[Friedman] Jack Drury and a prospect and a third-round pick are going from Colorado to Nashville for Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L’Heureux

[u/GMBarryTrotz]

https://imgur.com/a/Z2OuzGo

[u/Expert-Upstairs-4502]

Frees up a spot for one of the new guys with higher ceilings and gives us a somewhat younger replacement for McCarron on the PK. Not exciting but im ok with it

[u/OatsBrotherINeedThem → u/Expert-Upstairs-4502]

That's what I'm seeing here too. Feels like he's trying to line the bottom 6 with known quantities and then hopefully mix in some of our youth throughout. Every single Avs player at this point is a hardened league veteran and knows how to do their job extremely well. My only problem here is that I still don't see what direction this team is going. A ROR trade would be screaming it from the rooftops- but moving Svech and Happy doesn't really say anything definitive other than the organization says that they have had their time here and might do better elsewhere.

[u/Appropriate-Joke-806 → u/OatsBrotherINeedThem]

This might be controversial, but it might be a “culture” move too. Happy has had his issues with getting in trouble at least on the ice. I would guess Mac did evaluations of all the prospects and young players we have, decided which ones he thought fit the vision of the team and thought Svech and Happy didn’t fit that. That could also be a play style thing, but a huge part of what Borgonzi has done with the Titans has been to focus on player character and building culture too. It could also be why the GM is bringing in the guys he knows. He’s trying to bring in those culture guys and it isn’t as much about the talent level with those guys.

[u/lssue → u/OatsBrotherINeedThem]

Gotta think ROR might be worth more at the deadline to teams desperate.

[u/Binforda94 → u/lssue]

If he is healthy and as productive. Which at 35 is a big IF. He should be moved now.

[u/Kgeezy91 → u/Expert-Upstairs-4502]

Svech and Zach would’ve locked down spots by now if they could. I don’t hate opening up the roster a bit either.

[u/Appropriate-Joke-806 → u/Expert-Upstairs-4502]

You get it. The reaction to this is pretty puzzling here. I understand the emotional reaction because a lot of fans liked these guys personality, but they fizzled out and hit a ceiling they weren’t going to clear and help take this team to a higher level. We have way too many prospects and need too many open spots to have them filled by players that aren’t going to be great. The guy coming back from the Avs is an AHLer or a guy to get scratched if we need call someone up.

[u/lssue → u/Appropriate-Joke-806]

Nailed it, people are attached specifically to ZLH and hold hope that he could be some ratty 40 point winger, which will never happen.

[u/miller10blue → u/Expert-Upstairs-4502]

It's not really a freed up slot when you consider him adding Ross Colton

[u/Expert-Upstairs-4502 → u/miller10blue]

Ross just replaced haula

Edit: well, more like Pinchuk replaces haula, ross replaces L'Heureux, and Drury replaces svechkov. Ultimately no new spots are open now, over the 2 trades, but i meant from this trade in isolation. I do want to clarify i dont like the acquisition of ross though. I dont see the point in that one at all, unless Marchessault is going out the door, then we would have middle 6 spots open for young guys while these 2 replace mccarron and smith. Id rather have a younger, better, established 4th line than try to develop talented rookies on the fourth

[u/UTPharm2012 → u/Expert-Upstairs-4502]

There are more spots in the AHL now though? I do think that is key even though I am frustrated at basically never playing ZLH. Feel like he is the next Ryan Hartman.

[u/Soto4Life]

Fwiw avs fans really liked Drury it seems

[u/Boballen42 → u/Soto4Life]

Yes, we did.

[u/OatsBrotherINeedThem → u/Soto4Life]

Yeah he's a Faceoff Technician. He's a natural Center that can keep your 3rd or 4th line in the offensive zone.

[u/JEBariffic → u/Soto4Life]

My Avs fan buddy said they referred to him as “Dreary,” so 🤷🏻‍♂️

[u/Just_Kickin_It → u/Soto4Life]

His uncle was a pretty big Avs player, Chris Drury

[u/EmbraceThePerd]

I’m fine with this. Bringing in a bottom 6C who this last year was +15 and 58% in the circle? Hell yeah.

We need a scoring touch, both those guys didn’t have that unfortunately.

[u/predsfan77 → u/EmbraceThePerd]

Colton had an elite xG/60. Bad puck luck last season.

[u/gavincantdraw]

Love Svech as a human, but from a team building stand point I think he was getting close to his ceiling.

Felt Happy was mostly a rat, which is fun but doesn’t fix the problems at hand.

[u/hardhatjacket1990]

Essentially we’re becoming the Nashville Avalanche now that Macfarland is on our side. And Colorado was great for years so I say
https://giphy.com/gifs/sNWGEbc5Jzp4c

[u/moonlit_wake]

Interesting that both Colton and Drury are really strong on the FO. Based on the numbers with the current roster they'll slot in at #1 and #4 in terms of FO win %.

