Steven Stamkos #91, Roman Josi #59, and Tommy Novak #82 of the Nashville Predators (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
The Nashville Predators want to change their mix. General manager Barry Trotz added some big names to his roster this past offseason and said it was "fantasy hockey"; he wants to change things.
As sources close to RG reported in November, change would be a real possibility for Predators players. Now, those words have become actions, as Trotz traded Alexandre Carrier to the Montreal Canadiens for Justin Barron.
However, as a source told RG, this is not the only move the Predators could make to prepare for this roster's future.
“They are clearing cap space for something. It may not be for right now, but it’s coming," said the source.
With the recent departures of Scott Wedgewood, Dante Fabbro, Philip Tomasino, and Carrier, the Predators have a little over $4 million in salary cap space to add to their roster.
While they added depth to their defense in Barron, they apparently want to do more to bolster their depth down the middle. It’s not a secret that you win Stanley Cups with elite centermen, and Trotz is on the prowl to find one to come and complement their existing veterans.
Hunting For A Center
RG reported that the Nashville Predators have been eyeing Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens. He is an age-appropriate center that fits right into the team’s competitive window and carries a $7.1 million cap hit for the next five seasons.
And, as sources have indicated, the cupboard is getting bare outside of Tommy Novak and Fedor Svechkov. But, the Predators may have to sacrifice one of them in order to truly upgrade at a position of need and give the team the jolt it needs to turn their season around.
The source could not give any names, but if the Predators want a top-four defenseman, as RG has indicated, Buffalo has not only the center the Predators want but also a top-four defenseman.
Bowen Byram’s name has floated around quite a bit this season, and he’d be exactly what the doctor ordered for a club that’s moved on from Fabbro and Carrier in under a month.
Regardless of the December 19-28 trade freeze, Barry Trotz is aggressively trying to complete a trade that will change the face of his club. Other league executives are looking at the Predators to make some sort of move at this junction, and it’s not like Trotz is hiding his intentions either.
During a press conference, he said to the media that he would only do it if the fit were right, but he confirmed that RG has been reporting that he wants to make a move.
"Don't be surprised if we make a move," Trotz said. "If there is the right piece, I'm going to add it. I want to make our team better. I want to win; I don't want to lose."
Jim Biringer
