Well, Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz came out and said one of the most dreaded words in hockey...rebuild.
Turns out Dante Fabbro has been the first to go, being waived by the Predators on Saturday ahead of their home game against Utah Hockey Club. This will send shockwaves through the fanbase for sure.
Dante Fabbro (NASH) on waivers
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 9, 2024
Now that the Predators have officially been put on notice by management, we're hoping to see a turnaround sooner rather than later. It seems as though that the Predators brass might have a shorter rope than previously believed. If this happens then players might be getting shipped out of town.
When trying to take an objective look at the roster, these players jump out as some of the first that might be moved.
Gustav Nyquist
We've talked about him being a trade trip since he signed here, but if Barry Trotz decides to dismantle the establishment, Gustav Nyquist is a veteran piece on an expeiring contract. He's still productive and if he's playing with the right players he'll be a good asset to any kind of contending team. Veteran scorer, playoff experience, reasonably price tag, exactly the type of person who ends up getting dealt when things go wrong, or you drop out of contention. It would be a blow for the top end of the Predators, but considering he's a pending UFA and 35 years old, he's going to need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
Colton Sissons
The long time Predator is a fan favorite and well liked in the room, but if anyone has had a start to match the teams it is him. He's getting demolished on the ice and isn't producing this year to make up for it.
He's coming off of his best offensive season and would still have plenty of value across the league in the right situation. The Predators also have establish a pretty decent prospect pool, and moving on from a veteran like Sissons on the other end of his prime makes some space for the kids.
Philip Tomasino
It hasn't been a secret that things have been difficult between Tommer and the Predators brass. Negotiations didn't go very well this offseason, and in the previous season he was benched and then demoted to the AHL. He still isn't getting regular minutes and his play doesn't jump off the ice when he is out there.
He's on a super cheap one year deal and the player organization relationship is already tarnished. It might not be an impactful move, but it does send a message to some of the prospects and younger talent that they would not be immune from a purge.
Hopefully the Predators are able to figure themselves out and get back in the action, but if not, keep an eye on some of these names, and feel to to suggest your own to us.