Full Transcript for The Predators Look Promising Even With Real Questions

someone you love at 615-622-9360. 00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:45.280 That's 615-622-9360. 00:02:45.759 --> 00:02:50.080 Homewell Care Services, trusted care, true compassion. 00:02:50.240 --> 00:02:52.240 I am joined now by Emma Lingen. 00:02:52.400 --> 00:02:58.000 Emma Lingen is, of course, an expert on all things Major League Baseball, all things NHL and hockey. 00:02:58.319 --> 00:03:03.280 But I like to think of her as the Thelma to my hockey Louise. 00:03:03.520 --> 00:03:05.280 We uh have talked hockey for years. 00:03:05.360 --> 00:03:08.319 We talked hockey for years, and now we are back reunited. 00:03:08.479 --> 00:03:12.960 And of course, I say this about a lot of people, but the truth is you're my fave to talk hockey with. 00:03:13.039 --> 00:03:15.280 So Emma, thank you for jumping on with me. 00:03:15.520 --> 00:03:19.039 Well, you're my favorite too, and and I don't say that about a lot of people. 00:03:19.199 --> 00:03:21.520 So just know that I mean it with you. 00:03:22.319 --> 00:03:29.360 Now we have had a lot of pre-show conversation, not hockey related as is customary. 00:03:29.599 --> 00:03:30.479 As is customary. 00:03:30.560 --> 00:03:41.599 We have done our off-record processing of all sorts of interesting topics, but now we're focused on the Nashville Predators and the NHL and what is going on with this team. 00:03:41.680 --> 00:03:45.039 So, Emma, I always like to start with a stat, a story, or a question. 00:03:45.199 --> 00:03:47.439 I'm gonna kick it off with a question for you. 00:03:48.080 --> 00:03:51.439 How would you describe Nashville's start to the season? 00:03:51.520 --> 00:03:59.039 They are eight, four, and five, 20% of the way into the season, currently holding wild card spot. 00:03:59.199 --> 00:04:03.680 How would you describe this start in one word or more? 00:04:03.919 --> 00:04:05.280 Because we can do whatever we want to. 00:04:05.360 --> 00:04:06.560 We ain't lost. 00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:10.240 I let's see. 00:04:10.400 --> 00:04:12.159 I think I'll go one word. 00:04:12.800 --> 00:04:20.000 I'll I'll give my like first option for one word, but I might have like a second word as like a 1B kind of situation. 00:04:20.160 --> 00:04:20.720 I love that. 00:04:21.040 --> 00:04:34.079 The the one word I would say is promising because this team has shown flashes of what they are capable of, especially during their recent little stretch here. 00:04:34.319 --> 00:04:47.439 Um however, there's still questions that need to be answered on defense, still need to be questioned or questions that need to be answered when it comes to their five-on-five play, whether the success they're having now is sustainable. 00:04:47.759 --> 00:04:52.959 But I would say promising, namely because of the guy sitting in the GM chair. 00:04:53.040 --> 00:04:56.480 I I think I really like Chris McFarland's move so far. 00:04:56.560 --> 00:05:06.000 And I think that he is not the guy who's going to overreact or underreact to whatever's

happening on the ice right now. 00:05:06.160 --> 00:05:10.800 So I think that, you know, promising would be my first choice. 00:05:10.959 --> 00:05:15.360 Uh, I would also say unpredictable a little bit. 00:05:15.519 --> 00:05:19.600 Um, and not quite the same, you know, to what we saw the last couple of years. 00:05:19.759 --> 00:05:24.639 But I mean, the highs have been impressive, the lows have been ugly. 00:05:24.800 --> 00:05:38.480 We're still a little bit trying to figure out which version of this team is the real one, but it doesn't seem like as much of a roller coaster this season so far as it has in in years past. 00:05:38.560 --> 00:05:41.680 We haven't seen as much of those extremes. 00:05:41.839 --> 00:05:46.560 We've seen a couple, but it hasn't been in it hasn't been quite as dramatic, I think. 00:05:46.800 --> 00:05:49.279 Yeah, it reminds me very much. 00:05:49.519 --> 00:06:09.839 The start of this season reminds me very much of like December 26th, where like you've gotten through like some stress, some disappointment, some rushing, but then there's this joy, and you've got these really cool things now, but you also know you still have work to do because you know, my husband has to put the tree away on the 26th, and then you got to vacuum up all that. 00:06:09.920 --> 00:06:16.480 So it feels very December 26th, like still a lot of joy, but also like there's a lot to be done. 00:06:16.720 --> 00:06:24.319 And I'm all about celebrating the positives, but also there's what 60. 00:06:24.399 --> 00:06:25.519 I'm not great at math. 00:06:25.600 --> 00:06:30.319 Um, we're mathing here, 67, maybe-ish, more games to go. 00:06:30.720 --> 00:06:36.800 So there's plenty of plenty of season left that we have to figure things out. 00:06:36.879 --> 00:06:37.680 But I agree with you. 00:06:37.759 --> 00:06:39.519 I think it is a promising start. 00:06:39.680 --> 00:06:42.000 And I love what you say about Chris McFarland. 00:06:42.399 --> 00:06:48.399 Um, I know some people have not particularly loved a couple of his moves, Matthew Wood. 00:06:48.639 --> 00:06:57.680 Um, I know some people personally who that was one that I was like, maybe no. 00:06:57.839 --> 00:07:01.360 I I said this to Emma, and I will fully, I'm just gonna put it out there. 00:07:01.519 --> 00:07:06.399 This was like watching the Buffalo Bills lose a fifth consecutive Super Bowl for me. 00:07:06.639 --> 00:07:08.319 And so now I'm cured. 00:07:08.480 --> 00:07:10.639 I have no more emotional attachment. 00:07:10.800 --> 00:07:19.279 If you trade Ryan O'Reilly, I'm gonna go to sleep fine at night because that the Matthew Wood trade, I was like, I can see that you're gonna do what you're gonna do. 00:07:19.519 --> 00:07:24.079 And good on Chris McFarland, but also I'm stepping back. 00:07:24.319 --> 00:07:25.279 I have no feelings. 00:07:25.519 --> 00:07:27.920 I am I'm hockey dead inside now, Emma. 00:07:28.240 --> 00:07:30.800 But I do like what Chris McFarland's doing. 00:07:30.879 --> 00:07:44.959 Like he's going to do the things, and I don't know that anything Nashville does is going to dramatically divert him from his long-term plan, which I sometimes feel like maybe Barry Trotts got a little side, did a little side track there. 00:07:46.160 --> 00:08:06.560 Yeah, I I mean with the with the Matthew Wood thing, again, I I know that you and I have different opinions about it, but I I will what I will say is I fully I I can understand preferring Matthew Wood over Shane Wright as a player if you choose to do that. 00:08:06.720 --> 00:08:09.199 I think that's perfectly respectable. 00:08:09.360 --> 00:08:20.959 But what I also think is perfectly respectable is taking a young player with upside, trading him for another young player with upside at a position where you have a greater need. 00:08:21.199 --> 00:08:36.879 So to me, it's like time will tell who wins this trade, but ultimately this, I mean, you can if you're just looking based on the logic of the deal and not the results, because we won't know the results, you know, after just a couple games. 00:08:37.120 --> 00:08:42.320 But if if I'm just looking at the thought process behind it, it makes a lot of sense to me. 00:08:42.480 --> 00:08:50.559 And and I think that, you know, it it goes along, it it aligns with a lot of the things that McFarland has said that he wants to do. 00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:56.559 Like he wants to strengthen depth down the middle, he wants to get younger, and he didn't get younger, but he stayed young in this way. 00:08:56.720 --> 00:08:59.120 It's not like he traded wood for a veteran. 00:08:59.600 --> 00:09:03.679 Um, and he he added pace, he added defensive responsibility. 00:09:03.759 --> 00:09:12.399 It's like all things that it's like, okay, well, he's he's following up with what he says that he wants to do, and and he's you know making those moves where he can. 00:09:12.559 --> 00:09:23.759 So I would be less enthused about the trade if Nashville had also had to give up like another prospect or another draft pick or something like that. 00:09:23.919 --> 00:09:30.240 I would be significantly less enthused about it, but I think as a one-for-one, I think it's a perfectly defensible trade. 00:09:30.399 --> 00:09:30.720 Yeah. 00:09:30.960 --> 00:09:38.799 And I think this may be one of those trades where five years from now, and and I'm just spitballing, we'll see in five years from now. 00:09:38.960 --> 00:09:40.960 I think both teams are gonna be pretty happy about it. 00:09:41.039 --> 00:09:46.159 Yeah, like I just don't see this as being one where one of these players is such a disappointment. 00:09:46.399 --> 00:09:49.519 I just don't think that they're going to be for either team. 00:09:49.759 --> 00:10:02.399 Yeah, what like my first reaction or first thought about it was just kind of looking online at, you know, to see kind of what both fan bases were saying about the trade. 00:10:02.559 --> 00:10:22.960 Both fan bases,

