Now that the Nashville Predators have traded Ryan McDonagh back to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the defense is going to look a fair bit different come next season.
It may have been a shocking trade for many to hear that McDonagh was dealt back to the Lightning, but internally, the veteran defenseman had asked Barry Trotz for a trade if he could execute one.
Trotz said that moving McDonagh this summer was more about honoring the request than wanting to clear cap space. Either way, the Predators received a 2025 second-round pick and a 2024 seventh-round pick in the trade. This means that there is one more open spot on the back-end to adjust their strategy to.
Along with McDonagh heading back east, the Predators also have two other notable UFAs from their defense potentially hitting free agency. They are Tyson Barrie and Alexandre Carrier.
There is a much better chance the Predators get a deal hashed out with Carrier than Barrie. Carrier has kept at the trade deadline despite trade rumors and the expectation was that the two sides would work on a deal. It seemed like one was being worked on after the trade deadline has passed, but there is still no contract. He had a great first round.
How the Predators’ Defense is Looking Right Now
Now let’s assume neither Carrier or Barrie are brought back for next season. Without any free agent signings or trades, the Predators would have six defensemen on the roster who played at least one game in the NHL for them this season.
The defense would be made up of Roman Josi, Dante Fabbro, Jeremy Lauzon, Luke Schenn, Spencer Stastney, and Marc Del Gaizo. Unfortunately, that’s not a group that will help the team likely earn a playoff spot next season.
It’s a good thing the Predators have $26 million in cap space then as there is a strong free agent class this year and there are trades available if need be.
Who the Predators Add
The right side of the defense with Fabbro, Schenn, and Del Gaizo (off hand) is clearly much weaker than the left side. This is where at least one upgrade should come from. Schenn started the season off on the right foot, but was less and less effective as the season went along. He cannot be in the top-4 heading into next season and must compete with Del Gaizo for third pairing minutes.
McDonagh was a big loss considering he competed with Josi for the best analytical numbers throughout the season like Corsi for %, goals %, expected goals %, etc. This is going to take some strong addition to make up for.
With the Predators being in a unique spot of a playoff contender with a ton of money to spend, the best options available in free agency must be considered. This means the likes of Brandon Montour, Brett Pesce, Chris Tanev, and Brady Skjei. Three of the four play the right side, but if need be, someone can shift over if Skjei is signed.
I wouldn’t put it past Trotz to acquire multiple free agent defensemen while potentially moving on from Schenn or risking putting Del Gaizo through waivers at the start of the season. There is a chance that Nashville takes a step back before they get better, but that can be avoided with the right moves.
Time isn’t necessarily on the side of the Predators with their franchise defenseman and captain Josi in his mid-30s. There’s lots of room to play with for Trotz and the Predators and I don’t expect the six names signed and projected to fill the defense to be what the Predators go into next season with on the back-end.
