The Nashville Predators took a step towards solidifying their team to make a run in the playoffs Friday afternoon by acquiring Hal Gill from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Blake Geoffrion, Robert Slaney, and a conditional draft pick. While lots of Predators fans originally shook their heads in confusion at the acquisition of Gill, this trade can help strengthen the Predators defensive unit even more. While it is undeniable that the Predators true needs are on the offensive side of the puck, the addition of Gill will down the road become an essential part of the Predators. The Predators have been relying strongly over the past several years on the defensive pairing of Shea Weber and Ryan Suter to carry the load of the team playing big minutes all season long. Weber and Suter are currently both in the Top 5 in the league in time on ice per game so far this season with both averaging around 26:30 per game. Both players play key parts on the Predators even strength, and special teams.
With the addition of Gill the Predators have added a player who can step in and play key moments in all aspects of the game. Gill is also a player that Nashville can count on to play a shutdown roll at times against teams top lines. In the span of the regular season and postseason the wear and tear of the game on players can be great, especially when playing as much as Weber and Suter are. So Predators fans, even though defense was not exactly the biggest hole in a strong Predators team, welcome Hal Gill as a player with lots of playoff experience who knows what it takes to win the Stanley Cup, as well as a player who will only bolster an already strong Nashville blue line. Do not lose faith in David Poile’s ability to build a team that can contend come playoff time, as the Gill trade will most likely not be the only move Nashville makes before February 27. The Predators are still on the prowl for a veteran forward who can add some offensive firepower to a lackluster offensive attack.
- Isaac Berky
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