The Nashville Predators surprised a lot of people this season, making it into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, when many felt they didn't have the depth up front to do so. Now the attention turns to GM Barry Trotz and his offseason plan as the Preds have a ton of flexibility financially and could be a major player in the trade market this summer.
Trotz has close to $20 million in cap space heading into July 1 free agency and goaltender Juuse Saros remains one of the hottest trade attractions in the league. There will be no shortage of suitors, however Trotz has admitted recently, finding common ground on a contract extension would be his first choice.
With or without Saros in the mix, here's three Predators who won't be getting traded this summer:
Yaroslav Askarov
Regardless of Saros sticking around or not, Askarov is the best goalie prospect in the league and he's eventually going to push to be 'the guy'. The former first-round pick had a huge season in the AHL, recording an impressive 2.39 GAA and .911 Sv.% in 44 games. Askarov also managed to appear in two NHL games, posting a 1.47 GAA and .943 Sv.%. He's ready and expect to see him as at least the backup in Nashville next season.
Luke Schenn
We will stay away from the Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg's of the world and yes, Schenn is also not going anywhere. He's a huge presence in the dressing room, he loves to throw his weight around on the ice and even though Schenn doesn't have any trade protection, don't expect to see Trotz give up on him. The rugged blueliner has two years left on his deal at $2.75 million AAV.
Cody Glass
Glass made huge strides in 2023-24 and is among a few younger core players for the Preds. He finished this season with 13 points in 41 games and the former sixth-overall pick in 2017 has shown in the past he's capable of producing at a much higher clip. Glass collected 35 points in 72 games during the 2022-23 season and Nashville hopes with a bigger role next season he can find the scoresheet on a more frequent basis.
PHotocredit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Post a Comment