just in the initial knee-jerk reaction, both fan bases seemed upset because they felt that they had not gotten a fair value in return, which to me says that's probably pretty good trade then because fan bases tend to overvalue their young players and their prospects. 00:10:23.120 --> 00:10:30.240 Understandable, especially both of these guys, first round picks, you know, like you do get attached and and you overvalue them a little bit. 00:10:30.399 --> 00:10:34.000 So I think both guys were good change of scenery candidates. 00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:38.240 Um, right a little bit more so than would just because he's been in the league longer. 00:10:38.480 --> 00:10:45.440 But um, yeah, I I think we're you're going based off the fan reaction, and it's like, oh, we didn't get enough for this guy. 00:10:45.600 --> 00:10:49.120 Well, no, we didn't get enough for this guy, and it's like you probably did. 00:10:49.360 --> 00:10:51.600 Then it was probably a pretty even trade. 00:10:51.919 --> 00:10:54.159 So I I think, yeah, but I agree with you. 00:10:54.320 --> 00:11:00.080 I don't think it's gonna be like a franchise altering mistake for either of these organizations. 00:11:00.399 --> 00:11:01.200 Yeah, I agree. 00:11:01.360 --> 00:11:14.159 I do wish just I do wish that if you were gonna trade wood, he seems like a piece that could have been a part of a package that could have gotten you something bigger. 00:11:14.320 --> 00:11:21.279 But again, you can put together on paper a package that looks great, but that just is hypothetical. 00:11:21.679 --> 00:11:24.320 Like the reality is those trades may just not be out there. 00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:27.120 So, you know, he did what he did, and I'm dead inside. 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:35.919 And I think it, I really do think five years from now, I think I agree this is not going to be a franchise disappointing move for either team. 00:11:36.080 --> 00:11:38.399 So I will allow it, Chris McFarland. 00:11:38.559 --> 00:11:39.360 I will allow it. 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:46.080 Um, not that he asked in case you weren't like well, I'm sure, I'm sure that he'll be happy to have your blessing. 00:11:46.559 --> 00:11:56.000 I I think that if you look at like Wright's a natural center who had been playing on the wing out of necessity, Wood's a natural winger who had been playing at center out of necessity. 00:11:56.159 --> 00:12:10.000 If you just swap them, like again, it it's more than that, but that's just boiling it down to like the basics of it's not saying one player is better or has more promise than the other, but it's just about filling needs on a roster. 00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:15.519 Um, and and so I think that Shane Wright is going to help your team long term. 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:16.080 Yeah. 00:12:16.240 --> 00:12:16.879 I'm excited. 00:12:17.039 --> 00:12:21.279 I am excited about I'm excited about having him here in Nashville and seeing what he does. 00:12:21.519 --> 00:12:22.799 Let's look at last week. 00:12:22.960 --> 00:12:27.519 Last week, the predators, you know, Andrew Brunett spoke about let's win the week, let's win the week. 00:12:27.840 --> 00:12:29.519 They freaking did, Emma. 00:12:29.679 --> 00:12:35.120 Um beat Carolina four to one, beat Colorado three to two in overtime, and beat St. 00:12:35.200 --> 00:12:36.639 Louis three to one. 00:12:37.519 --> 00:12:39.679 Overall, what did you think about this week? 00:12:39.919 --> 00:12:42.080 A lot to be excited about on the surface. 00:12:42.159 --> 00:12:44.080 What do you think about this week? 00:12:44.559 --> 00:12:45.759 Uh, I agree. 00:12:45.919 --> 00:12:47.600 There's a lot to be excited about. 00:12:47.759 --> 00:12:55.919 I think that, you know, if you just kind of look overall, not just the results of the games, but how they won games. 00:12:56.080 --> 00:13:02.879 The game against Carolina in particular was by far, I thought, their best game of the season. 00:13:03.120 --> 00:13:13.279 Um, I think, you know, you still, though, kind of looking under the hood a little bit and you you see a little bit of there are some things I didn't love. 00:13:13.360 --> 00:13:19.440 Like, for example, the Carolina game, I think UC Soros stole that first period for them. 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:19.759 Yes. 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:26.399 Um, because I thought the final score of that game was actually a lot more lopsided than the game itself was. 00:13:26.639 --> 00:13:32.399 Um, meaning that I think that Carolina sustained a lot of pressure and they made it difficult. 00:13:32.639 --> 00:13:37.759 And it seemed like a much closer game than the result would indicate. 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:41.519 Um, Carolina came out fast, they came out hard, that's what they do. 00:13:41.840 --> 00:13:47.279 UC Saros stole them that first period uh pretty, pretty handily. 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:51.440 But then it was like the second period, the rest of the team woke up and and you know it was it was good. 00:13:51.519 --> 00:14:13.120 What was promising too is that in that game, but also just throughout the week, I think you were seeing this team start to adjust a little bit more in in their style of play, and that they're not just running out the same exact formula against every single team and hoping it works. 00:14:13.360 --> 00:14:14.879 It's they're adjusting. 00:14:14.960 --> 00:14:19.840 Um, and and they're not necessarily like again, using Carolina as an example. 00:14:20.000 --> 00:14:25.120 This team knows they're not fast enough to play Carolina's game, they can't do that. 00:14:25.279 --> 00:14:28.320 So they didn't try to beat Carolina at their own game. 00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:32.000 Um, but they stayed, you know, they were responsible with the puck. 00:14:32.159 --> 00:14:42.559 I thought that I would again would have liked to see a little bit less time in the defensive zone early in that game, and I would have liked to see more sustained offensive pressure. 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:48.799

But what was nice to see is that the limited opportunities they did get on offense, they made them count. 00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:52.480 So you're seeing more like opportunistic playing. 00:14:52.639 --> 00:14:59.759 Um, and and it seems like they're actually adjusting to what the opponent is is throwing at them a little bit more. 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:04.159 So I think that you know, some some good, some not so good. 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:10.720 We saw a little bit, you know, we got to see Shane Wright um in his first couple games, I thought has looked really solid. 00:15:10.879 --> 00:15:21.679 I mean, he's he brings that pace, like you know, maybe doesn't have the shot that Matthew Wood has, but he definitely brings pace, he brings, you know, discipline with the puck. 00:15:21.759 --> 00:15:24.240 He brings, you know, he's good in the face-off circle. 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:26.879 Um, all the things you kind of want from him. 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:32.159 I think he's been gelling really well with Philip Forsberg and Niels Hoglander. 00:15:32.480 --> 00:15:35.039 Got to see Damon Hunt uh as well. 00:15:35.600 --> 00:15:40.399 I think he's been really solid as well, uh, since since he's come in. 00:15:40.480 --> 00:15:46.000 Um Jaden Strubel also has really been standing out to me as like that's a nice pickup for them. 00:15:46.080 --> 00:15:53.679 So we're starting to get see a little bit more of these these newer guys and and what they bring and how it affects the rest of the team. 00:15:53.919 --> 00:16:01.039 Um, you know, you're still seeing most of your production coming from those same veteran guys, though. 00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:04.720 Um, so again, not perfect, but but promising. 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:05.279 Yeah. 00:16:05.519 --> 00:16:19.759 Talking about goal scoring, five on five, not really bring been the bread and butter of the team early in the season, but we're seeing improvement, which will sound ironic when I tell you that currently Nashville ranks 25th on five goals. 00:16:19.919 --> 00:16:22.879 But friends, they're moving on up, just like the Jeffersons. 00:16:22.960 --> 00:16:23.919 They move it on up. 00:16:24.159 --> 00:16:26.879 Uh 20th in all situation goals. 00:16:27.519 --> 00:16:30.960 But they are starting to make some five on five progress. 00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:33.279 They scored 15 goals in the last four games. 00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:36.879 I'm including that Tampa uh over or shootout win. 00:16:37.120 --> 00:16:39.759 Nine of those 15 goals came at five on five. 00:16:39.840 --> 00:16:41.919 Two were empty nets, four power play goals. 00:16:42.080 --> 00:16:43.679 Are they getting five on five? 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:45.600 Are they getting it, Emma? 00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:47.600 Maybe. 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:49.759 Um, I know I know. 00:16:49.919 --> 00:16:52.480 I want to say yes so bad, y'all. 00:16:52.559 --> 00:17:00.960 But like I I would like, you know, there we've seen flashes, so it's possible, but

