The Central Division received some unprecedented shake-ups this year. From Patrick Roy's departure to the Suban-Weber t..."/> The Central Division received some unprecedented shake-ups this year. From Patrick Roy's departure to the Suban-Weber t..."/>
Mile High Sticking
Fansided

Colorado Avalanche Facing a Tough Central Division

By Michael Vasilie

Apr 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9), left wing Mikkel Boedker (89), defenseman Tyson Barrie (4), left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and defenseman Francois Beauchemin (32) line up for the national anthem before the start of the game against the Anaheim Ducks in the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene (9), left wing Mikkel Boedker (89), defenseman Tyson Barrie (4), left wing Gabriel Landeskog (92) and defenseman Francois Beauchemin (32) line up for the national anthem before the start of the game against the Anaheim Ducks in the first period at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Nashville Predators center Mike Ribeiro (63) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Holden (2) battle for the puck in the first period at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Nashville Predators center Mike Ribeiro (63) and Colorado Avalanche defenseman Nick Holden (2) battle for the puck in the first period at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Nashville Predators

Key Losses-Shea Weber

Key Additions-P.K. Suban, Matt Carle

Analysis: Shea Weber is leaving the Central Division! (a la Monty Python) And there was much rejoicing! Yea!

P.K. Suban is taking his place! Boo!

Nashville is an interesting team. In a delicious dichotomy they simultaneously pulled off one of the biggest blockbuster trades in modern NHL history and remained relatively quite in free agency. While it is difficult to speculate how much the change on the blueline will impact Nashville’s style of play, one thing is for certain, Suban’s value is certainly longer term than Weber’s was. While the Pred’s will miss Weber’s leadership (both as captain and as example on the ice) they are gaining a bundle of energy and personality in Suban.

I suspect that Nashville’s possession numbers will go down as Suban isn’t known for his defensive proclivity. However, they may see an uptick in their overall team scoring as Suban is well known for being an offensive force. Suban is a unique player with regards to personality. While numerous media sources say that he has become a nuisance in the locker room in Montreal, other players like Dale Weise have publicly stated their support for Suban, endorsing him as a great player and a great person. So the Million Dollar Question is wether or not this can fit in a city like Nashville. I think it can. A city like Nashville I don’t know if Peter Laviolette elects to pair Suban with stand-out rear guard Roman Josi, but one thing is clear…Nashville was a good team last year with the potential to be great this year. I wouldn’t be shocked if they win the division.

Season Series: 11/1-H, 11/29-H, 12/6-A, 1/14-H, 2-23 A

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