Six Players Who Should Be on Nashville Predators Roster Bubble in 2023-24
By Chad Minton
Foote Enters Offseason as an RFA. Is there room in the D-Core?
Cal Foote was part of the trade package that sent Tanner Jeannot to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but the value of that trade for the Predators was the five draft picks that came along with Foote.
The Predators actually have three defensive pairing that look pretty set, making it really hard for someone like Foote to crack his way in. Your mortal locks for starting spots are Roman Josi, Ryan McDonagh and Tyson Barrie.
Jeremy Lauzon and Dante Fabbro aren’t mortal locks, but they’re certainly very likely to also be starters out of training camp.
Alexandre Carrier is an RFA as well and is a top priority to get a deal done, which will also make him a lock to be a starter. So where would Foote fit in? Not sure, so let’s see if the Predators match Foote’s $997,500 qualifying offer this offseason.
Foote brings next to no offense, and is basically just a big body that can hit and get in some scraps. You have more talented offensive defensemen coming through the prospect ranks like Spencer Stastney and Jordan Gross.
My bet is Foote hits free agency and doesn’t return to Nashville in 2023-24.