like I need to see it for a little bit longer. 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:10.559 I need, you know, because uh to me, ultimately, if you're asking, like, is five-on-five play still a concern for me with this team? 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.680 Yes, it is. 00:17:11.839 --> 00:17:13.359 Um, I haven't seen enough yet. 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:20.720 I think they still are relying very heavily on special teams and very heavily on goaltending. 00:17:20.880 --> 00:17:27.920 Um, and they haven't consistently generated enough pressure on offense at even strength. 00:17:28.079 --> 00:17:34.000 Again, I go back to that Carolina game where like their offensive opportunities, I mean, they got outshot. 00:17:34.240 --> 00:17:43.119 I don't remember what, but they got outshot, they got outchanced, but they were opportunistic, and that's good, but and it's gonna win you some games. 00:17:43.279 --> 00:17:46.640 I just don't think that that's a recipe for sustained success here. 00:17:46.720 --> 00:18:17.920 So I think that, you know, like we we've seen the flashes of strong puck movement, we've seen the flashes of effective four-checking and defensive structure at five on five, but it just hasn't been often enough um for me to to declare this settled and I know I was looking today at their course C4 numbers, which is kind of a way to measure possession, and they're trending up, but they're still in the, you know, still in the 40s. 00:18:18.079 --> 00:18:26.480 So, like on the one hand, it sounds like they're doing some things better defensively because they're winning these games, but there's I agree with you. 00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:32.160 It's like can you consistently now win games at five on five? 00:18:32.400 --> 00:18:39.759 Love the power play, love watching the power play, so appreciate the penalty kill, goaltending, chef's kiss. 00:18:40.079 --> 00:18:42.720 But you've got to win games at five on five. 00:18:42.799 --> 00:18:47.279 And so I think that's I think it's fair to say let's put a pin in that, you know, 20% of the way in. 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:47.920 Let's see. 00:18:48.319 --> 00:18:50.799 But let's talk about so fars. 00:18:50.880 --> 00:18:52.160 Let's do the so fars. 00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:54.480 So I'm gonna ask you some so far's question. 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:57.279 We are what are we 17 games in? 00:18:57.680 --> 00:19:00.960 I think we're 17 games into the season as of the time of this recording. 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:05.920 Which player has been a surprise for you so far this season, good or bad? 00:19:07.839 --> 00:19:11.200 I'm gonna say I'm gonna go good. 00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:13.680 Um you start on a positive note here. 00:19:14.079 --> 00:19:17.039 Uh Adam Edstrom can have been a surprise. 00:19:17.759 --> 00:19:24.720 Yes, six goals, six goals, me, including two short-handed goals through 17 games. 00:19:24.880 --> 00:19:34.079 I mean, that's remarkable when you consider that last year this man scored three goals in 35 games with the New York Rangers. 00:19:34.160 --> 00:19:39.200 And the Rangers, let me tell you, especially last year, were not an offensive juggernaut of a team. 00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:41.680 So, like, there were opportunities there. 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:55.039 Um, I think just what makes this even more surprising slash impressive is that he really wasn't acquired to be a major offensive contributor. 00:19:55.279 --> 00:20:03.920 I think when when this guy was brought in, first of all, he was like a fringe guy coming into training camp, we're like, he may or may not make the the opening night roster. 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:04.559 We'll see. 00:20:04.720 --> 00:20:12.160 But I mean, just right off based on his size, you're like, oh, well, this is your Michael McCarron replacement, who again is not a guy that you're bringing in. 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:21.200 Like Michael McCarron is not the guy you count on to score a bunch of goals, but he's you know, he's gonna use his size, his physicality, he's gonna help your checking game. 00:20:21.279 --> 00:20:24.400 And and Chris McFarlane has talked about how important that is. 00:20:24.640 --> 00:20:32.400 So I I figured, like, oh, well, this is your McCarron replacement, like a good, valuable piece, but uh, you know, he's not really gonna help the offense. 00:20:32.880 --> 00:20:33.279 Shiny. 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:33.839 Yeah. 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:34.319 Yeah. 00:20:34.880 --> 00:20:36.000 But you know, he's there. 00:20:36.079 --> 00:20:39.839 And but I mean, like, you know, he he still does though. 00:20:40.000 --> 00:20:48.960 He brings the size, he brings the physicality, he brings the speed, he brings defensive responsibility, which is another hallmark of this Chris McFarland team. 00:20:49.200 --> 00:20:55.759 Um, but then on top of that, he is also brought he is a legitimate scoring threat now. 00:20:55.920 --> 00:21:00.480 Um, I think that you know, we expected him to bring that physicality, that energy. 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:07.039 But did anyone have this man scoring a career high six goals before Thanksgiving? 00:21:07.599 --> 00:21:08.559 No, we did not. 00:21:08.960 --> 00:21:09.759 No, we did not. 00:21:10.160 --> 00:21:11.200 That's crazy. 00:21:11.359 --> 00:21:15.359 So I I'm gonna I'm gonna give my my tip to Adam Edstrom. 00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:26.720 And before anybody squawks and says, but two of those were empty net goals, that tells you that Andrew Brunette trusts this guy to be out there at six on five. 00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:32.960 So those empty net goals tell you how valuable he is as much as any of the other goals. 00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:37.599 But Adam Edstrom has just been uh such a delight to watch. 00:21:37.839 --> 00:21:40.400 He has the wingspan of a Velociraptor. 00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:49.839 That dude, for as tall as he is, he takes up so much space horizontally with his body and his stick. 00:21:49.920 --> 00:21:54.559 It's just he may be the unglamorous pick, but I think

he's amazing. 00:21:55.359 --> 00:22:00.480 I also think, too, like when you see guys uh that Big. 00:22:00.559 --> 00:22:02.400 I mean, he's what, six foot seven? 00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:02.720 Yeah. 00:22:02.880 --> 00:22:04.240 Six foot six, six foot seven. 00:22:04.559 --> 00:22:05.039 Seven. 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:17.920 So he like when you see guys that big, sometimes you see, I don't really know how to say it, but like they haven't quite figured out how to control their limbs. 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:18.400 Yeah. 00:22:18.960 --> 00:22:30.240 Where it's like, and I look at a guy like, for example, we're talking about the Rangers, Matt Rempe, and like how he's gotten in trouble before for his like kind of rough and tumble style of play. 00:22:30.319 --> 00:22:47.680 But also, I think part of that is because like he is so large and lanky that you have to be careful with the way that you move your body sometimes because something that you might think is just like a shoulder check is going to be a head check to someone who's a normal size right here. 00:22:48.160 --> 00:23:00.079 So I I give him credit because like Adam Edstrom does not seem like he seems very, I don't know a way to quantify this, but he seems very in control of his appendages. 00:23:00.240 --> 00:23:01.200 And that's a good thing. 00:23:01.359 --> 00:23:02.240 It is a good thing. 00:23:02.400 --> 00:23:04.160 I completely know what you're talking about. 00:23:04.319 --> 00:23:05.599 Like I know exactly. 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:11.519 I want to give a shout out to Steven Stamkos because he has figured it out early this season. 00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:13.200 17 games played. 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:15.680 I think he's got 10 goals, 19 points. 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:21.519 It took him, friends, until December 11th last season to get 10 goals. 00:23:21.599 --> 00:23:25.119 And then he went on a tear and he was one of the best goal scorers in the league. 00:23:25.359 --> 00:23:29.680 But somehow it carried over for Steven Stamkos. 00:23:29.759 --> 00:23:32.559 And so I think that that has been huge for the Predators, too. 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:36.000 Shooting percentage right now is the best it's ever been in his career. 00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:40.400 That's going to change, obviously, as the sample size grows and things go on. 00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:47.599 But Steven Stamkos came in and kind of figured it out right away, which the last two seasons he has not, less. 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:48.240 Yeah. 00:23:48.400 --> 00:23:58.640 I mean, I think a lot of that has to do with the power play converting at such a high level, um, that, you know, he's obviously a big scoring threat on the power play. 00:23:58.799 --> 00:24:11.519 I think too, you know, we we've heard rumblings uh all around about like, oh, Chris McFarland's coming in, he's gonna gut this whole team, and he's, you know, and I still think that might happen. 00:24:11.680 --> 00:24:16.880 But I also think that, you know, he does want to do right by these veterans. 