Predators' Disappointing Offseason Suggests Trade May Be on the Horizon: Could it be With the Penguins?
Photo credit: NHL.com
Analyst Richard Jelinek of Puck Prose has suggested that the Nashville Predators could look to make trades if they start slow again this year - could the Penguins be interested?
The Nashville Predators failed to even remotely come close to living up to the expectations that came with last summer's haul of signings by GM Barry Trotz, which included Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei.
The Predators lost the 1st 5 games of the year and missed the postseason by a wide margin despite coming into the year with elevated expectations of Stanley Cup contention.
Per analyst Richard Jelinek, the Predators could be open to making moves if things start to go wrong again this year as they did last season.
Several factors could result in them making a deep playoff run but a lot has to go right for that to happen. If all else fails they could be good team that just is not good enough to make a playoff run. Time will tell if Nashville feels comfortable with its roster or if Tortz will be forced to make other moves.
The Penguins and Predators have recently already hooked up with one another on a trade, as they traded Michael Bunting to Nashville this past March for Tommy Novak and Luke Schenn.
As established former trade partners, the pair of teams could get together once again if Trotz decides to make more changes.
The Penguins have problems of their own
The Penguins aren't without their own issues with an aging core, many of whom are on the verge of retirement.
Evgeni Malkin, one of the best players in team history, is likely heading into his final year in the NHL, while Kris Letang's career is also winding down especially amidst his multiple health issues.
The Penguins do have young pieces who will be ready to start getting their feet wet in the NHL before long, but there's no guarantee that they'll be able to elevate the team to their previous levels of dominance.
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