Report card grades for all 31 NHL teams at the trade deadline

Nashville Predators: A

David Poile has built the reputation of being an aggressive general manager when it comes to trades. Poile is not afraid to make a big deal when the time comes. The evidence is best seen in the 2013 trade, when Poile took a chance and sent top winger Martin Erat to the Washington Capitals for prospect Filip Forsberg. Martin Erat eventually left for Europe, and Forsberg has become one of Nashville’s top performers. Poile is also the same general manager who flipped Seth Jones for Ryan Johanson, who has become Nashville’s top center.

This year, Poile made another big move in adding Ryan Hartman. Hartman was a gritty winger from Chicago who brings offensive upside. The Predators paid a big price for Hartman by sending a first-and a fourth-round pick in 2018 and prospect Victor Ejdselll.  Hartman will give Nashville some speed and a little scoring touch in their bottom two lines. Hartman is an upgrade on players like Austin Watson and will likely move Calle Jarnkrok down the lineup.

The Predators also addressed their depth in the AHL by trading for goaltender Troy Grosenick and veteran forward Brandon Bollig. Both players will likely report to Milwaukee and see action in the NHL if the Predators get a series of injuries. Nashville was able to improve its draft stock when in a three-team trade with Edmonton and Columbus. Nashville traded for Mark Letestu and then flipped him to Columbus for a fourth-round pick. In the final minutes of the deadline, Nashville acquired more depth pieces from the Arizona Coyotes in Tyler Gaudet and John Ramage.

Nashville’s window to win the Stanley Cup is open right now. With a strong young core on defense and plenty of depth in its forward group, Nashville is primed to take the next step and win the Stanley Cup.