00:24:17.119 --> 00:24:19.759 And I know that conversations were had. 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:38.160 Um, Emily Kaplan from ESPN um has has reported this that you know there there were those conversations with that veteran group to be like, look, as long as you're producing and you want to be here, you know, we're I'm I'm not gonna be in a rush to trade you anywhere. 00:24:38.240 --> 00:24:46.240 Um and like if you really want to be part of the solution here, then I'm gonna give you that chance to prove that you can be that. 00:24:46.319 --> 00:24:51.599 And and I think Steven Stamkos is one of those guys who who would like to be here. 00:24:51.680 --> 00:25:10.799 Um, and I mean, obviously he has that no move uh clause anyway, but still I think it's it was a little bit of a wake-up call for the veterans as much as the young players, that it's like, oh, everyone's like sitting up a little straighter in their in their now because it's like, oh, we got to impress the new guy. 00:25:10.880 --> 00:25:14.640 Like, I just think that there's no loyalty anymore. 00:25:14.799 --> 00:25:22.160 There's gonna be no love lost if if any of these guys does end up getting traded, uh, which is different from the last couple of years. 00:25:22.480 --> 00:25:25.279 So again, I think it was a needed change. 00:25:25.359 --> 00:25:29.119 Um, and and we're seeing it in guys like Stamcos as well. 00:25:29.359 --> 00:25:31.039 Yeah, I agree with that. 00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:35.759 So far, what is one thing that has surprised you about the team? 00:25:36.880 --> 00:25:39.359 20% ish of the way into the season. 00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:41.440 What surprised you about the team? 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:50.240 The team, I would have to say the special teams, just the special teams operating at such a high level. 00:25:50.400 --> 00:25:54.799 I mean, like you said, like power play almost 30. 00:25:55.519 --> 00:25:56.319 Um penalty. 00:25:57.200 --> 00:26:01.519 Yeah, penalty kill is like 88, 88.5 percent. 00:26:01.680 --> 00:26:19.680 Um I especially, I would say, honestly, between those two, I would I would especially say the penalty kill um has surprised me as well because you lost some of your because the penalty kill was good last year, and you've lost most of your like top penalty killers now. 00:26:19.839 --> 00:26:34.799 And and so then you have it was a little bit of like, okay, I know the guys that we're bringing in are supposed to be, you know, responsible with the puck and like good defensively, but like I don't I don't know how much like we'll just kind of see what happens. 00:26:34.960 --> 00:26:37.039 And I mean, they've been fantastic. 00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:50.000 So now you would like to see them not have to be utilized as much, um, because penalties are still a little bit of an issue, but um, I would say the special teams with with a special nod to the penalty kill. 00:26:50.160 --> 00:26:58.400 Yeah, I think it's been

really fun, and I agree with you the fact that it has come together the way that it has, and that they're so consistently good. 00:26:58.559 --> 00:27:01.279 Um, last year, do you was it last year? 00:27:01.519 --> 00:27:05.039 What is time where the penalty killers got the cool sweatshirts? 00:27:05.279 --> 00:27:06.079 It was last year. 00:27:06.319 --> 00:27:06.960 Was it last year? 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:08.559 They got these really cool sweatshirts. 00:27:08.720 --> 00:27:10.400 Um, they need some new swag. 00:27:10.480 --> 00:27:13.359 Like the penalty kill this year has earned a little extra swag. 00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:19.440 So Roman Roman still wears his, and then I'm just it's like you look around, I was like, oh, he's the only one left. 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:21.839 I know we can get them some new ones. 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:24.799 It's time, like the new guys deserve a sweatshirt. 00:27:24.880 --> 00:27:26.160 Yeah, it's been great. 00:27:26.319 --> 00:27:29.200 I'm surprised by the teams they've beat. 00:27:29.759 --> 00:27:30.480 Caveat. 00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:32.079 Like, let's look back at this week. 00:27:32.160 --> 00:27:37.519 They beat Carolina, they beat Colorado in Colorado, which is very, very tricky. 00:27:37.680 --> 00:27:42.960 I don't think that was Carolina's best game, and I'm not trying to poop on the parade because you know what? 00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:49.440 A team like Carolina can come into a game and not play their best game and still beat a lot of teams in this league. 00:27:49.759 --> 00:27:52.400 But that wasn't Carolina's best game. 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:54.480 Colorado is going through something. 00:27:54.720 --> 00:27:56.960 I don't know what like what is happening. 00:27:57.119 --> 00:28:05.119 Colorado is is they need a Xanax to lick, just they don't need to take the whole thing, but they just need a lick of a Xanax because something is happening in Colorado. 00:28:05.440 --> 00:28:14.880 Something's going on, like they are not, and it's we've now seen them twice play Nashville, but in general, like I've watched some of their games too. 00:28:15.039 --> 00:28:17.359 You got Nathan McKinnon's a goon now. 00:28:17.440 --> 00:28:22.079 He's out there starting fights with people, yeah, multiple fights already this season. 00:28:22.160 --> 00:28:26.640 It's like Nathan, buddy, we love the passion, but like we need you to do other things. 00:28:26.880 --> 00:28:34.079 The I hate to say it, but the goaltending, and unfortunately, yes, unfortunately, I predicted this. 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:41.359 I predicted this about Colorado that I was like, look, what we saw from Scott Wedgewood last year was amazing. 00:28:41.519 --> 00:28:47.599 Based on his entire body of work, however, I don't know that we should expect that again this year. 00:28:47.839 --> 00:28:50.240 And we haven't gotten the same level of production. 00:28:50.400 --> 00:28:52.160 Blackwood's been fine. 00:28:52.480 --> 00:28:54.000 Wedgewood has

not been great. 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:56.799 I know, and we love him, but it has been rough. 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:58.160 It's been rough for him. 00:28:58.559 --> 00:28:59.680 It's it's been rough. 00:28:59.839 --> 00:29:03.599 I think that they're just they're not scoring as much. 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:07.920 I I don't know, but like something is going on with with Colorado. 00:29:08.000 --> 00:29:24.160 And actually, after that loss in or after they lost to Nashville in Colorado, I saw some, you know, Colorado fans and and even you know members of the media were talking about like because it was close, obviously. 00:29:24.240 --> 00:29:26.240 It wasn't it wasn't like a blowout. 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:30.319 Um, but you know, of course, a lot of Colorado fans were upset. 00:29:30.480 --> 00:29:32.400 Oh, I can't believe we lost that game. 00:29:32.559 --> 00:29:44.160 But I saw some again, Colorado fans were coming out and saying, I am glad we lost that game because that should like they should not be rewarded for for that performance performance. 00:29:44.559 --> 00:29:46.880 And this is going to be a wake-up call. 00:29:47.039 --> 00:29:50.960 I mean, like, no disrespect to Nashville, but like it was probably a trap game for them. 00:29:51.279 --> 00:30:01.440 And I think that you know, if you start losing games like that, it is kind of a wake-up call to be like, look, like you can't really just like rest back on your laurels anymore. 00:30:01.759 --> 00:30:10.640 Um, so nothing's going on with Colorado, and and yes, they're still in a playoff spot, they're they're gonna be fine. 00:30:10.960 --> 00:30:17.519 Their worst day is still better than like some teams' best days, and that is you know that that's fine. 00:30:17.599 --> 00:30:22.960 But I'm just saying, if we're if we're looking at them, it's like one eyebrow raised, one eyebrow raised. 00:30:23.440 --> 00:30:30.079 I was talking to Chris Masselli, who we know from Locked On Aves, and he was saying they coasted so much last regular season. 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:37.680 He's like, We really just Colorado just really didn't have um a lot of trouble in the regular season. 00:30:37.839 --> 00:30:45.759 And he said he wonders if maybe that eventually didn't have them ready for the postseason, especially in that Vegas matchup. 00:30:46.160 --> 00:30:47.920 Man, they're making up for it now. 00:30:48.160 --> 00:30:51.599 Yeah, they're making up for so y'all work that out in Colorado. 00:30:51.759 --> 00:30:53.920 Um, but yeah, it's go lick your Xana. 00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:55.200 Lick your Zanna. 00:30:55.279 --> 00:30:57.759 You don't have to take the whole pill, just have one to lick. 00:30:58.160 --> 00:31:01.680 What is your favorite Chris McFarland move so far? 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:07.279 And I know we touched on some of this, but but what do you like that he's done best? 00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:17.519 Um see, I don't know because it it's so hard to say because it is still so early.

