Each NHL team’s biggest burning question in 2018
By Simon Vacca
Nashville Predators: Is center depth a point of concern?
Ever since the Nashville Predators embarked upon a Cinderella run to the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals, the team has managed to translate the doubts of critics into a sense of categorical respect — the depths of which expand across all facets of the hockey world.
To argue that the Predators’ road to expansive acclaim has been a relatively recent development is nothing short of a reductionist trivialization. The club has made the playoffs in seven of its last ten seasons, and the establishment of a core set of talent has been cautiously set into motion under the watchful eye of David Poile since his early days with the organization — a tenure that expands all the way back to 9 July 1997. The team’s goaltending is sound, its offensive core is promising and its blue line is, without question, one of the very best that the sport has seen in recent years.
As the Predators seek to shake off the battle scars of a rough exit from the 2018 playoffs at the hands of the Winnipeg Jets, the question of depth — particularly surrounding attacking intensity down the middle — looms larger than ever. Nashville’s powerhouses are intimidating, yes — but do they have enough of them?
Poile has earned high marks for his ability to trade for especially valuable pieces. Ryan Johansen and Kyle Turris — the team’s nos. 1 and 2, respectively — are indeed capable of marrying offensive prowess with defensive responsibility, but the latter’s disappointing performance in the 2018 postseason promises to cast a shadow of doubt upon even his most optimistic supporters. And while Nick Bonino and Colton Sissons can be relied upon to clock in tough minutes, the overarching extent of the club’s center depth is worrisome when placed in conversation with the likes of Pittsburgh, Toronto and Washington, respectively.
Look for Poile to make a move if he deems the situation to be worthy of tinkering. Even securing a mere rental could allow the franchise to usher forth yet another Stanley Cup run for the books.