Gina: Mavrik Bourque just got paid, and we've got the inside scoop on what it means for the Preds' lineup. Plus, the backup goalie battle is heating up, and we're answering YOUR questions. This is the mailbag episode you don't want to miss.
Wes: And we're not holding back. We're making bold predictions, settling roster debates, and maybe even starting a fight or two.
Gina: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, Nashville Predators fans! I'm Gina, and alongside me is the sharpest hockey mind in the biz, Wes.
Wes: Hey, Preds fans! We're about a month away from opening night, and the excitement is real. Today, we're diving into your mailbag questions.
Gina: Here's what we're covering: first, the big Mavrik Bourque contract and how he fits the Central Division picture. Then, the backup goalie battle and the bottom-six logjam. And finally, some fun hypotheticals and a lightning round of hot takes.
Wes: Let's get into it. First up, Bourque.
Gina: We got a ton of questions about Mavrik Bourque. Sarah from Rochester asks: 'What does the six-year, $33 million deal mean for the Preds' cap and their playoff push?'
Wes: Great question. Bourque's deal is a team-friendly number for a 24-year-old coming off a 41-point season. It locks up a young center for six years at just $5.5 million per. That's a steal if he hits 25 goals like we predicted.
Gina: And we did predict that. 25-plus goals, right?
Wes: Exactly. And with the cap going up, this deal gives Nashville flexibility to add elsewhere. It's a win-win.
Gina: Speaking of the Central, Marcus in Denver asks: 'How do the Preds stack up against the Wild and the rest of the Central?'
Wes: Well, the Central is a gauntlet. But Nashville's depth down the middle with Bourque, Stamkos, and O'Reilly is formidable. The Wild are tough, but I like our top six.
Gina: And we've got them fifth in the division right now. Is that fair?
Wes: It's a projection. I still think they're a playoff team. With Saros in net and Josi on the blue line, this team is built for the postseason.
Gina: Speaking of Saros, @PredsFan4Life asks: 'Is this the year Saros finally gets Vezina recognition?'
Wes: I said it last week and I'll say it again: Saros is a Vezina finalist this season. He's been elite for years, and with a solid defense in front of him, he'll get the wins and the stats to back it up.
Gina: Alright, moving on to the roster battles. Stick with us — we've got more mailbag coming up.
Gina: Welcome back. Now, the backup goalie battle. We made a bold prediction last week that Isak Posch would win the job. Let's see if we're sticking with it.
Wes: I'm not backing down. Posch has the higher ceiling, but Annunen has more NHL experience. It's going to be a tough call in camp.
Gina: Lily from Nashville asks: 'Who do you trust more in a must-win game in March?'
Wes: That's Annunen. He's been there. But for the long-term, Posch could be the guy. It's a good problem to have.
Gina: And @GoalieGuru says: 'Is Posch ready for the NHL, or does he need more time in the AHL?'
Wes: He's 24, he's played in Finland, he's got the tools. But a year in Milwaukee wouldn't hurt. If he forces the issue in camp, you have to consider keeping him up.
Gina: Now, the bottom-six logjam. We've got a ton of centers and wingers fighting for spots. Tom from Chicago asks: 'Who gets sent down or traded?'
Wes: This is tricky. You've got Colton, Drury, Kerfoot, Jost, and Edstrom. Someone's odd man out. I still think Jost gets cut before opening night, like we said.
Gina: Bold. But what about the wingers? There's a logjam there too.
Wes: Right, you've got Forsberg, Marchessault, Evangelista, Kemell, Hoglander... it's crowded. But competition is good. It pushes everyone to be better.
Gina: And on defense, @BlueLineBen asks: 'Can Josi and Skjei anchor the top pairing for a deep run?'
Wes: Absolutely. Josi is a Norris-caliber defenseman, and Skjei brings size and mobility. That's a shutdown pair that can also contribute offensively.
Gina: Alright, we've got one more segment coming up. Stay with us for the fun stuff.
Gina: Welcome back. Time for some fun hypotheticals. @SmashvilleStan asks: 'If you could pick one player to take a penalty shot in a Game 7 overtime, who is it?'
Wes: Easy. Filip Forsberg. He's got the hands and the clutch gene. He's scored big goals in this league.
Gina: What about Bourque? He's got some slick moves.
Wes: He's second on my list. But Forsberg is the guy.
Gina: Alright, next question from @PredsPride: 'Which rookie has the best chance to crack the opening night roster?'
Wes: I'm looking at Joakim Kemell. He's got the scoring touch and he's been close. He could earn a spot on the third line.
Gina: And now for the lightning round. Quick takes, no hesitation. First: Over/under 97 points for the Preds this season?
Wes: Over. I said 97, and I'm sticking with it. This team is too deep not to hit that.
Gina: Next: Who leads the team in goals? Forsberg or Bourque?
Wes: Bourque. I'm all in on the 25-goal prediction. He's got the shot and the playmaking around him.
Gina: Finally: Do the Preds win the Central?
Wes: No, but they finish top three and make some noise in the playoffs. This is a dangerous team.
Gina: That's a wrap on our mailbag episode! We covered Bourque's big deal, the goalie battle, and made some bold calls.
Wes: Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the show. Share it with your fellow Preds fans.
Gina: And as always, go Preds! We'll catch you next time.