Nashville Predators: Grading Their Deadline Trades

NASHVILLE, TN - FEBRUARY 25: Brian Boyle #11 celebrates his game winning shootout goal with Cody McLeod #55 of the Nashville Predators against the Edmonton Oilers at Bridgestone Arena on February 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

2 of 6

Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images /

Cody McLeod Trade

Grade: B

The Predators brought back enforcer Cody McLeod from the New York Rangers in exchange for a 7th Round Draft Pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. This trade was a crucial one for the Predators given the fact that they were bullied by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2017-18 Stanley Cup Playoffs and the fact that the Preds lost tough guy Zac Rinaldo to an upper-body injury for the rest of the season.

McLeod, 34 years old, is a grizzled veteran that is not afraid to drop the gloves and stick up for teammates. In 775 NHL games played, McLeod has 72 goals, 55 assists and 1,630 penalty minutes. As for the 2018-19 season, McLeod only has one goal, 22 shots, a +/- of -12 and has 67 penalty minutes. Although McLeod is not the most skilled player, he is a tough guy that brings a lot of energy to the Predators lineup.

Related Story. Ranking Each Team's All-Time Starting Lineup. light

In return for McLeod, the Predators gave up only a 7th Round Draft Pick, which is not too much of a gamble. McLeod is beloved by teammates who have played with him when he was a member of the Predators from 2016-2018. It is very likely that McLeod will come in as a crucial member for the Predators if they play the Jets in the playoffs. The Jets re-acquired former tough guy, Matt Hendricks from the Minnesota Wild, who plays the same role as McLeod.

Overall, this trade was a very good one for the Nashville Predators and one that needed to be made. Although he might be a healthy scratch most games, McLeod will still instill fear in opposing teams with his presence.

Home/Nashville Predators