What a ride it was these last few weeks leading up to the All- Star Break. And now just as quickly, the Preds are back in action tonight as the Vegas Golden Knights come to Bridgestone. The funny thing is that each time there is a long stretch of games leading up to something, I come here to write an article stating that this is the moment of truth for the season. Even more funny is the fact that on both occasions, the Preds have performed remarkably well in the grand scheme of things. As a fan of this team, it is great seeing points rack up and the boys playing competitive. Without question goaltending, from both Saros and Lankinen, has been stellar for the most part. When goaltending is even average or a little above average, this team is set for a loss. That’s the end of the story.
The question now as we enter February and approach the March 3 trade deadline is obvious. What do the Preds do? What position do they find themselves in? Currently, the team sits outside of a playoff spot. Of course, the goal EVERY SINGLE SEASON should be to make the playoffs to win a Stanley Cup. I’ve been dreaming of that day since I was a kid and will continue to do so for my entire life. This city deserves a title. But a dream does not always correlate with reality. I will always root for this team, I’ll even be in the stands tonight. But it is time to build up capital and receive value where you can.
Cole Smith was re-signed to a 1-year, 1-way contract recently. Good for him. He’s worked incredibly hard for this opportunity. He even scored two games in a row. It was bound to happen. I’m all for giving individuals a chance. But on this same note, I think such chances should be across the board. I’m not one to advocate for someone to come to the NHL before they are ready. The experience and confidence that is gained in Europe or the AHL is monumental for a young player’s long-term success. But I’m also not one to force the issue when experience can sometimes be best received through adversity. There’s a lot that goes into being a pro that most fans miss when they simply see the on-ice product.
So what is my reasoning for getting into all of this? Well, I believe this team should be sellers at the deadline. I’m even going to float out something that is likely unpopular. I would shop Saros. I’m sure Poile has his ear to the ground, but it’s unlikely this option is high on his list. But I would nonetheless strongly explore it. Would this kill the season? Maybe, maybe not. Stranger things have happened. But a Lankinen-Askarov tandem could be a nice experience to witness. Lankinen is a great goalie and Askarov was drafted as the future. Yes, I know. Goalies do not come from Milwaukee immediately as everyone in a Preds uniform who has experienced success in goal had their fair share of time in an Admirals sweater. But what to get philosophical on you for a second, what’s past does not necessarily have to be the future. Maybe something new is needed. What’s the worst that can happen?
I’d say there are a handful of players who are untouchables, the rest should be on the market. Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t. We don’t have access to Poile’s thought process. But as a lifelong fan and as someone who considers myself at least somewhat knowledgeable of the game and its inner workings, I think bold moves should be made. And when I say bold, I do not always mean swinging for the home runs to win a Cup this year. I mean changing things up from how they’ve always been to exploring new avenues that may make you nervous and uncomfortable. The appropriate balance of risk is needed. We’ve been trying to make the big splashes ever since 2017. Maybe it’s time to let others assume that role and finally take the time to appropriately build ourselves for the future. I know there are also many different trade ideas out there being floated (Fabbro, etc.) but I think Saros would be something that should be explored more than maybe some are giving it credit for.
Welcome back from the All-Star Break! Go Preds!
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