Takeaways from the Predators end-of-season press conference
The Nashville Predators held an end-of-season press conference today, letting general manager David Poile and head coach Peter Laviolette talk to the press.
The Nashville Predators season ended shorter than they expected, as they got knocked out of the second round to the Winnipeg Jets last week. The Predators had some high expectations heading into the playoffs, but just couldn’t live up to those expectations, leaving them short of their end goal.
Both Peter Laviolette and David Poile addressed the media this morning, addressing this season and talking about what will be done moving forward. According to remarks made by both Laviolette and Poile, the team likely won’t change very much. That doesn’t rule out a change in the offseason though.
They also shot down the ridiculous P.K. Subban trade rumors.
GM David Poile says free agents Alexei Emelin and Scott Hartnell aren't expected to be back w/ #Preds
— 102.5 & 106.3 The Game (@1025TheGame) May 14, 2018
The Predators will likely split ways with both Alexei Emelin and Scott Hartnell. Hartnell is on the verge of retiring, so that news isn’t much of a surprise. Emelin was acquired by the Predators this past offseason, but will likely be out of Nashville after one year. Both Yannick Weber and Matt Irwin saw a good bit of action over Emelin in the playoffs, so that will likely end up being the third defensive pairing heading into next year.
A big thing the team addressed was the second line. Early in the season, the Predators acquired Kyle Turris in a three-way deal. Turris was able to mold with the second line immediately, but the production from the second line faded away at the end of the year, especially during the playoffs.
David Poile on @Midday180: We have to spend time with @kyleturris and his linemates. He was a difference-maker in the regular season, sparked Fiala and Smith. Outstanding for Ottowa in playoffs last year. Sometimes this happens. No one feels as bad as he does. #Preds
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) May 14, 2018
Injuries
The Predators weren’t hit nearly as bad with injuries during this year’s playoff run, but still ended up having some injuries hurt their depth.
GM David Poile on #Preds injuries:
— 102.5 & 106.3 The Game (@1025TheGame) May 14, 2018
- Mike Fisher (meniscus)
- Calle Jarnkrok (shoulder)
- Ryan Hartman (labrum tear; ~ 4-5 month recovery from surgery)
During today’s press conference, Poile stated these guys suffered injuries throughout the playoffs, and both Jarnkrok and Hartman will have the offseason to recover.
Looking forward to next year
Both Laviolette and Poile talked about keeping the roster much of the same heading into next year. That means the Predators will likely offer Ryan Ellis a contract extension.
One of the biggest things coming out of this press conference was Eeli Tolvanen. The Predators ended up bringing Tolvanen late in the year, but never played him during the playoffs.
David Poile on Eeli Tolvanen: Next year it'll be our goal and his goal to have him make our team. Says he will give the coaches more options moving forward. And could be the difference next year for those that thought the #Preds were a “goal short” this postseason.
— Justin Beasley (@JBeasleyOpinion) May 14, 2018
It will be fun to watch what Tolvanen can do for the Predators, as we’ve continued to see him show out on the international level.
Both Poile and Laviolette expect the same production as they received this year, but hope to break through and bring the first Stanley Cup to Nashville.