Key Takeaways:
– The Nashville Predators currently have $26.02 million in cap space after their trade with Tampa Bay.
– Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward, Mitch Marner, is rumored to be a target for the Predators, though he’s still under contract.
– Speculations suggest a potential trade involving Predators’ goaltender Juuse Saros.
– The cap space needs careful allocation as eight potential player spots are yet to be filled for the upcoming season.
Rebound Strategy after First Round Setbacks
Despite losing out in the first round to Vancouver Canucks, the Nashville Predators wasted no time in refocusing their energies on the ensuing off-season. They marked the start with a key high-level trade and since then, speculations have been mounting about their future game plans.
Rumored Interest in Mitch Marner
Talk about a proposed trade for Toronto Maple Leafs forward, Mitch Marner, grew louder following the Predators’ trade. Interestingly, when Nashville’s General Manager Barry Trotz was questioned about these speculations on Tuesday, May 21, he simply laughed off the rumors. Trotz humorously remarked that he’d only believe the rumblings when the Leafs started engaging him on the matter.
Cap Space Clearance through McDonagh Trade
The speculation was fueled by a trade deal between the Predators and the Tampa Bay Lightning that propelled NHL veteran Ryan McDonagh back to Tampa Bay. The transaction freed up a notable $6.75 million of the Predator’s cap space, with the Tampa Bay Lightning to absorb the full amount and unburden the Predator’s books.
The funds freed through this trade aren’t implying an automatic acquisition of Marner. Despite the generous $26.02 million estimated in cap space, the Predators have a number of other financial responsibilities to settle. This includes deals with at least eight players who would potentially complete the minimum team requirement of twenty-three.
A Possible Scenario of a “Hockey Trade”
In hockey, there’s a long-established tradition of a one-for-one player exchange, and interestingly, this kind of trade has been proposed by fans of both the Leafs and the Predators. The proposal cements the idea of Leafs trading Marner for the Predators’ goaltender Juuse Saros.
This possibility was proposed by Spencer Lazary of The Hockey Writer on May 8, where he suggested that the Leafs would additionally offer Calle Jarnkrok and in return, receive Saros along with Jeremy Lauzon, and two draft picks set for 2024 and 2025.
Trade Benefits for Both Parties
On revisiting his multiple proposals on May 21, Lazary believes that the successful execution of this trade deal between the Leafs and Predators would significantly benefit both teams. He, however, highlighted the need for salary adjustments and tactical navigation of upcoming free agency.
From Lazary’s perspective, the Predators would greatly benefit from Marner’s offensive power while the Leafs would gain from Saros’ stability in the goaltending position. A win-win situation, if it comes to pass.
Conclusion
At present, everything about Marner’s potential trade to the Predators remains speculative. However, given the strategic moves the Predators have already made this off-season and the timely clearance of cap space with the McDonagh trade, fans and pundits will definitely be keeping an eye on the unfolding developments. However the narrative builds, the Predators’ offseason maneuvers have undeniably enlivened the trade talk landscape.