Many asked last night where are the trades. In the span of an hour on Saturday afternoon, there were a couple of answers.
However, the big blockbuster did occur as the Nashville Predators traded P.K. Subban to the New Jersey Devils. New Jersey gave up this year’s 34th pick in the 2019 draft, next year’s second-round pick, Steven Santini, and Jeremy Davies.
What P.K. Subban means to the New Jersey Devils
The answer is a lot. For all the clamoring of what Subban is and is not as a defenseman, there is one clear thing — he is still very good. Subban carries three more years on his contract at an AAV of $9 million. Also, some wondered about the lower price. Subban endured a sub-par season by his standards — totaling just 31 points in 63 games.
His ice time also dropped below 23 minutes a night as his power-play numbers suffered as well. Some debate that was because of Nashville’s power play strategy (31st in the league) while others believe the Predators’ logjam of defensemen made Subban expendable.
As a result, New Jersey allowed themselves to buy low and gain a top-four defenseman for three seasons. He plays on the right side which helps New Jersey immensely. Damon Severson can play on the top or second pairing now. Versatility gained here is vital for a team that had little of it last season.
Subban’s possession metrics were about +3% above the relative average for Nashville last year at 5-on-5. Thanks to Bill Comeau once again, we have a great snapshot of what Subban brings to New Jersey.
Again, P.K. Subban takes risks but this is exactly what New Jersey needs on defense. The dynamic on the power play becomes interesting. One would think, Subban becomes a quarterback of sorts along with that shot. New Jersey possessed few players who could hit the net with force or any consistency.
Above lie P.K. Subban’s metrics from the charts of Sean Tierney. This illustrates more of what New Jersey is gaining. Subban’s shot rates at even strength were the best in Nashville among defensemen. The defenseman finished in the good or fun quadrant in most categories.
In short, New Jersey acquired a defenseman for a prospect, a couple of picks, and a seventh defenseman. Ray Shero took a shot and went for it.
What this means for the Nashville Predators
This allows Nashville to bring up one of their prospects on defense. The Predators’ defense was so deep that someone was going to be expendable. Unfortunately, Nashville needed forward help in the worst way and clearing the $9 million in cap space goes toward signing free agent talent (Matt Duchene?).
They gain options as Dante Fabbro could move up, plus Alexandre Carrier may have himself a spot in the bottom pairing. David Poile felt he had to change the dynamic and get younger. This trade accomplished that end in a few ways.
Also, there is that thing called cap space. Nashville gains enough dollars to have almost $13.7 million left over to sign two players (current roster size is 21). Flexibility was paramount and it was something the Predators had little of before this trade. What occurs the week of July 1st and beyond will tell as to whether this move was worth it.
As for the particulars, the 34th pick became the 45th pick as Nashville traded down in the draft. The Predators chose Egor Afanasyev from the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the OHL. Then, there is Jeremy Davies, who just signed an entry-level deal a couple of months ago with New Jersey. Davies will likely start next year in Milwaukee of the AHL and continue his development.
As for Steven Santini, he may be used as a seventh defenseman in Nashville or a sixth temporarily. That role expects to be determined in training camp.
Some final thoughts
This was a jolt for something early on a Saturday afternoon before day two of the draft. Were there rumblings of a deal last night? Yes. However, it did not come to fruition without general managers knowing what the cap would be ($82 million).
Ray Shero executed a move that he hopes pays off in New Jersey’s quest to re-sign Taylor Hall. P.K. Subban presents the next step in that process.
David Poile hopes he can land a top-flight free agent forward because of this deal. Both teams had needs and made move(s) to address them.
