General manager Barry Trotz alluded Tuesday to a rebuild plan for the
Nashville Predators if the team doesn't turn around their disappointing 4-7-1 start.
Only 12 games after spending $111 million on big names like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, the idea of a rebuild right now is surprising, especially given Trotz's aggressive approach in the offseason.
According to Trotz, who spoke to the Tennessean after his initial remarks, it's not that simple.
"We're never going to burn it down to the studs," Trotz said.
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"I've tried to buy time through free agency with these older players so that we can still be a threat," Trotz said. "But if it doesn't work, I've still got to buy the time for those young players."
Trotz explained the future core of the
Predators consists of about 10-12 players, including names like Tanner Molendyk, Andrew Gibson, Teddy Stiga, Reid Schaefer, Joakim Kemell, and Matthew Wood. But those players are all between ages 18 and 20, and they need more time to develop.
"I'm trying to thread the needle," Trotz said. "I'm trying to put together a group for the next core for this team and still try to remain competitive while I'm doing it, without going into a 10-year rebuild. I've been rebuilding for two years now, really."
The problem is − and why he mentioned a rebuild just 12 games in − what happens if the temporarily competitive roster isn't so competitive?
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"(Filip) Forsberg, (Roman) Josi, (Ryan) O'Reilly, (Brady) Skjei, and of course Stamkos and Marchessault, they are here," Trotz said. "They aren't going anywhere. And (Juuse) Saros. But everybody else, I might pull out and put in a young kid."
One area that's of most concern is the second line, which has seen a rotation of players at center, including Tommy Novak, Juuso Parssinen, and Colton Sissons. Trotz said the team is in the process of trying to find a second line center, which includes looking at trade options.
"If we don't find that (second line center) then maybe we start the process of letting some of those kids come up and play with Stamkos at center," Trotz said. "Maybe Reid Schaefer or (Zachary) L'Heureux or (Joakim) Kemell has to go in that wing spot."