trocheck is a viable option for the club. Trocheck, who turns 29 in July, had 51 points (21 goals and 30 assists) in 81 games this past season, with 39 of those points coming at 5v5 and the rest on the powerplay.

Trochek is incredibly dependable in the circle, averaging 54.8% this season and 56% the one before. He is very strong on his stick, resulting in many takeaways and puck battle wins.

According to Moneypuck, Trocheck’s 185 hits this season was 24th among NHL forwards and his 67.9% on ice goals was 18th among NHL forwards with 200+ minutes played. The downside to Trocheck is that in the past, he hasn’t been the best at producing in the playoffs, having picked up six points in 19 playoff games prior to this year’s playoffs. This postseason he has five goals and four assists in 12 games, which is a huge improvement from previous years, as he continues through his prime.

Trocheck would fit in well with the physicality of the Preds and add the needed secondary scoring. The only downside is one of Granlund, Johansen or Trocheck would have to transition to the wing, or they could all be centers with one on the third line.

Trocheck will be one of the more costly players on this list. He will likely get a deal in the $6 million per season range over five or six years. If the Predators can make it work, he is one of the best fits in terms of the Predators system, but I’m not sure they will want to commit to that term.