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Nashville Predators: Five Storylines Heading into 2023 All Star Break

By Chad Minton

Jan 26, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Matt Duchene (95) celebrates with defenseman Roman Josi (59) after a goal during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Matt Duchene (95) celebrates with defenseman Roman Josi (59) after a goal during the third period against the New Jersey Devils at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /

How Will the Predators Approach the Trade Deadline?

It’s that time of year again, and it feels like déjà vu from last season. The Predators aren’t bad enough to sell the farm off, as much as many of you wish they would anyway, and aren’t good enough to be heavy buyers for a high-risk rental. They’re stuck in that gray area and that makes approaching the trade deadline all the more tricky.

General Manager David Poile has to be very cautious at how he handles any consideration of going after a player that you would call a “rental”. It’s one thing if you’re already a Stanley Cup contender and want to add one more piece to tip the scales. Think a team like the Dallas Stars who may feel one more piece can be the difference-maker.

Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff  has his latest Top Trade Targets Board:

1. Bo Horvat (Canucks), $5.5M AAV

2. Timo Meier (Sharks), $6M AAV, $10M Qualifying Offer

3. Jakob Chychrun (Coyotes), $4.6M AAV

4. Patrick Kane (Blackhawks), $10.5M AAV

5. Jonathan Toews (Blackhawks), $10.5 AAV

For what it’s worth, Mattias Ekholm was originally No.1 on this list, but since has fallen back to No.15 due to the Predators recently climbing up the standings.

"“Man, with each passing game, the decision gets a little bit tougher for Preds GM David Poile. His team is hanging tough in the playoff race, and whenever they seem to be left for dead in the standings, they bounce back.” Seravalli says about Preds and Poile on the deadline strategy"

I just can’t put the Nashville Predators in that boat of being big time buyers. With that said, they can still be active at the deadline if they see a move that makes sense for a more long-term approach. Maybe a younger player that you can see in your extended plans. It’s all about if you like the offers being made.

This feels more like a situations where the Predators should stand pat with what they have unless something too hard to resist presents itself and you just can’t say no.

The Predators have 11 games remaining before the March 3 deadline. They’ll play the night before against the Florida Panthers. If the Predators have moved into the top-three of the Central Division, which is entirely possible, then it’s going to be hard to convince Poile not to be an aggressive buyer. That thought does admittedly scare me that he overreaches.

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