Nashville Predators: Ragin’ Rookies and Non-Stop Newcomers

Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) and right wing Nino Niederreiter (22) talk after a play during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan McDonagh (27) and right wing Nino Niederreiter (22) talk after a play during the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
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Nashville Predators
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

#55 Roland McKeown

Roland McKeown, 26-year-old Ontario native defensemen, was signed by the Predators on July 14 of the 2022 offseason to a two-year, two-way contract with an AAV of $762,500 at the NHL level. He has only played in four games for the Predators this season, spending the majority of his time in Milwaukee.

In his brief stint with the Predators, McKeown hasn’t notched a point yet, and has three minor penalties. Based on his play, one can only imagine that his time in the NHL will be limited unless he can step his game up.

If Dante Fabbro ends up being traded, that will open up roster space for more NHL opportunities for McKeown. He got 14:39 of ice time and dished out three hits in the win over the Canadiens on Tuesday with Fabbro being a healthy scratch.

Signed through the end of 2023-2024 season, McKeown could also be an asset that the Predators look at trading for a draft pick to clear out some cap space as the 2022-2023 season trade deadline approaches in two months.