Best Trade Deadline Acquisitions in Nashville Predators History
By Chad Minton
Steve Sullivan, Acquired from Blackhawks for Two 2nd Rd Picks in February 2004
Going all the way back to the early days of the Predators franchise. Back when the team was trying to crack into the playoffs and starting building a roster that can compete. It took time and patience as an expansion franchise, but Steve Sullivan was one of those franchise changing acquisitions.
Sullivan had already enjoyed an impressive NHL career going back to 1995-96 and had five-straight seasons over 60-plus points. He brought offensive flare to the Predators, which they had largely been missing since joining the NHL in 1998.
When you look back on when the Predators leveled up from being an expansion team bottom feeder to competing for playoff appearances and helping hockey grow in the South, Sullivan was instrumental in that process.
Sullivan's best season with Nashville was 2005-06 with 68 points in 69 games, 13 power play goals and a 16 percent shooting percentage.