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Nashville Predators: Will the Austin Watson suspension hurt the Preds?

By Stetson Marlin

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 07: Austin Watson #51 of the Nashville Predators reacts after scoring a goal against goalie Joonas Korpisalo #70 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Bridgestone Arena on April 7, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 07: Austin Watson #51 of the Nashville Predators reacts after scoring a goal against goalie Joonas Korpisalo #70 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Bridgestone Arena on April 7, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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The NHL announced the suspension to Nashville Predators winger Austin Watson on Tuesday. Will his suspension hurt the Predators?

In the long run, the suspension of Austin Watson has the possibility of hurting the Nashville Predators but also opens up the possibility of them making a trade as the trade deadline approaches.

Watson was suspended for the second time this season on Tuesday by the NHL. He was admitted into the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health Program, according to the press release by the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.

He will be suspended without pay during his time at the program. It is truly awful news to hear as he is dealing with alcohol addiction, but he needs all the backing he can receive from the fans in this situation.

What does his suspension mean?

Watson had starred in 34 games so far this season, mostly on the third line, posting 13 points, including seven goals.

The Predators will lose an aggressor with the suspension of Watson. Watson will likely not appear in a Predators jersey for the rest of the season, so the Predators will have to have other guys step up in his place.

With Kyle Turris also still on the IR, it leaves one question. How will the Predators replace Watson?

Guys will have to step up once again this season. The Predators have prided themselves in the depth of their squad throughout the last few seasons, but it has really been tested this season with injuries and suspensions to key players.

To this point, the Predators have had guys like Nick Bonino, Colton Sissons, Calle Jarnkrok, Ryan Hartman, and Rocco Grimaldi step up, but will they step up enough to lead them to the Stanley Cup Finals?

Maybe so, but now with the suspension of Watson, GM David Poile might be more open to the idea of a trade. There are a few players that might be on the market by the time the trade deadline rolls around. The Predators have until February 25th to make a trade.

Wayne Simmonds is a name that has been thrown around a lot regarding the Predators. Simmonds is on a struggling Philadelphia Flyers team that is likely looking to rebuild. He has struggled some this season, but maybe a trade to a new team will increase his play. Getting Simmonds in a trade would help the Predators, especially considering his career success on the powerplay, which has been a struggle the entire year.

Artemi Panarin’s name has been thrown around a good bit recently as well. Panarin declined talks with the Columbus Blue Jackets regarding a contract extension, opening up the possibility for a trade. Both the Predators and the Bruins have been mentioned in talks for Panarin. Panarin is a star, who has posted 55 points so far this season, including 19 goals.

Landing either one of those players will make the Predators a better team, even after the suspension to Watson.

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