The NHL offseason is often a time for rumor, speculation and projection. For the Nashville Predators it is no different as they navigate the path forward after missing the playoffs for the first time in almost a decade. Some of the work has already been done as incoming GM Barry Trotz replaced head coach John Hynes with former Predator player Andrew Brunette and fired assistant coach Dan Lambert. But there are plenty of storylines remaining to be resolved over the Predators’ summer. Young players need new contracts while some older players may need a new uniform. All the while, Barry Trotz is armed with a talented prospect pool, a bevy of draft picks and plenty of cap space. So let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing storylines to watch for the Nashville Predators offseason in 2023.
What is Karl Taylor’s Future?
Just like with John Hynes in Nashville, Karl Taylor has navigated a challenging road across his four seasons in Milwaukee. The difference, however, has been the results. Taylor has consistently put together high performing teams that challenge for the top of the AHL’s Central division. He has also done well to develop talent into NHL ready players with names like Tanner Jeannot, Cody Glass, and Philip Tomasino on his resume.
The ‘22-23 season may have been one of his best from a coaching perspective as much of the top talent was stripped from his roster to fill out a Predators roster gutted by injury and trade.
Taylor kept the Admirals rolling into the playoffs and guided them into the western conference finals. Karl Taylor has been vocal that his goal is to get into an NHL coaching role, though the right opportunity has not yet emerged. At the press conference to introduce Andrew Brunette, Barry Trotz did confirm that Karl Taylor was a finalist for Predators head coaching job. There is an open assistant coach spot but one would assume Brunette will want his own choice as the other two bench spots are holdovers. So it stands to reason Taylor will be on the short list for a number of teams needing to fill out their staff. If the right opportunity doesn’t arise then it is possible Karl Taylor returns behind the bench in Milwaukee but do not be surprised if he moves one.
What Happens with the Right Side Defense?
The Predators defense underwent a number of changes through the ‘22-23 season. Mark Borowiecki went down with injury early in the season and never returned, eventually announcing his retirement after the season. Long time Predator Mattias Ekholm was dealt to Edmonton just prior to the trade deadline in a deal that brought back veteran right handed defenseman Tyson Barrie. Additionally, Cal Foote was acquired in the trade that sent Tanner Jeannot to Tampa. As March came to a close, the Predators then signed Jake Livingstone out of Minnesota State and he joined the lineup almost immediately. Through all of the changes the left side of the defense remains pretty set with Roman Josi, Ryan McDonagh and Jeremy Lauzon. On the right side however finds Barrie, Dante Fabbro, Alex Carrier, Jake Livingstone and Foote all competing for playing time. Barrie and Fabbro are under contract for the ‘22-23 season while Carrier, Livingstone and Foote are restricted free agents. Unless the Predators are blown away with an offer for Carrier it would seem likely that he is retained and the team really liked how Livingstone jumped right in and was effective. Cal Foote is probably on the outside looking in right now but it’s possible he is retained as a depth option as well. At this point it is probably the best approach to have more bodies who can compete and push each other.
Will Barry Trotz Make a Big Move?
Throughout the early portion of his tenure as the incoming GM, Barry Trotz has stated his desire to add speed and skill to the Predators roster. Nashville has 16 picks in the top three rounds over the next three drafts to build out an already strong pipeline, especially at forward. So while Trotz still has a roster boasting some very good (Forsberg/Duchene) to elite (Josi/Saros) talents, is it possible that Trotz goes big game hunting and adds an elite talent? Well, it won’t be from free agency this season as the crop of unrestricted free agents does not boast any marquee players. The trade market, however, could be a different story as many teams are still tight to a salary cap that won’t increase much in ‘23-24 and contracts will have to be prioritized. Could Toronto be willing to part with one of their stars? Perhaps Ottawa decides they can’t re-sign Alex DeBrincat and look to move him as Elliotte Friedman has reported. In my opinion, any kind of trade should only be pursued if there is an opportunity to add a truly top level talent as even with all the draft picks it is still very hard to find those types of players.
On the other end, does Barry Trotz look to move out another large contract? Josi, Forsberg and Ryan McDonagh are locked in but Matt Duchene, Ryan Johansen and Tyson Barrie all could be moved. Duchene and Johansen might both require some kind of draft pick enticement but the Predators have lots of those. Tyson Barrie is also intriguing because while he was a positive addition to a very young defense there is the aforementioned issue of a glut at right-handed defense. In each of these cases, making a move is less about clearing salary as it is creating the opportunity for the younger talents to elevate in their role and responsibility. Barry Trotz has the cap space, the draft capital and no loyalty to the current core to pursue a landscape changing deal. Now we just get to see if there is a deal to be made.
Other Notes
- It will be interesting to see what type of contract Cody Glass receives. He bet on himself with a one year deal and showed the type of growth into a well-rounded center that warrants a raise.
- Nashville’s approach to the draft will be fascinating to watch. Barry Trotz now-famously stated (thanks to PBR’s own Alex Daugherty) that he wants to take swings on high end talents. Could he try to trade up if someone like Matvei Michkov falls due to the uncertainty of his arrival time in North America?
- Unless a huge offer is revealed, I do not expect Barry Trotz to seriously explore trading Juuse Saros this summer.
Contract information courtesy of Cap Friendly
