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Forums :: Blog World :: Clay Brewer: Quick Take
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Clay Brewer
Nashville Predators
Location: Nashville, TN
Joined: 07.07.2021

Jul 28 @ 11:16 PM ET
Clay Brewer: Quick Take
Squatchy
Nashville Predators
Location: Clarksville, TN
Joined: 05.09.2018

Jul 29 @ 2:12 AM ET
Dude, quick word of advice. You don't need to explain yourself so much. It's not necessary, just write about what you want to write about, how you want to approach it. As long as your blogging at least once a week, hitting on all the important notes that need to be touched on, and aren't treating everyone in a gold jersey and in the organization like they all crap golden turds, you'll be received fine.

Of the free agent moves so far, Granlund and the new backup goalie are the only ones that really mater. Everyone else is just a body, and if any of these guys are wearing a gold Jersey next year they're either playing really well or something else has gone horribly wrong.

I'm rather indifferent to the Granlund move. I'm kind of surprised he came back, but I'm fine with it. If he was willing to come back and play in Hynes' offensively restrictive system, it shows that he wants to be here. I've also never had to question his effort like we've had to do with a couple of our other extremely overpaid centers. I've seen some Preds fans complaining about the dollar amount based on his production, but I think you need to grade Granlund on a curve since any forwards numbers are probably going to be down in Hynes' system.

Even after all the RFAs are resigned the Preds are still going to be a little thin at forward. That means one of two things... Either Poile is finally going to commit to playing the younger guys, or he's going to find a couple of 220lb 4th line rent-a-players who can't skate last minute since that seems to be the type of player Hynes likes.

Clay Brewer
Nashville Predators
Location: Nashville, TN
Joined: 07.07.2021

Jul 29 @ 11:04 AM ET
Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated. Still working on finding my hockey voice and sometimes forget to leave my lawyer hat at the door haha.

Granlund has been the Preds best performer in virtually every category under Hynes, so I understand the move to bring him back. It was definitely another odd dynamic with his agent saying he was out and testing the markets to only announce a 5x4 deal a few hours later. Same thing happened last year but a longer waiting period to sign. Hauls being gone is a bummer somewhat but I think we have guys that can fill the agitator role and Haula fits Boston nicely and the price the gave would not have justified the Preds giving those numbers for the role he would be in.

I’m interested in how a full season under the Hynes system will look. It seems to work for those players that buy into the idea, look to Hall and Hischier as two examples, who had their best seasons with Hynes offensively and could have progressed further if it weren’t for untimely injuries. I know that year they got crushed by Tampa in the first round but it shows that players that buy in can excel under him all around. Hall is still ht to believe Hynes to be his best coach. Hynes’ system is a lock-down philosophy but I’m curious to see what it could be with full buy in. A collective whole if you will.

A set example would be Arvidsson claiming that the Preds did not know how to use him recently. Perfect example of he had an idea for himself and did not believe in what was being sold in the room. Growing up everyone wants to be an Ovechkin or Crosby, but winners understand that not every name on the Cup is an all star but once you’re name is written, you’re legendary and live forever. Some players refuse to adapt to that reality. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. In this case it didn’t. A shakeup was needed and I am glad it is happening, although it is likely a year or two late. A pragmatic shift too and absent emotions it seems. It’s hard to part with fan favorites.

I find the system that is being built is along the lines of finding the right mix of players as opposed to the “best.” I’m happy as it stands that the rumors were not true and we did not go big fish shopping this UFA period. Will it work? Who knows? But I like the trajectory and realignment.
wrister
Joined: 12.28.2011

Jul 29 @ 11:25 AM ET
Dude, quick word of advice. You don't need to explain yourself so much. It's not necessary, just write about what you want to write about, how you want to approach it. As long as your blogging at least once a week, hitting on all the important notes that need to be touched on, and aren't treating everyone in a gold jersey and in the organization like they all crap golden turds, you'll be received fine.

Of the free agent moves so far, Granlund and the new backup goalie are the only ones that really mater. Everyone else is just a body, and if any of these guys are wearing a gold Jersey next year they're either playing really well or something else has gone horribly wrong.