00:31:17.680 --> 00:31:28.400 Um, and and so you you want to say like some moves look pretty good right now, but like maybe they won't in the future, or vice versa, maybe the jury's still out on them. 00:31:28.720 --> 00:31:47.119 I think you know, I'll I'll go, I'll have to go just, you know, the for the best value trade, I think, or value move, it's acquiring out of Medstrom because I think you gave up very, very little for a young player who's already exceeding expectations. 00:31:47.279 --> 00:31:52.640 So I would say in the short term, that's my favorite, um, my favorite move. 00:31:52.720 --> 00:31:58.240 You know, he he fits the identity of the team, he's had that unexpected offense. 00:31:58.400 --> 00:32:01.839 I think he's generating chemistry with with his line. 00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:05.680 Um, so you know that that is what it is. 00:32:05.920 --> 00:32:16.480 But um if I'm going on like most intriguing move, I would have to say the I'm sorry, but the Matthew Wood Shane Wright trade. 00:32:16.559 --> 00:32:17.839 I am interested to see. 00:32:17.920 --> 00:32:23.119 It's way too early to declare that as his best or my favorite move so far, right? 00:32:23.279 --> 00:32:35.839 But like again, going based on the logic, the thought process, I'm like, I am interested in this only because this is so different from anything that we've seen from previous regimes. 00:32:36.240 --> 00:32:41.440 And by regimes, I mean just one, it's only been trots, trots and poil, it's all one. 00:32:41.680 --> 00:32:47.759 But I think that so long this organization has held on to these young players, and you know what? 00:32:47.839 --> 00:32:50.000 I'll throw Luke Evangelista in here too. 00:32:50.160 --> 00:32:57.599 That they've held on to these young players just because they might become something, and they might, they still might. 00:32:57.759 --> 00:33:10.240 Um, but I think that that is not going to help you rebuild any faster by you know trying to hold on to well, we don't want to give up these guys because of what they might become. 00:33:10.559 --> 00:33:18.000 Meanwhile, you know, if you look at this in the context of the Shane Wright trade, again, Shane Wright, far from a finished product. 00:33:18.079 --> 00:33:21.359 He's only 22 years old, you know, he's got a lot of developing to do. 00:33:21.440 --> 00:33:25.839 However, we've already seen him score 19 goals in a season. 00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:27.279 Like we know it's there. 00:33:27.759 --> 00:33:39.759 And so again, not a finished product, but like there is some proof of concept there that it's like, yes, he's still a little bit of a wild card, but we have a little bit more to go off of here. 00:33:39.920 --> 00:33:43.599 And he's gonna help this team at a position of need. 00:33:43.759 --> 00:33:46.480 Maybe it's just recency bias on my part. 00:33:46.640 --> 00:33:48.799 Um, but but I'll I'll say that. 00:33:48.960 --> 00:33:56.319 I also like maybe honorable mention and kind of an underrated one, but I really like Jaden Strubel. 00:33:56.480 --> 00:33:58.160 I think he fits very well. 00:34:00.240 --> 00:34:03.200 Yeah, I love this for Nashville. 00:34:03.279 --> 00:34:04.000 I agree with you. 00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:14.480 I think there's something about the way that he plays that is helpful for Nashville, but I love it for Jaden Struble too, because I'm not sure he was gonna get this kind of opportunity in Montreal. 00:34:14.719 --> 00:34:21.599 And I'm very interested to see through the rest of the season how Strubel plays into this. 00:34:21.760 --> 00:34:22.880 I I love that one. 00:34:23.039 --> 00:34:28.000 I'm gonna ask you a Chris McFarland question that's not a so far, but a maybe. 00:34:28.079 --> 00:34:29.199 What do you think about? 00:34:29.920 --> 00:34:35.039 Because this I've seen there, you see things online, Emma, you see things on the interwebs. 00:34:35.519 --> 00:34:49.119 And a lot of discussion around Simon Edvinson, who is skating in Nashville, be not because he's sneaking in, he's just skating in Nashville location, it's just geography. 00:34:49.360 --> 00:34:57.840 Um, would you what do you think about trading Brady Martin for Simon Edvinson? 00:34:58.000 --> 00:35:06.000 I've I've I've seen people go back and forth on, and I just want to get not saying it's gonna happen, not saying it's part of a discussion, but let's just throw that out there. 00:35:06.079 --> 00:35:11.679 What are your thoughts about trading Brady Martin to get Simon Edvinson? 00:35:12.639 --> 00:35:23.199 Yeah, I don't know if it would be a like a one-for-one kind of situation, but and again, he is he has been skating in Nashville, private ice rental, so everybody, you know, unclench. 00:35:23.440 --> 00:35:26.159 It's not any, it doesn't necessarily mean anything. 00:35:26.719 --> 00:35:33.840 Um my short answer is yes, but um okay. 00:35:34.159 --> 00:35:41.920 Yes, but only if Nashville can get Edmondson signed to a long-term contract. 00:35:42.559 --> 00:35:50.400 Um, I really like Brady Martin's potential, and I wouldn't necessarily be eager to move him. 00:35:50.639 --> 00:35:56.719 Um, however, Edmondson is a 23-year-old, six foot six defenseman. 00:35:56.880 --> 00:36:01.519 He's already shown that he can handle top pairing minutes in the NHL. 00:36:01.679 --> 00:36:04.000 You need, I mean, that's a really valuable asset. 00:36:04.079 --> 00:36:07.920 You need to start preparing for life after Roman Yossi, if you're Nashville. 00:36:08.000 --> 00:36:08.159 Yeah. 00:36:08.320 --> 00:36:12.719 Um, Edmondson addresses that major organizational need for them. 00:36:12.800 --> 00:36:14.880 They need to get younger on defense. 00:36:15.119 --> 00:36:25.760 Um, and you know, he could be like a blue line cornerstone for this team for up to the next decade if you could get him signed to a long-term contract. 00:36:25.920 --> 00:36:29.360 Um, I mean, he was averaging more than 22 minutes a game last season. 00:36:29.519 -->

