NHL Rumors: Predators To Use Draft Capital To "Acquire Talent"


Barry Trotz, the General Manager of the Nashville Predators, has laid out a clear and ambitious blueprint for the team’s offseason, focusing heavily on using their draft capital to "acquire talent," as noted by Alex Daugherty of The Tennessean.

As the Predators aim to enhance their competitiveness, Trotz has expressed a strategic commitment to bolster the team’s roster, particularly the top nine forwards.

By infusing the lineup with youth and speed, he seeks to complement and elevate the existing core, including stalwarts like Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly, and Gustav Nyquist.

In addition to targeting forward improvements through the draft, Trotz is also navigating the complexities of retaining key players amidst cap constraints.

The re-signing of goaltender Juuse Saros, who has expressed a desire to stay with the Predators, is a priority, despite past trade speculations linking him to teams like the New Jersey Devils. Trotz’s approach indicates a balanced strategy: retaining essential talent while actively seeking new players who can contribute to the team’s success.

With several unrestricted free agents and financial considerations on the horizon, Trotz’s offseason strategy is not just about acquiring new talent but also about making prudent fiscal decisions. The focus is on maintaining a competitive team structure that aligns with the Predators’ budgetary limits. Photo Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports