While trades by the Nashville Predators may not be done just yet, the roster is starting to take form after three moves the day before the deadline. This saw the team acquire Anthony Beauvillier and Jaret Anderson-Dolan while moving out Yakov Trenin.
A couple of days ago Barry Trotz was in favour of using prospects over potential rentals if the prices were too steep, saying "the prices are ridiculous for what GMs are asking for on the market for rentals...If (Juuso) Parssinen or (Philip) Tomasino are better than the guys we're looking at to acquire, then I wouldn't make the deal."
Beauvillier, the only rental the Predators brought in, didn't cost a whole lot (fifth-round pick), so this made sense in targeting the type of player Trotz thought the team needed. Past that, prospects at all positions could still be used in the final 18 games of the season and in the playoffs. Let's take a look at five who have a chance to see some time in the NHL.
Philip Tomasino
Tomasino is one of the young forwards that Trotz named as potential next callups that can make a difference. What's odd about his demotion to the AHL this season is that he was contributing and producing offensively, something the Predators have been looking for.
The 22-year-old can play on both wings and for his age, has lots of valuable NHL experience. He has already played parts of three seasons with the Predators for a total of 148 games and has 23 goals and 70 points. Just this season he has seven goals and 20 points in 41 games. Even without any more moves, it only makes sense that Tomasino will finish the season in the NHL with the Predators.
Juuso Parssinen
Parssinen is in a similar boat to Tomasino except he has a bit less NHL experience, plays center, and wasn't as productive. Parssinen also happened to be trusted with more playing time as the center ice position behind Ryan O'Reilly was more of a revolving door and not set in stone.
Parssinen was also mentioned by name by Trotz as an option to be recalled and provide help on the Predators. In just about the same amount of games as last season (his rookie season), Parssinen assisted on fewer goals since he wasn't playing with better players, but he also managed to score a couple more goals. As he played 44 games already this season and did alright, there's no reason why he shouldn't be next in line to be brought up to the NHL again alongside Tomasino.
Spencer Stastney
Trotz wants to get Spencer Stastney more playing time with the Predators this season, and that is the reason for the trade talks surrounding Alexandre Carrier and even Tyson Barrie. The Predators really like what they see with the 24-year-old, even when he had limited playing time earlier this season.
Stastney has only played 17 games in the NHL and nine of them came this season. He won't tear up the scoresheet with points, but he is solid, doing well in the AHL this season. He is on the cusp of graduating full-time to a role in the NHL and if the general manager wants you playing, he'll find you space.
Marc Del Gaizo
I would place Marc Del Gaizo behind Stastney in terms of getting another callup to the NHL this season, but he did impress in his five games with the Predators. Unlike Stastney, Del Gaizo has some offensive pop and showed it during his recall, recording three assists.
He is also 24 years old, but drafted one year after Stastney. The Predators could use a bit more scoring that Del Gaizo could help a bit with, but I can really only see him getting another shot this season if there's injuries or a defenseman who contributes offensively goes down, like Roman Josi.
Yaroslav Askarov
The recall of Yaroslav Askarov depends on what happens with Kevin Lankinen this season. There is a chance he is traded since Askarov has proven himself in the AHL and the NHL (two games) this season. But as a 21-year-old, it still might be too soon to give him the reins as the backup.
I can easily see Askarov graduating by next season, but Trotz is full of surprises and could give the young goalie a shot now. The Predators success in the playoffs will depend on Juuse Saros anyways, so more time in the NHL for the remainder of the season would just give Askarov a few starts and some valuable experience ahead of a season where he may be expected to be a full-time backup.
The Predators have a very good prospect pool of players that are ready to contribute in the NHL or close to it. There is lots of talent to choose from and fill the ranks of the team very soon.
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Around the NHL
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