Was it Fools Gold For Barry Trotz and the Nashville Predators?
The Nashville Predators had every opportunity to win their first-round playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks. However, three bad third periods cost the Predators in the end. Nashville fell to the Canucks 1-0 in Game 6, losing the series 4-2.
General Manager Barry Trotz had a good feeling about his team this season. The Predators were a young team, and nobody thought playoffs were possible, but things fell their way to get into the playoffs. Ultimately, the bounces did not go the Predators way when it mattered most. However, it was still a successful season for a team that was not supposed to make the playoffs in Nashville.
It is difficult to say whether Barry Trotz made my mistakes as a rookie General Manager. Some will say by not trading his assets at the NHL Trade Deadline without knowing more details about the situation and the potential trades. Some people say the Predators were asking an awful lot. That means teams that were looking for players balked at those trades.
For example, the New Jersey Devils are looking to acquire Juuse Saros. As Full Press Hockey reported, the Predators were asking for Dawson Mercer, Seamus Casey, Akira Schmid, the Devils 2024 first-round pick, and the Devils 2025 2nd pick for Alexandre Carrier, Juuse Saros, with the Predators retaining 50 percent on Carrier,”
This is why others have said the Predators would have been set for years with the assets they acquired from potential deals at the deadline.
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It is also unlikely that not making a trade at the deadline would set the Nashville Predators back 10 years in development. While making a trade to acquire assets or future picks can help a team rebuild or retool for the future, many factors go into a team’s success and development. One trade deadline decision is unlikely to have such a significant impact. We have to remember that not every prospect is Connor McDavid. Some are fringe NHL’ers at best.
Ultimately, the success or failure of a general manager’s decisions is often judged over the long term. Considering all the factors and circumstances involved before making a definitive assessment is essential.
2024 has been a wild ride for Barry Trotz and the Nashville Predators. It will be remembered for U2 Concert that wasn’t, winning streaks, hosting the 2023 NHL Draft, and making the playoffs.
Let’s hope we don’t fall for Fool’s Gold and wait too long to change the Nashville Predators’ core.
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