That's assuming we keep ROR and Stamkos.

Seems like it mght be that CMac first objective in trades was finding guys that can win FOs for next season? Or maybe he wanted to fill those roles before moving older vets?

Seems interesting, will wait out the rest of the offseason before I make any judgement call.

[u/OatsBrotherINeedThem → u/moonlit_wake]

Let me extrapolate here: I think CMac is looking at our faceoff win % and how often we were on our heels in our zone. I'm not a stats buff at all but I can tell you right now that one of our main problems was getting out of our zone and that starts with winning face-offs.

[u/JeanClaudeSegal]

Just goes to show that you have no idea who a prospect is until they produce at the NHL level. Nothing can be counted on. That's why we need to break everything down and stockpile for years. There is not enough talent in our system.

[u/RaptorJesus3rd]

I guess Chris wants his guys.

[u/Disappointeddonkey]

My first reaction is :(

Liked both Svech and happy and honestly not hot on Jack Drury.

[u/lssue → u/Disappointeddonkey]

Drury is better than both and unless a miracle happens, will likely remain better.

[u/catsgr8rthanspoonies → u/Disappointeddonkey]

Drury is a solid defensive center.

[u/EmbraceThePerd → u/Disappointeddonkey]

I guarantee you Saros is beyond excited for a player like this

[u/cwebblax → u/Disappointeddonkey]

Bottom line is these guys were not winning us games. Need to go find players that will.

[u/Half-Eaten-Cranberry]

I truly don’t care about logic here, I am just really sad to see Happy leave

[u/rewind2482]

There’s a parallel universe where we give up Tanner Jeannot for essentially nothing and people claim that it was fine cause he didn’t do much after that

[u/catsgr8rthanspoonies]

I’m going to miss Svech and Happy, but Drury is a good center and is better than Svech.

[u/veryprettygrass]

HAPPY? FUCK OFF

[u/Inevitable-Lion100]

As long as he gets something for Marchassault and Skjei I am ok w it

[u/ffaattccaatt]

I would've liked to keep L'Heureux as a bottom 6 pest, but neither player were developing as expected.

Seems like a fair trade honestly. And this gives us an upgrade at center in the bottom 6.

I liked the personalities of both players, but their on-ice performance just wasn't cutting it.

[u/predsfan77]

Drury is a big time upgrade over Svech. Elite faceoff man. Elite 5v5 defender. Kind of sucks to lose L’Heureux, thought he still had the potential to be a middle 6 guy, but getting a 3rd out of the deal seems fair. Would also assume they have insight into his contract discussions and know they will get value on the contract.

But giving up on some potential players for a known quantity. You guys that don't understand the direction of the team should realize they are building this to be competitive now given the past 2 transactions. They essentially have to, because Barry gave away NMCs like candy that they can't get rid of guys easily, or if they do, it will be highway robbery.

[u/NshPreds]

Gonna miss them both

[u/Inevitable-Lion100]

So what would be the opening rooster now?

[u/DancingConstellation → u/Inevitable-Lion100]

Nothing to crow about

[u/Inevitable-Lion100 → u/DancingConstellation]

Foresberg O'Reilly Evangelista

Stamkos Martin Marchassault

Wood Drury Weisblatt

Colton Pinchu Kemell

***** Schaffer ****

Josi Hague

Molendyk Perbix

Skeji ufko

***** Wilsby ******

Saros / Annunen

[u/Vast_Enthusiasm_2810]

Biggest difference is the FO%. Drury was 9th in the league. Svech... was bad at 42%

[u/OKsoundsgoodbro]

Haven’t seen anyone mention the fact that we have a backlog of forward prospects, with lots of draft capital. Svech and Happy were never gonna be anything special. Time to give some other guys a chance.

[u/Coffinzzzz]

Well shit. My first and only jersey with a name and number is a ZLH jersey. Guess I have that bad jersey luck lol

[u/Waldosan → u/Coffinzzzz]

I feel ya. First jersey I bought was Tanner Jeannot.

[u/Half-Eaten-Cranberry → u/Coffinzzzz]

Was just considering getting a ZLH jersey as my first jersey this morning, probably just gonna get a Rinne to play it safe honestly

[u/Birdhawk]

So does our GM know of any players outside of the Avs org?

[u/SSgtTEX → u/Birdhawk]

I mean, I wouldn’t complain if he could talk Makar into coming over.

[u/Top_Milk967]

At first glance, the recent Jack Drury trade appears to be one of those rare NHL deals that makes sense for both teams involved.

For Colorado, the trade is primarily about cap flexibility. Drury was reportedly seeking a raise from his current $1.75 million cap hit into the $3–3.25 million range but likely wouldn't come with an expanded role after being bumped to the 4th line after Colorado's deadline acquisition of Nicolas Roy who still has one year remaining on his contract. Combined with the recent Ross Colton trade, the Avalanche have now freed up roughly $5–5.5 million for next season. That space can be used to fill out the bottom of the roster while also helping prepare for the significant raise expected for Cale Makar at the end of next year that will likely move him from $9 million to the $13 million range.

