You are David Poile, general manager of the NHL's No. 1 team with two weeks left before the trade deadline. What do you do?
First of all, you pinch yourself. The Nashville Predators are first overall in points. Then you look at what your team and coach Peter Laviolette need to make a dream season turn into a Stanley Cup.
John Glennon, hockey scribe for The Tennessean of Nashville, has been around the block with this team, from its formative years in expansion to its early playoff appearances. His read: Poile, no stranger to trades, will scout for deal to make the Predators even stronger. There are enough options for a smart GM to make smart moves.When he does, look out. Barring another injury to goalie Pekka Rinne, the Preds will be a beast.
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With sellers lining up (hello, Hurricanes, Senators, Devils … ), Poile has a chance to bolster his roster. According to Glennon, here are the three areas most likely to get attention.
Defensive depth, center depth and scoring depth. Like every other contender, the Preds just need more. Especially in the Western Conference, where no team will be safe in a best-of-7 series.
Poile knows the risks.
"I've done it in the past. But it's painful. Only one team ends up winning it all," he said. "So at the end of the day, if you win the Stanley Cup or you win some playoff rounds, it doesn't matter whether you gave up the first pick or a lot of your picks. You're a happy camper. But when you lose out in the first round, it's like, 'Really?' "
Lyle Richardson, the king of trade rumors, suspects Poile won't overpay. There are plenty of rental options available, and MyNHLTradeRumors.com has a menu to rival a Chinese restaurant.
According to Glennon, here are Poile's possibilities.
Defense: Marc Methot, Ottawa; Jan Hejda, Colorado; Andrej Sekera, Carolina; Zbynek Michalek, Arizona. All four are rentals, so cost shouldn't be too dear. The Senators will move Methot if they can't extend his contract. They should, however, cash him in. Hejda can play a lot of minutes and be stout. The 'Canes will let Sekera walk, and he would be interesting because he can score. Michalek is a shutdown defender. And that might just be the ticket.
Expect plenty of interest in defenseman, because the Preds aren't the only West power seeking help. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.ca notes the Anaheim Ducks and St. Louis Blues as searchers.
Center: If you've seen the Preds, you know Mike Fisher and Mike Ribiero are solid. If Poile and Laviolette want another playmaker, Daniel Briere could be an option. The Preds also might be interested in Antoine Vermette. Vermette is the object of many contenders' affection, so watch his price.
Scoring depth: We're intrigued by the notion Erik Cole could be in play if the Stars decide to be sellers. And if scoring alone is the plan, there's Jaromir Jagr.
Or ... Imagine the Preds sending Chris Neil out in the playoffs. Friedman believes there's a strong possibility Poile will handle him to give his team extra sand. It could depend on how soon Neil recovers from a broken thumb.
No matter which way the Predators go, it will cost them prospects and/or picks. Poile knows the price and will pay. As well he should.