The first stage of free agency
Which players will turn a page in their career this summer? Who will Nashville target?
The Nashville Predators are a week away from making a handful of potential franchise-altering picks at the draft.
With three picks scheduled to be in the opening round — No. 5, 23 and 26 — Nashville could lock in its center of the future and bolster the blue line.
Take a look back at Michael Gallagher’s list of centers. I would vote to land James Hagens if he falls, or should the Predators move up and pick him. The latter doesn’t appear as likely, but general manager Barry Trotz could surprise the fan base.
Immediately following the draft, free agency takes center stage. Decisions about strategy and tactics must be made. But it starts with players on the roster from last year.
And there will be at least one Nashville defenseman who will play for another team next season.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Lower Broad Hockey to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.