2023-06-26 23:19:56
NASHVILLE | We’ve been talking regarding it for some time now. Due to the mystery surrounding Matvei Michkov, the Canadian has, in fifth place, the most delicate choice of this draft.
Quite unintentionally, the decision that Kent Hughes will make when he takes the stage at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday will have a direct impact on the rest of the event.
“When his name comes out, all the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place,” said Barry Trotz, general manager of the Nashville Predators, met by some Quebec journalists a few hours before the trophy ceremony.
“I think it’s from this moment that we will see action. There will be no action before the choice of the Canadian, “he added.
Photo credit: KHL
Hughes can’t dance
The Predators have their hands full a few days before this draft. They have 13 speaking rights, including seven in the first three rounds. In the first round, they will perform on two occasions: 15th and 24th (the latter selection having been obtained in the transaction involving Mattias Ekholm).
One can logically wonder if the Predators would like to use these choices to speak earlier.
“Like everyone else, I would definitely like to make it to the top four or five. But, I think many of these teams are comfortable with the players who will be available when their turn comes, analyzed Trotz. For them, there is no urgency to move.
In short, as the traditional maxim, which applies even better in the country capital, Trotz will have to find a dance partner. Could Kent Hughes be that partner?
“I spoke to Kent. But everyone talks to each other. And I don’t think he knows any dance steps, ”launched Trotz, jokingly.
Bye bye Johansen
The first head coach in Predators history, Trotz returned to the team’s fold in February when the team announced he would be replacing David Poile, for whom retirement has come, at the end of of the month of June.
Whoever brought the Washington Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018 was quick to show his colors.
On Saturday, he traded Ryan Johansen to the Avalanche for Alex Galchenyuk. To complete the transaction, the Predators agreed to withhold 50% of the 30-year-old forward’s salary ($8 million).
To the French-speaking journalists who came to meet him, Trotz confirmed that the Predators were entering a phase akin to a reconstruction.
“We are no longer in “reset” mode. This year, we had four first-round picks playing at our farm club in Milwaukee and the team made it to the conference finals. We will be patient. We will develop our players and find those who marry our culture.
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