With the Predators having a very strong top-four on the back end plus four others on their active roster, GM David Poile acknowledged to NHL.com’s Mike Zeisberger that he’s happy with their situation on the back end and that if they look to add between now and the February 26th trade deadline, it would be up front. Last season, Nashville used 17 different forwards in the first two rounds of the playoffs due to injuries so it’s no surprise that Poile is a proponent of adding depth at that position. They’ll eventually get some depth down the middle when Mike Fisher officially signs so their focus may be to add on the wings over the next two weeks.
More from the Central:
- Jets goaltender Steve Mason took a small step forward in his recovery this week when he skated on his own in consecutive days for the first time since being diagnosed with his second concussion of the season, notes Postmedia’s Ken Wiebe. Despite that, he is still likely at least several weeks away from returning to the lineup. For the time being, Eric Comrie will remain the number two in Winnipeg with Michael Hutchinson also on the shelf with a concussion of his own.
- In a reader chat, Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch suggests that while there is pressure on the Blues to make the postseason, GM Doug Armstrong believes that the team is at the beginning of their contention window and thus may not be inclined to move a top prospect for short-term help. Armstrong has been on record saying that he would prefer to not acquire a rental player and would rather target someone that is signed beyond this season. With the recent injury to Joel Edmundson, it wouldn’t be surprising if St. Louis looks to add some depth on the back end.