David Poile and Barry Trotz Talk Reset Strategy Ahead of the NHL Draft

"The decision was made purely on our window that we really created at the trading deadline," Trotz said. "We felt that with Ryan's time remaining that he was going to miss a little bit of that window."

Trotz was clear that Johansen's injury last season did not factor into the decision to move him but more an issue of timing and where the franchise is headed. 

"He's cleared and skating and all that," Trotz said. "It was more of where we are as a younger group, going a little bit younger."

Both Poile and Trotz were highly complimentary of Johansen's time in Nashville from his on ice contributions in the 2017 Stanley Cup run to his leadership in the locker room and commitment to service in the community. 

The NHL Draft

With thirteen picks in this year's NHL Draft, Poile and Trotz have plenty of options and opportunities. They addressed the potential to move up from the pick 15 in the draft.

"David and I have both been on the phones trying to do that," Trotz said. "You have to have the right dance partner, if you will. Everybody's been trying to get into that top four, and it's reasonable that all four of those teams will just stay put."

"That's a pretty good comfort level for them. As I said, I've been trying to make them uncomfortable. At this point there haven't been any of those trades out there. But we've still got a few days here. Things can change."

The Predators have plenty of capital to put together an offer to move up in the draft, but that doesn't mean Trotz wants to spend it all trying to get into that top four. 

"We've got lots of capital and we have to be smart about it as well," Trotz said. "You don't want to do one thing and then try to fix a bunch of holes if you go too far."

Neither Poile not Trotz are concerned that there won't be valuable players still available at 15 and 24 Wednesday night. The depth in this year's draft is remarkable, even to someone like David Poile who has been through years of NHL drafts. 

"This is one of the best drafts I think in history," Poile said. "If we get 15 and 24 for starters, we could get two foundation type players."

Whether the Predators can get a deal done to move up in the draft Wednesday night or whether the team stays put with their two first round picks, Poile feels good about what can happen in the first round. 

"We really feel we are in a good comfort zone," he said. 

When it comes to specifically targeting forwards or defenseman, Poile is clear that the strategy is to chose the best available player regardless of position. 

"If it's forward versus defenseman, we're going to take the best player."

Offseason Moves Beyond the Draft

Barry Trotz has said that this season's pool of free agents isn't as deep as in previous years. There are some very specific considerations Trotz is keeping in mind as he looks ahead to free agency or potential trades this offseason.

"For the most part, we are looking for cultural pieces. We're looking for more short term people that can help us win, but at the same time, leaving enough room for when our young guys are ready," Trotz said. 

Term is a big consideration with potential moves.

"I don't want to get tied up into long term contracts for the number of young players that we have," Trotz said. "I've been very transparent with the agents and the players on that." 

Barry Trotz and David Poile will continue the roster reset that they began at the trade deadline with the Mattias Ekholm, Tanner Jeannot, Mikael Granlund and now Ryan Johansen trades. The Predators are looking to give young players the reins to grow into their roles, but a short term deal with the right free agent or trade target may help speed up this reset. 

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