I'm rather indifferent to the Granlund move. I'm kind of surprised he came back, but I'm fine with it. If he was willing to come back and play in Hynes' offensively restrictive system, it shows that he wants to be here. I've also never had to question his effort like we've had to do with a couple of our other extremely overpaid centers. I've seen some Preds fans complaining about the dollar amount based on his production, but I think you need to grade Granlund on a curve since any forwards numbers are probably going to be down in Hynes' system.

Even after all the RFAs are resigned the Preds are still going to be a little thin at forward. That means one of two things... Either Poile is finally going to commit to playing the younger guys, or he's going to find a couple of 220lb 4th line rent-a-players who can't skate last minute since that seems to be the type of player Hynes likes.

- Squatchy



The Granlund signing is ok. Agree that they need help at forward. OK with a couple of 220 pounders as long as the can park their butts in front of the net. The one shot from the wing with no traffic doesn't cut it anymore.
Squatchy
Nashville Predators
Location: Clarksville, TN
Joined: 05.09.2018

Jul 29 @ 12:09 PM ET
Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated. Still working on finding my hockey voice and sometimes forget to leave my lawyer hat at the door haha.

Granlund has been the Preds best performer in virtually every category under Hynes, so I understand the move to bring him back. It was definitely another odd dynamic with his agent saying he was out and testing the markets to only announce a 5x4 deal a few hours later. Same thing happened last year but a longer waiting period to sign. Hauls being gone is a bummer somewhat but I think we have guys that can fill the agitator role and Haula fits Boston nicely and the price the gave would not have justified the Preds giving those numbers for the role he would be in.

- Clay Brewer


No problem. I think the signing of Granlund late last off season was a knee jerk reaction when Poile got cold feet about the youth movement, and then last season Granlund proved he was worth a longer-term investment. I don't mind throwing a little extra money at a guy with some skill whose willing to play within that system.

I'm not a fan of Hynes system, and I won't be until I see it work consistently against teams that aren't bottom feeders. You can't expect to win every game 2-1 by body slamming everyone into oblivion. I really didn't like the 3rd period tactic of standing around and watching Carolina dance around with the puck during the playoffs. Can't say for sure if that was the Canes pushing the play, or if Hynes actual strategy was for everyone to basically stop playing in favor of standing around and watching. It wound up costing the Preds in the end. You can't take a knee for twenty minutes in the NHL, especially when playing a team that's superior to you.

Poile does seem committed to building a team to fit Hynes' system, so this is what we're going to see for the next few years going forward. Hopefully it works out, but all we can do now is wait and see.
Squatchy
Nashville Predators
Location: Clarksville, TN
Joined: 05.09.2018

Jul 29 @ 12:26 PM ET
The Granlund signing is ok. Agree that they need help at forward. OK with a couple of 220 pounders as long as the can park their butts in front of the net. The one shot from the wing with no traffic doesn't cut it anymore.
- wrister


Yeah, size is great if you have some speed and skill to back it up. I'm referring more to the journeyman 4th line/AHL type players Poile likes to bring in as opposed to giving someone a chance internally. Since he's obviously trying to build a roster full of bigger bodies, I assume that will be the flavor of the off-season. I just wonder who this years Cousins or Richardson will be rather than giving someone like Tomasino a chance.
Clay Brewer
Nashville Predators
Location: Nashville, TN
Joined: 07.07.2021

Jul 29 @ 1:07 PM ET
Yeah, size is great if you have some speed and skill to back it up. I'm referring more to the journeyman 4th line/AHL type players Poile likes to bring in as opposed to giving someone a chance internally. Since he's obviously trying to build a roster full of bigger bodies, I assume that will be the flavor of the off-season. I just wonder who this years Cousins or Richardson will be rather than giving someone like Tomasino a chance.
- Squatchy


I think the tide may be turning, hopefully. The days of trying to live 2017 may be finally over, I.e., bringing back McLeod in 2018 vibe. I may be overly optimistic but I feel like Tomasino and the young guns have a genuine chance of making the team and playing a significant role. By chance I mean management will actually let them play. It’ll be interesting to watch how Hynes’ system can be adapted to an evolving game.

