Nashville Predators: What the P.K. Subban trade means for the Predators

The Nashville Predators decided to part ways with defenseman P.K. Subban on Saturday and traded him to the New Jersey Devils.

Nashville Predators fans had to say goodbye to one of the most popular players to come through Nashville in the past few years. The Predators traded P.K. Subban to the New Jersey Devils for two second-round picks, defender Steven Santini, and prospect Jeremy Davies.

Subban gave a classy “thank you” to the Predators organization and fans and expressed his excitement to join the Devils this upcoming season.

Subban surrounded himself with Nashville culture and its people. This is one of the reasons he is one of the most popular players not only on the Predators but in the NHL.

Many fans loved Subban during his time in Nashville, but that doesn’t mean everyone was upset with the trade.

There were some mixed reactions about the trade on social media among Predators fans. Some were happy Subban was gone, and some were upset, mostly disappointed the Predators got scraps in return.

I am on the disappointed side. I think the Predators could’ve gotten more for Subban, but Poile rushed to get him out for draft picks. Draft picks are ok I guess, but those picks aren’t going to be ready to play at a high level for a few more years at least.

Subban was undoubtedly the best defenseman on the roster he was unfortunately sidelined with injuries.

I don’t even want to get into who won and lost the trade, so it’s pretty clear who won up front.

Even though the Predators didn’t get much in return for Subban, they opened up enough cap space to bring in a good free agent. Most notably, Matt Duchene.

Duchene is going to be highly sought after in free agency, and he will be paid handsomely by whatever team he signs with. If Poile can’t get Duchene, then this trade is a total bust.

Poile made this trade to open cap space for free agency if he can’t bring in a top-tier talent this summer then this could end up one of the worst trades we’ve seen since the Predators came to Nashville.

The trade also opens the opportunity for Dante Fabbro to move up on the depth chart and possibly slide into Nashville’s defensive rotation. If the Predators plan to incorporate some of their prospects into their lineup this year, then Fabbro could be a good place to start.

This could be a look at what’s ahead for this offseason for the Predators. We could see another trade or two before the puck drops for the first time in October. Or maybe Poile is preparing to dominate free agency.