00:36:37.599 So I think that he's he's a guy that, like, if you were going to move on from Brady Martin, it would need to be for someone. 00:36:38.000 --> 00:36:38.639 A guy like that. 00:36:38.800 --> 00:36:39.119 Yeah. 00:36:39.280 --> 00:36:42.719 Um, Nashville also, we've talked about they need help at five on five. 00:36:42.800 --> 00:36:44.880 I think that Evanson would help you with that. 00:36:45.039 --> 00:36:50.079 He brings the size, the mobility, he can move the puck, he's defensively responsible. 00:36:50.320 --> 00:37:02.559 I don't think he's necessarily gonna transform the offense overnight, but he could make a difference in terms of how effectively the predators can transition out of their own zone, which has also been an issue. 00:37:02.800 --> 00:37:03.199 Yes. 00:37:03.360 --> 00:37:15.920 Um, I think now, you know, before it was Brady Martin represented this like shining beacon of hope because it was like, oh, he's our our center, our one hope down the middle of the ice. 00:37:16.079 --> 00:37:22.320 But I'll say now the predators do have more options at center than they did six months ago. 00:37:22.480 --> 00:37:26.320 I mean, you bring in Maverick, Bork, Shane Wright. 00:37:26.480 --> 00:37:31.920 Um, you know, I think that they've invested now heavily in those two young centers. 00:37:32.320 --> 00:37:45.119 Neither is necessarily guaranteed to be a top six NHL center, but their their presence in the organization, I think, makes it a little bit more palatable to have the conversation about maybe you move Brady Martin. 00:37:45.440 --> 00:37:50.960 Um, but again, Martin is still just 19 years old. 00:37:51.119 --> 00:37:52.960 He's got a world of potential. 00:37:53.119 --> 00:37:58.400 He he is the big what if like we we still don't know everything that he can bring. 00:37:58.639 --> 00:38:10.880 Um, so again, like I you you do run that risk of trading a player like Martin, only to then spend the next several years starting trying to get that guy. 00:38:11.119 --> 00:38:11.440 Yes. 00:38:12.000 --> 00:38:14.159 So that's why I I'd hesitate. 00:38:14.320 --> 00:38:19.360 But again, like the biggest complication here, I think, is Edmondson's contract situation. 00:38:19.440 --> 00:38:27.920 He's still a UFA, so he has until December 1st to sign somewhere if he wants to play in the NHL this season. 00:38:28.079 --> 00:38:28.480 Yeah. 00:38:28.719 --> 00:38:40.159 Um, you know, there's been talk about his, you know, long-term contract demands and what he would be worth about, you know, I've heard like nine million being kind of like standard. 00:38:40.480 --> 00:38:41.760 I've heard more than that. 00:38:41.920 --> 00:38:45.840 Um, but I think that like that's a substantial commitment. 00:38:46.079 --> 00:38:59.440 Um, and if you consider the existing contracts that Nashville has on the books, I think McFarland would need to be pretty confident that he's acquiring a legitimate foundational defenseman. 00:38:59.679 --> 00:39:11.280 So uh very long story short, you know, uh I wouldn't trade Martin just because if you're trading for Edmondson right now, technically, you're only trading for his negotiation rights. 00:39:11.440 --> 00:39:12.639 You're not trading for him. 00:39:12.800 --> 00:39:19.119 So it's like I would not trade Martin just for the negotiating rights without having a contract agreement in place. 00:39:19.280 --> 00:39:29.119 So short answer, yes, I would trade Brady Martin to get Simon Edvidson, but I wouldn't necessarily feel great about it. 00:39:29.280 --> 00:39:31.440 Like I wouldn't feel super comfortable about it. 00:39:31.679 --> 00:39:33.280 Yeah, I agree with that. 00:39:33.440 --> 00:39:37.760 It is very tricky because those are two pieces that you know you need for the future. 00:39:38.000 --> 00:39:42.639 You need the next version, whatever it looks like, of a Roman Yossi. 00:39:42.880 --> 00:39:47.360 You need the next version of a younger Ryan O'Reilly. 00:39:48.079 --> 00:39:50.239 You may get that with one or the other. 00:39:50.400 --> 00:39:52.320 It could be both, it could be neither. 00:39:52.559 --> 00:39:55.199 So it becomes a bit of a crapshoot. 00:39:55.280 --> 00:39:57.519 Um, but we'll see what Chris McFarland does. 00:39:57.599 --> 00:40:03.280 One thing I do want to mention though, that people have talked about Brandy Martin's being scratched in Milwaukee. 00:40:03.360 --> 00:40:04.480 What are they doing with him? 00:40:04.719 --> 00:40:08.079 We found out Brandy Martin is dealing with some sort of an injury. 00:40:08.159 --> 00:40:09.199 So nobody panic. 00:40:09.280 --> 00:40:12.239 The predators are not like, yeah, he's just okay for us. 00:40:12.880 --> 00:40:13.679 So it's okay. 00:40:14.239 --> 00:40:14.559 Yeah. 00:40:14.719 --> 00:40:25.360 And I think, you know, just to kind of wrap up the Edvinson conversation, I think what it really comes down to is either way, it's a gamble of some sort. 00:40:25.679 --> 00:40:36.639 So I think would you rather gamble on Brady Martin becoming Nashville's future number one center that we've always hoped and dreamed about? 00:40:36.960 --> 00:40:46.159 Or would you rather acquire a player in Edvinson who has already demonstrated top pairing defenseman potential? 00:40:46.400 --> 00:40:48.800 Because ultimately that's the decision. 00:40:48.960 --> 00:40:52.159 That's what you have to decide if you're deciding between these two players. 00:40:52.320 --> 00:40:59.519 So I personally would lean Edmondson in this case, but I don't, I think the margin is extremely close. 00:40:59.679 --> 00:41:02.639 I don't think it's an easy decision either way. 00:41:02.960 --> 00:41:07.199 Speaking of not easy decisions, let's talk about coaching down the road. 00:41:07.360 --> 00:41:12.639 Uh, like what we're seeing from the Nashville Predators, I think it gives Andrew Brunett a little bit of room to breathe. 00:41:12.800 --> 00:41:23.679 One of the things I love about Andrew Brunett is he

has always said that coaching is terminal, which I think is just a great way to look at the fact that basically the only way that you're gonna end up is being fired somehow or retiring. 00:41:24.000 --> 00:41:27.199 So, but let's look at the end of the season. 00:41:27.360 --> 00:41:29.360 Andrew Brunett's contract expires. 00:41:29.519 --> 00:41:32.559 Just let's just play the what do you think, Emma? 00:41:33.440 --> 00:41:40.719 Who is there a coach out there that you can see Chris McFarland bringing in if he does not opt to sign Andrew Brunett? 00:41:40.800 --> 00:41:44.719 Which I would be personally, I would be surprised if he re-signed Andrew Brunett. 00:41:44.800 --> 00:41:50.159 Um, but is there somebody out there that you're like, I wonder about this guy for the Predators? 00:41:52.000 --> 00:41:53.360 Honestly, no. 00:41:53.519 --> 00:42:00.079 Like, there isn't a specific guy I have in mind, like uh, this guy. 00:42:00.719 --> 00:42:13.440 But I do think that McFarland will choose to move on from Andrew Brunett after this season because he's building his own team, he's bringing in his own guys. 00:42:13.679 --> 00:42:25.119 Um and and it offers it's kind of a natural transition point with you, don't have to fire Brunette, you just let him run out his contract and then let him walk off into the sunset. 00:42:25.280 --> 00:42:28.800 So I I again honestly, there really isn't anyone. 00:42:28.960 --> 00:42:36.159 I mean, if we're just looking at like internal options, Luke Richardson's the obvious choice there. 00:42:36.400 --> 00:42:39.760 He's got head coach experience in the NHL. 00:42:40.079 --> 00:42:53.760 Um, he's already on the staff, but I I think that McFarlane would probably opt to pursue an external candidate who better fits his long-term vision. 00:42:53.920 --> 00:42:54.960 Now, who is that? 00:42:55.119 --> 00:42:56.559 I genuinely don't know. 00:42:56.719 --> 00:42:59.199 Um I I genuinely don't know. 00:42:59.440 --> 00:43:04.480 And and I think that what I will say is that he's gonna make that decision. 00:43:04.639 --> 00:43:08.880 He's not going to he's not gonna take it lightly. 