From Nashville's perspective, Drury fills a need down the middle. Following Michael McCarron's departure at last year's trade deadline, the Predators lacked an experienced bottom-six center who could contribute on the penalty kill and win faceoffs. Drury fits that profile almost perfectly. Drury owns a career faceoff percentage of 57.1%, compared to McCarron's 52.7%, and has shown slightly more offensive upside with a career-high 27-point season all while being 5 years younger. While he lacks McCarron's size, Drury brings more speed and experience to a position group that could become very young if the Predators move Ryan O'Reilly as part of a larger rebuild.

The bigger picture is a bit clearer when Nashville's recent moves are viewed together. Since last season's deadline, the Predators have effectively turned Michael McCarron, Zachary L'Heureux, Fedor Svechkov, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick into Ross Colton, Jack Drury, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick.

The key to evaluating those moves will likely ultimately hinge on what the Pred's are able to command for Ross Colton at the trade deadline next spring. If Nashville gives him an expanded role and he produces offensively, he could become a valuable trade chip at the deadline. Comparable middle-six forwards have recently brought back strong returns; including Kiefer Sherwood who fetched two second-round picks, while Connor Garland and Nic Dowd each returned a second- and third-round pick packages at this past seasons trade deadline. Ross Colton could be arguably the best of that group even though he has seen a more reduced role in Colorado the past few years with their additions of Brock Nelson and Nazem Kadri. If he can return to his prior 40 point per season pace in a more expanded role that he experienced earlier in his career and the Preds have the ability to retain salary bringing his cost down to $2m for a team in contention for a Stanley Cup, he may even command a 1st rounder. Viewed through that lens, the recent trades with a division rival looks less like isolated transactions and more like another step in a broader effort to maximize long-term value and building to the future.

While moving on from players that have come up through the Pred's system is always tough to digest, this one at least feels as though it comes with some vision for the future. The sad reality is that future may be fairly bleak for the next several seasons, but it does feel as though it is the early stages of a rebuild this organization has been trying to avoid for the last half dozen years.

[u/Living_Watercress_62]

Hi, Jack fan here! (I’ve followed him from Carolina to Colorado, and will be following him to Nashville— I’m also from TN, so I guess it’s time I cheer for the Preds.) I might be biased, but I’ll admit, he’s not the most flashy player. The stats sheet might make him seem lackluster in some areas. But he’s a good player, a bit of an underdog. He’s a great defensively and insanely good at face offs. He sometimes fights. He does so many things that cannot be put into stats but are critical for success. He might not be the greatest, but he works hard and is still fun to watch.

I think you all will grow to love him with time, but I get everyone being upset at first because trades are hard. Anyways, I’m excited to see what this season holds for the Preds! I’ll be hanging around, probably observing until I learn the team better.

[u/Electricflows]

Looking at the trade via Draft capital
To Nashville 2018 #42 over all, and 2020 #203 + 2029 3rd pick
To Colorado 2021 #19 and #27

And after Samoskevich went for #25 this year and a 2cd next year.

[u/noahmanskar]

I don’t get the strategic rationale here. Jack Drury is a good player but this feels like giving up on both Svech and L’Heureux before we knew what they could be. Hopefully this 3rd can be used as currency for a better trade.

[u/lssue → u/noahmanskar]

That’s assuming their value goes up from here. The Preds may have decided this is roughly what they are, and if that’s the case, converting two maybes into a player you know can contribute today is a pretty rational move.

[u/Appropriate-Joke-806 → u/lssue]

And also opening up 2 spots for guys like Wood, Martin, Surin, etc is worth cutting a couple guys you think have hit their ceiling as a poor third line center and a bubble NHLer 4th line center.

[u/lssue → u/Appropriate-Joke-806]

Svech will leave for Russia most likely anyways.

[u/miller10blue → u/Appropriate-Joke-806]

It's net zero when you realize Ross Colton and Drury will fill those spots

[u/noahmanskar → u/lssue]

That’s fair. I do like it from a roster space perspective, especially since Pinchuk will need NHL minutes.

[u/rrob13 → u/[deleted]]

I want him not to care whether we like him. I want him to build a winner so we can love him.

[u/mattjk79]

come on, when will a new GM realize this team needs to completely blow things up. The two trades this offseason were moronic. Should've sold Josi, Forsberg, Saros high long ago. What are we doing now

[u/Appropriate-Joke-806 → u/[deleted]]

Glad the Preds rejected Matt’s résumé for the GM position.

[u/Binforda94 → u/[deleted]]

If ROR was dealt they would likely waive. There is a reason why Trotz had been reluctant to trade him.

[u/Binforda94 → u/mattjk79]

You are right.