Three big mistakes cost Preds chance to win Cup

            David Poile, the longtime General Manager of the Nashville Predators has been credited and rightfully so with make some absolutely genius moves over the years. They consistently have 100-point seasons and for back-to-back years have won a playoff round 2 years in a row. But, since the 2012 NHL trade deadline, Poile made three errors, which likely cost them a chance at their first Stanley Cup.

Bringing back Alexander Radulov

            No one in his or her right mind would question the skill of Radulov. He’s often been called the best player outside of the NHL; but it’s the commitment and off ice antics that should have given Poile second and third thoughts. The Preds did not land a quality impact player at the deadline; so Poile felt it necessary to take a gamble and bring back Radulov; well that gamble failed miserably.

We’ve got Sergei lets bring in Andrei

            They had Sergei and thought it would be wise to bring brother Andrei into the fold. Well they found out the one Kostitsyn was better than the two of them combined. Once Radulov was brought back, Andrei was relegated to the third line and was not much of an impact. In round two of the playoffs, the Predators were the prohibited favorites over the Coyotes; that was before Andrei and Radulov decided to party all night long before game two. Talk about destroying the dressing room and the togetherness. Again it must be repeated, this was the best chance for the Preds to win a Championship. They then went onto loss in 5 games to Phoenix

Not getting assets for Ryan Suter

            I’m a 100% firm believer that if you have an asset (in Ryan Suter) that is not wanting to come back (willing talk extension for a contract) you must move that asset to get future assets in return. In this case Suter has gone to Minnesota and Nashville has nothing to show for it. Is it just me or was in not obvious that Suter had no interest is coming back to Nashville. Now a big hole is missing on the backend that weakens the team in many ways.

Won’t make same mistake twice

            They’re in the same boat as we speak with Shea Weber; 1 year away from being a unrestricted free agent. If the Preds don’t find a way to extend him now, you must then move him now. I would insist on a top six forward, top four defenseman, 2 first round picks and 1 top “A” can’t miss prospect. There would be no shortage of teams lining up for his services.

            For the record; some are saying why doesn’t Edmonton jump into the Weber sweepstakes? If I were Poile; the likes of Sam Gagner and Ales Hemsky are absolute 100% a non-starter. Once the Oilers would be willing to include Nail Yakupov and/or Jordan Eberele than we’re talking.

            If the Preds lose Weber for nothing, like Suter; you’re then looking at struggling to make the top 8 in the Western Conference each and every year.