00:43:09.039 --> 00:43:19.519 And I don't think that he's gonna not that he's not gonna take into account like input from the team, from the players, but maybe not quite as much as Barry Trotz would have. 00:43:19.840 --> 00:43:22.960 Um so yeah, I don't know. 00:43:23.199 --> 00:43:32.880 What's I I think what's what's funny, what's really ironic is that you know who would fit um the way that Chris McFarlane likes to. 00:43:33.760 --> 00:43:38.239 I'm just saying defensively responsible hockey. 00:43:38.320 --> 00:43:40.800 Does that not sound like John Hines to you? 00:43:42.400 --> 00:43:48.480 Can we just can we just all y'all? 00:43:48.960 --> 00:43:50.239 All y'all. 00:43:50.559 --> 00:43:52.079 Yeah, all y'all. 00:43:52.320 --> 00:43:56.800 Um yeah, Minnesota under John Hines, not too shabby. 00:43:57.039 --> 00:43:57.440 Yeah. 00:43:57.679 --> 00:43:59.760 So again, I'm gonna like. 00:44:00.320 --> 00:44:04.079 That's not me saying I would fire Andrew Brunett and bring in John Hines right now. 00:44:04.159 --> 00:44:04.800 I wouldn't do that. 00:44:04.960 --> 00:44:14.400 But I'm just saying, like, if we're looking based on like coaching style, playing style, what we know about McFarlane so far and what he wants to do, what he wants to build here. 00:44:14.800 --> 00:44:26.880 Even before Jared Bednar signed his long-term deal to stay in Colorado, even before that, when people were starting to be like, oh, is he gonna come join Chris McFarlane in Nashville? 00:44:27.119 --> 00:44:30.880 I never thought that was a realistic possibility, to be honest. 00:44:31.039 --> 00:44:35.599 Although now, I mean, now that Colorado needs to lick his Xanax, maybe who'd make it? 00:44:35.679 --> 00:44:44.880 I know they're real, I will tell you, you read Colorado and they're like, Bednar's lost the room, which is just a thing that people say when a team struggles. 00:44:46.800 --> 00:44:49.039 Yes, they they've lost the room. 00:44:49.280 --> 00:44:50.480 First of all, what does that mean? 00:44:50.639 --> 00:44:53.039 Second of all, if you're not in the room, you really wouldn't know that. 00:44:53.199 --> 00:44:56.880 Um yeah, so that's a whole thing. 00:44:56.960 --> 00:45:01.840 But yeah, now I I will say I'm like, oh, you guys turning on uh Bednar. 00:45:02.000 --> 00:45:02.639 Are you now? 00:45:02.719 --> 00:45:09.039 Bednar would come into a situation where he does not have a Makara or a McKinnon, so it'd be a very different, very different situation. 00:45:09.519 --> 00:45:10.639 Very different situation. 00:45:10.800 --> 00:45:16.320 But yeah, I'm I'm fascinated by where the Nashville predators are at this point. 00:45:17.199 --> 00:45:21.280 Also very fascinated about where they will be as the season continues. 00:45:21.360 --> 00:45:24.719 Because here's one thing I will say, and Emma, tell me if you agree with this. 00:45:24.960 --> 00:45:29.039 I I think that Chris McFarland respects these veterans. 00:45:29.119 --> 00:45:36.239 I think that he is um being very upfront about like if you guys want this to work, you're gonna have to make it work on the ice. 00:45:36.400 --> 00:45:42.880 But I also think that he has a plan and he is not gonna deviate from that plan. 00:45:43.039 --> 00:45:45.440 Like the plan is in pen, the path is in pen. 00:45:45.920 --> 00:45:46.400 Yes. 00:45:47.199 --> 00:45:54.000 And so I think the rest of this season and moves could be very interesting for the predators, regardless of what's happening on the ice. 00:45:54.079 --> 00:45:54.719 Do you agree with that? 00:45:54.800 --> 00:46:02.719 Or do you think this team could just sway him a little bit and delay some of these moves that could be coming Ryan O'Reilly? 00:46:04.480 --> 00:46:10.559 I agree with you that the plan is going to be the plan here. 00:46:10.719 --> 00:46:17.599 Um, and I

don't think that anything that happens this year is necessarily going to change it. 00:46:17.840 --> 00:46:21.920 Um, however, like you said, he does respect those veterans. 00:46:22.000 --> 00:46:24.159 He wants to do right by those veterans. 00:46:24.320 --> 00:46:32.159 Um, so I don't think he's gonna pull the berry trots, like, we'll give you fake trade protection that you don't actually have. 00:46:32.400 --> 00:46:32.800 Right. 00:46:33.119 --> 00:46:39.280 But I think that, you know, it'll make him less eager to move on from them quickly. 00:46:39.440 --> 00:46:43.599 And it could make him, I think like maybe the moves ultimately happen. 00:46:43.760 --> 00:47:00.719 But the idea that I've been floating around specifically with Ryan O'Reilly, say it, say it, reach it, been that like, and again, you know, like McFarlane could have this handshake deal, and like, you know, because he has his respect and able to have this conversation with him. 00:47:00.880 --> 00:47:10.719 If Ryan O'Reilly, well, first of all, if you're a Chris McFarlane and you want to do what's going to be best for this team long term, I think you have to trade Ryan O'Reilly. 00:47:11.039 --> 00:47:12.159 You have to hate it. 00:47:12.239 --> 00:47:12.559 I hate it. 00:47:12.800 --> 00:47:20.480 He is so valuable, he is so valuable as a probably a third line center on a playoff team. 00:47:20.559 --> 00:47:21.280 Can you imagine? 00:47:21.440 --> 00:47:23.760 Like, you'll never meet a harder worker. 00:47:23.840 --> 00:47:27.119 Yeah, he has that playoff experience, he's a leader. 00:47:27.280 --> 00:47:35.440 Um, he's ASOFs, like he really does everything, he's the guy that you you want on your team. 00:47:36.079 --> 00:47:46.079 So I think and someone will a playoff team will, I would say, I don't even want to say overpay for him, but someone will give up a lot for him. 00:47:46.239 --> 00:47:49.519 So if you're Chris McFarland, you have to do that. 00:47:49.679 --> 00:47:51.280 Like, I'm sorry, you have to. 00:47:51.519 --> 00:48:01.519 However, the idea that I've been floating around because people are acting as if the only two options here are trade Ryan O'Reilly or sign him to an extension. 00:48:01.599 --> 00:48:10.960 And I was like, I think we are forgetting option number three, which is trade Ryan O'Reilly and bring him back after so amazing. 00:48:11.119 --> 00:48:14.960 Would that not be an absolute coup? 00:48:15.199 --> 00:48:23.679 Because, like, I don't think because if you sign him to an extension, you are not getting the maximum amount of value out of this situation. 00:48:23.760 --> 00:48:25.920 And that is no disrespect to Ryan O'Reilly. 00:48:26.000 --> 00:48:35.199 But even if this team continues doing what they're doing, I think we can all sit here and say comfortably that this is not a Stanley Cup contender right now, and that's okay. 00:48:35.440 --> 00:48:46.960 So if you know that, if you know that, then there is no benefit long term to holding on