As the roster currently stands, biggish D-core with some skill too (still a lot of unknowns though) trying to get big up the middle (Glass, Johansen) and then trying to address speed and skill on the outside (Tolvanen, Tomasino, Forsberg, Duchene, etc.) that is if the young players are given the opportunity to learn on the fly. The Preds have always tried to wait for the most perfect time when it comes to development but it might be time to see how trial by fire works. Maybe they will pleasantly surprise us.

How this all works out in reality could be pretty great or really scary. But the more I do a deep dive into the roster and think about it, the changes made from last year, if the younger players are given a roster spot, could make it more promising than we might think. I know competitive rebuild may have been more of a media buzzword but the moves actually make a bit of sense using that perspective.

But then again it’s definitely a big IF considering how the rest of the central is playing out. Maybe the guys will start “vibin” again at the perfect time to make a push. But being just good enough to be a fringe playoff team should no longer be a satisfactory result for management, ownership, or the fans. Middle of the road should no longer be enough. I try to be optimistic but I am with you all and think we need to call a spade a spade when we see it.

Polecat
Nashville Predators
Joined: 11.01.2006

Jul 30 @ 7:57 PM ET
Has anyone figured out what Poile’s plan is? I sure haven’t! My guess is he will go with a lot of the young guys and go dumpster diving towards the end of free agency to round out the roster.
Squatchy
Nashville Predators
Location: Clarksville, TN
Joined: 05.09.2018

Jul 30 @ 9:47 PM ET
Has anyone figured out what Poile’s plan is? I sure haven’t! My guess is he will go with a lot of the young guys and go dumpster diving towards the end of free agency to round out the roster.
- Polecat


No you pretty much got it figured out.
predsfan97
Nashville Predators
Location: Brentwood , TN
Joined: 08.06.2009

Jul 31 @ 4:51 PM ET
Would Ekholm or Forsberg sign an extension without some sort of no movement protection? They would have to look at how they treated Ellis and how they are trying to move Duchense and Johansen and want some reassurance they aren’t next. Excited to see a younger team next year. Definitely time to change it up.
Polecat
Nashville Predators
Joined: 11.01.2006

Jul 31 @ 5:26 PM ET
Would Ekholm or Forsberg sign an extension without some sort of no movement protection? They would have to look at how they treated Ellis and how they are trying to move Duchense and Johansen and want some reassurance they aren’t next. Excited to see a younger team next year. Definitely time to change it up.
- predsfan97


I wouldn’t sign any player with a nmc. Don’t like it, bye!
Squatchy
Nashville Predators
Location: Clarksville, TN
Joined: 05.09.2018

Jul 31 @ 7:37 PM ET
Would Ekholm or Forsberg sign an extension without some sort of no movement protection? They would have to look at how they treated Ellis and how they are trying to move Duchense and Johansen and want some reassurance they aren’t next. Excited to see a younger team next year. Definitely time to change it up.
- predsfan97


There's other factors involved that makes me afraid Forsberg and Ekholm won't be resigning, and getting NMC clauses are nowhere near the top of the list. For Forsberg I think it's going to depend a lot on how this season goes. He adjusted better than most to Hynes system, but that doesn't change the fact that playing in it is not going to be appealing to most forwards who like to score. If the team takes a step back and the next couple of seasons look like they're going to be a struggle as they rebuild, coupled with an offensively stifling system, he might decide he doesn't want to be here anymore. To be honest, if he gets hurt again 1/3 of the way through the season and misses a couple months, it might be time to ask if moving on from him might be in the teams best interest... As hard as that decision might be.

Ekholm is a differen't story. I'd love to keep him, but I'd love to keep him for another 3-4 years... Not necessarily until he's in his late 30's. He's probably going to want a 7-8 year contract though to insure he's finically secure for the rest of his career, and who could blame him for wanting that? I just don't know if he's going to get that here, though I did wonder if the Ellis trade was made in part with resigning Ekholm in mind.

I'd say it's 50/50 right now for either guy to be back after next season.