The NHL held their annual awards show last night in Las Vegas, and the headlines were filled with Preds (or former Preds if you want to get really technical).
First the good news: David Poile won General Manager of the Year. I have to imagine this was kind of a lifetime achievement award. He’s been nominated several times over the years, but never taken home the hardware. Well last night was finally his night. While I haven’t always agreed with his moves and decisions, Poile and Peter Laviolette have done a hell of a job building this team into what fits Lavy’s system best. It takes some brass balls to trade away Seth Jones and Shea Weber, but Poile saw an opportunity and he took it. The return was Ryan Johansen and PK Subban. I’d say those moves have worked out pretty well. This has been a long time coming, so congrats David Poile and the rest of his staff. Well deserved.
Of course other awards were given out. The big ones include Connor McDavid taking home both theTed Lindsay Award which is basically the MVP as voted on by the players and the Hart Trophy, MVP voted on by the media. You could say he had a good night. Too bad he’s not old enough to properly celebrate in Vegas tonight. The Calder, rookie of the year, went to Auston Matthews. Shocking, I know. Everyone’s favorite caveman, Brent Burns, took home the Norris for best defenseman. By the way, Burns was rocking an awesome purple jacket. You should look it up. Have to say, I was happy he won since I had the chance to meet him randomly last year at the All Star Game and he was a super cool guy. Sergei Bobrovsky won the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender and gave probably the most awkward/awesome Russian acceptance speech ever.
And now, some not so good Preds news. The Vegas Golden Knights revealed their picks for the Expansion Draft. There’s a few notable names on the roster like Jonathan Marchessault (scored 30 goals last year for the Panthers), David Perron from the Blues, Brendan Leipsic (former Preds prospect), Marc-Andre Fleury from the Penguins, and Griffin Reinhart. I don’t know who that last guy is, but he has one bad ass name.
Most noteworthy for Nashville fans though, is the Real Deal James Neal. Unfortunately, the Preds ultimate heel is headed to Vegas. I’m sure Poile tried every trade imaginable to keep Neal in Nashville, but ultimately couldn’t get a deal worked out. So we now have to say goodbye to Neal and his perfect teeth, amazing ginger beard, and don’t give a damn attitude. May you score many FU goals in Vegas, except when you’re playing the Preds.
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Hockey Analyst for SoBros Network. He knows three things: beating Commies, winning Gold Medals, and having great hair. Follow him on Twitter: @SoBroHerbie_B
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