Gina: Mavrik Bourque just signed a six-year deal and someone out there still thinks the Preds overpaid. We are settling that right now.
Wes: And we're answering your questions about the backup goalie battle and whether this team can actually make the playoffs. It's mailbag day, folks.
Gina: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network. I'm Gina, joined as always by the sharpest mind in hockey, Wes. Today we're diving into your questions, Preds fans.
Wes: We got a ton of them after the Bourque signing, so let's get to it. Here's what's on tap: first, the big contract and what it means for the lineup.
Gina: Then we're breaking down the roster battles, especially in net. And finally, a fun hypothetical and a lightning round of quick takes. Stick with us.
Gina: Alright, first question comes from Sarah in Rochester. She asks: 'Wes, you said Bourque would score 25 goals. Now that he's got the six-year deal, does that change your prediction?'
Wes: Not one bit. If anything, the security of that contract should let him play looser. He potted 20 goals in 82 games last season, and he's only 24. He's going to get top-six minutes here.
Gina: And the Preds gave up a second and a third for him plus Lyubushkin. That's a steal if he hits 25.
Wes: Exactly. And remember, he's an RFA who just got paid. That's a guy who's going to be motivated. I'm sticking with 25-plus, and I'll double down on that.
Gina: Next up, Marcus in Denver wants to know: 'The Preds are sitting fifth in the Central. With the Wild coming to town on October second, what's the real playoff outlook?'
Wes: We said it on the last show: 97 points and a playoff spot. The Central is a gauntlet, but this roster is deeper than last year. Bourque adds scoring, and the defense is solid with Josi and Skjei.
Gina: And don't forget Saros in net. If he's a Vezina finalist like we predicted, that alone could steal you eight to ten games.
Wes: Right. The Wild game is a measuring stick. They're a rival, and a strong home opener could set the tone. But I'm not worried about that fifth-place standing right now. It's August.
Gina: Good point. Alright, we've got more questions coming up, including the backup goalie battle. Stay with us.
Gina: Welcome back. This next question is from @PredsFan4Life: 'Who wins the backup goalie job between Annunen and Posch?' Wes, you've been watching the tape.
Wes: I like what I've seen from both, but Annunen has the edge. He's got more NHL experience, and he was solid in Colorado. Posch is a prospect, but he's not ready to be a full-time backup yet.
Gina: So you're saying Annunen gets the nod to start the season?
Wes: I'd say so. He can give Saros a breather without a huge drop-off. Posch needs more time in the AHL to develop.
Gina: That makes sense. Next we've got a question from Emily in Knoxville: 'With Bourque coming in, who moves down the depth chart at center?'
Wes: Great question. You've got O'Reilly, Stamkos, and Drury as your top three centers. Bourque can play wing too, but he's a natural center. That pushes Jost or Edstrom down to the fourth line.
Gina: So it's a good problem to have, but someone's going to be unhappy.
Wes: Exactly. Competition is good, and it's a long season. Injuries happen. Depth is how you win in this league.
Gina: Alright, we've got one more roster battle question, then we'll get to the fun stuff. This one's from @SmashvilleSam: 'Which defensive pairing should start the season?'
Wes: You go with Josi and Skjei as the top pair, no question. Then Hague and Barron, and Lyubushkin with Perbix. That's a solid top six.
Gina: Lyubushkin coming over in the Bourque trade adds some grit. I like that.
Wes: Absolutely. He's a penalty killer and a shot-blocker. That's exactly what you need in the Central.
Gina: Great stuff. Up next, we've got a hypothetical that's going to get people talking. Don't go anywhere.
Gina: Okay, this one comes from Tyler in Madison: 'If you could add any former Predator to this current roster, who would it be and why?' Wes, you're up.
Wes: I'm going with P.K. Subban. Not just for the offense, but for the personality. This team could use that swagger. Imagine him on the power play with Josi.
Gina: That would be electric. I'm going with a different pick, though. I'd take Ryan Suter in his prime. A steady, minute-munching defenseman who could anchor the second pair.
Wes: Solid choice. But you can't go wrong with either. Now let's do a lightning round. I'll throw out a topic, you give me a quick take. First up: the power play.
Gina: Needs to be better. With Stamkos and Forsberg, there's no excuse for not being top ten.
Wes: The penalty kill?
Gina: Solid with Lyubushkin and Hague. I think they'll be top five.
Wes: Saros for Vezina?
Gina: Lock it in. He's been elite, and with a better team in front of him, he'll get the recognition.
Wes: Bold. I like it. And the final lightning-round question: who leads the team in scoring?
Gina: Forsberg. He's the most talented forward on the roster, and he'll bounce back big this year.
Wes: I'll go with Bourque. He's got the scoring touch, and he'll get the minutes.
Gina: We'll see who's right. That's all the time we have for questions today, but we'll do another mailbag soon. Send yours in!
Gina: To recap: Bourque's deal is a win, Annunen takes the backup job, and the Preds are playoff-bound. That's our story and we're sticking to it.
Wes: And we're predicting 97 points. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show. Share this episode with a fellow Preds fan.
Gina: Until next time, this is Gina and Wes reminding you to stay loud, stay proud, and go Preds!