to Ryan O'Reilly for the whole year and then potentially letting him walk for nothing in free agency. 00:48:47.119 --> 00:48:50.639 So I think this is how you win the trade twice, basically. 00:48:50.800 --> 00:48:56.960 You can trade him, get what you get for him, because someone will give up a pretty penny for him. 00:48:57.199 --> 00:49:07.199 Um, and then if he really does want to be here and he wants to be part of the solution here, fine, you let him go play half a season somewhere else. 00:49:07.360 --> 00:49:08.800 Yep, and then you can bring him back. 00:49:08.960 --> 00:49:13.039 You can bring him back in like one term or one-year deal, two-year deal, whatever. 00:49:13.360 --> 00:49:22.719 Um, because you know, when Shane Wright was traded here, I was told that he was explicitly told, watch Ryan O'Reilly. 00:49:22.800 --> 00:49:23.679 Yes, do what he does. 00:49:24.000 --> 00:49:24.400 Hundred percent. 00:49:24.639 --> 00:49:30.000 Um, and and I think that that speaks to the value of Ryan O'Reilly. 00:49:30.079 --> 00:49:35.840 And it's like if you're bringing in, you know, Ryan O'Reilly may not be part of your long-term future, but Shane Wright will be. 00:49:36.079 --> 00:49:41.119 So if that's the guy that you want him learning from, I think you want to keep him around. 00:49:41.280 --> 00:49:49.440 So I would say the ultimate plan, if the ultimate destination is Ryan O'Reilly, gets traded, I think that's not changing. 00:49:49.760 --> 00:49:53.920 But there are details around it that could change. 00:49:54.000 --> 00:49:56.719 Like maybe you trade him and bring him back next year. 00:49:57.039 --> 00:50:00.880 Maybe you don't trade him. 00:50:01.360 --> 00:50:06.000 Maybe you hold out a little bit longer on like a better trade package. 00:50:06.159 --> 00:50:08.880 Not that you wouldn't want to do that anyway, as a general manager. 00:50:08.960 --> 00:50:29.280 You're just doing your job, but like especially if the team is winning, if if the predators are winning and they're not like a complete dumpster fire like a lot of people probably thought they would be, that makes Ryan O'Reilly even more valuable because it gives the predators more leverage in a situation where it's like, well, why would we get rid of this guy? 00:50:29.440 --> 00:50:30.719 Because he's helping us win. 00:50:30.880 --> 00:50:39.440 So I think that there's the ultimate if the ultimate plan is trade Ryan O'Reilly, I fear that still happens. 00:50:39.679 --> 00:50:40.320 I agree. 00:50:40.480 --> 00:50:41.119 I agree. 00:50:41.440 --> 00:50:44.480 But you can still you can win the trade twice. 00:50:44.960 --> 00:50:46.000 That's my opinion. 00:50:46.800 --> 00:50:51.679 Master class in general managing, right there, would be doing that. 00:50:51.920 --> 00:51:00.159 I mean Chris McFarland, if you would like uh to to consult, if you'd like any of my expertise, my my phone lines are open. 00:51:00.239 --> 00:51:00.719 Uh that's right. 00:51:01.039 --> 00:51:01.920 Happy, happy to discuss. 00:51:02.159 --> 00:51:03.119 Meet for coffee. 00:51:03.280 --> 00:51:04.639 Yeah, meet for coffee. 00:51:04.719 --> 00:51:06.000 We could talk through some things. 00:51:06.639 --> 00:51:07.199 I love that. 00:51:07.440 --> 00:51:08.639 I got a lot of things to say. 00:51:08.880 --> 00:51:09.760 We've got some things. 00:51:09.920 --> 00:51:11.280 Wait, there are some things to be said. 00:51:11.440 --> 00:51:12.639 I love that idea. 00:51:12.800 --> 00:51:15.679 And from your lips to the hockey god's ears, Emma. 00:51:16.000 --> 00:51:16.719 I love that idea. 00:51:16.880 --> 00:51:18.320 Let you know, we're gonna see what happens. 00:51:18.400 --> 00:51:22.719 We're gonna see what happens as the predators kick off a western road trip, friends. 00:51:22.800 --> 00:51:24.719 What that means is a nap. 00:51:25.519 --> 00:51:28.159 You know, you gotta get your nap in because we're talking about 9 p.m. 00:51:28.400 --> 00:51:29.360 puck drops. 00:51:30.480 --> 00:51:32.960 I wasn't built for this, Emma, but we're gonna get through it. 00:51:33.039 --> 00:51:38.800 The preds go to, I believe, LA, Anaheim, and Vegas this upcoming week. 00:51:38.960 --> 00:51:44.159 So a big week ahead for the Nashville predators who are keeping things interesting 20% of the way through the season. 00:51:44.559 --> 00:51:45.920 Who to who to thunk it? 00:51:46.000 --> 00:51:46.320 I know. 00:51:46.559 --> 00:51:47.039 I love it. 00:51:47.280 --> 00:51:53.519 Emma, before we log off, let everyone know where they can find all of your work because it's everywhere. 00:51:54.079 --> 00:51:55.840 It is, it's all over the place. 00:51:56.000 --> 00:51:57.039 Most everywhere. 00:51:57.440 --> 00:51:57.840 Yeah. 00:51:58.159 --> 00:52:05.760 Fan sided and the hockey news are are where you can find me, or you can just find me on social media and all my work will be there. 00:52:06.000 --> 00:52:06.480 I love it. 00:52:06.719 --> 00:52:09.760 Emma, again, the thelma to my hockey Louise. 00:52:09.920 --> 00:52:11.280 There's there's no greater joy. 00:52:11.519 --> 00:52:13.599 No greater joy than talking hockey with you. 00:52:13.760 --> 00:52:15.199 So thank you so much for your time. 00:52:15.440 --> 00:52:22.639 And of course, you and I will we'll catch up and talk about tires and appliances and dodging keg stands another day. 00:52:22.960 --> 00:52:23.519 All the things. 00:52:24.960 --> 00:52:28.159 Aren't all you listeners sad you missed out on that part of the conversation? 00:52:28.400 --> 00:52:30.559 That's that's where the real content happens. 00:52:30.960 --> 00:52:32.400 You couldn't have unheard it. 00:52:32.480 --> 00:52:33.440 So you're welcome. 00:52:33.599 --> 00:52:39.039 I want to thank great friend Emma Lingen for jumping on again to talk about this season so far. 00:52:39.199 --> 00:52:46.719 Be sure that you are following Emma with her coverage for baseball at fanside, and of course, all of her hockey coverage at the hockey news. 00:52:46.880 --> 00:52:50.480 Also, be sure that you subscribe right here to Second Intermission. 00:52:50.639 --> 00:52:54.480 You can subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcasting platform. 00:52:54.639 --> 00:52:57.760 That way you're gonna know every time a new episode drops. 00:52:58.000 --> 00:53:09.119 You can also find and support my written work at ankimmel.substack.com, and you can find me on social media at Ann K underscore mama on ice. 00:53:09.360 --> 00:53:13.039 That's gonna do it for this episode of Second Intermission. 00:53:13.119 --> 00:53:20.480 I hope that you heard something that made you laugh, made you think, or just helped you enjoy this sport of hockey a little bit more. 00:53:20.639 --> 00:53:25.920 As my mom always says, drive carefully, don't bump your teeth, watch for deer. 00:53:26.079 --> 00:53:29.199 We'll see you right back here for the next second intermission. 00:53:33.599 --> 00:53:37.039 That's gonna do it for this edition of Second Intermission. 00:53:37.440 --> 00:53:44.800 If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and watch full episodes on YouTube. 00:53:45.760 --> 00:53:52.320 For more coverage behind the scenes moments and the links from around the ring, follow me in on social media. 00:53:52.480 --> 00:53:54.639 Thanks for spending part of your day with us. 00:53:54.880 --> 00:54:00.239 Until next time, we'll save you a speaker for the next second intermission.