Predlines
Fansided

Taking a Look at Trotz's Checklist for the 2025 NHL Draft and Nashville Predators

Fans are getting on their knees, praying that Trotz does what's right for the franchise.
ByJordan Manning|
Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators draft pick Matthew Wood shakes hands with incoming general manager Barry Trotz after being selected with the fifteenth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Jun 28, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators draft pick Matthew Wood shakes hands with incoming general manager Barry Trotz after being selected with the fifteenth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images | Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
3 of 3

3: Explore Trading for Young Talent in Search of New Homes

Marco Rossi Nashville Predator
Dec 31, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi (23) skates to the bench after scoring against the Nashville Predators in the first period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images | Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

There is a handful of elite talent that are willing to part ways with their current franchises right now. With Marco Rossi and Isaac Howard taking the league by storm, Nashville needs to at least check it out. Trotz should reel together a package and see what the organizations are willing to work with. If it involves moving a top prospect, the Preds should stray away. However, if it means moving on from some picks and a tradeable player, Nashville should pursue.

Even then, Trotz should still prioritize drafting talent rather than trading for it. Rushing the process can result in yet another aging core. If Nashville acquired Rossi, 23, and did go through with the rebuild, he would be a much older, less potential guy. With the current state of the organization a rebuild may take 4 years, meaning that Rossi would be 27-28 by the time the team is even ready to compete. Drafting someone gives them more time to make moves and become a contender.

Trotz needs to draft smart, move on from some guys, and just coast the offseason. Adding Erik Haula was already a questionable trade so the best Nashville can do is leave that in the past and just get younger. If that means losing attendance the next few years, so be it. The Preds have a very passionate fanbase and they'll be very grateful to see an extremely talented team in the next few years.

Home/Draft