Nashville Predators: 3 players they need to move on from after playoff exit

It’s undeniable the Nashville Predators need a shakeup after another early playoff exit.

Ever since the Nashville Predators made the Stanley Cup Final in 2017 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the franchise has been taking steady steps back. They made it to the second round in 2018, lost in the first round in 2019, and lost in the play-in round this year to the Arizona Coyotes.

Last summer, general manager David Poile expressed a lot of confidence in his roster. He bet on his own guys. This offseason, he can’t afford to maintain the status quo. Yes, the Predators got eliminated by a team with a hot goalie. But the fact remains, the Predators haven’t been the same since their Cup Final appearance in 2017.

Poile needs to make some changes or he could be the next one heading out of Nashville. His core is strong, but it’s simply not good enough. Poile also hasn’t surrounded his core players with the right complementary pieces.

What can the Predators do to get back on track? Here’s a look at three players they should part ways with this offseason.

1. Dan Hamhuis

Veteran defenseman Dan Hamhuis will be a UFA. There’s no reason for the Predators to bring him back. In 60 games, he only put up 8 points. And Hamhuis didn’t play at all in the postseason against the Coyotes.

Furthermore, Hamhuis didn’t put up strong underlying stats, as he was analytically one of the Predators worst defensemen. It’s sad because Hamhuis used to be a pretty solid defenseman. But Father Time is undefeated and unfortunately, Hamhuis has found that out first hand.

Don’t be surprised if Hamhuis returns in a coaching or player development role, though. The Predators liked the presence of the veteran and he played a key role in helping young defensemen like Dante Fabbro grow. Hamhuis would be a solid coach or advisor in the front office. But his days on the ice are most likely over.