Report: No rebuild for Preds as they double down on their core players

When the 2021 NHL offseason began it appeared that Nashville Predators GM David Poile was planning a long-awaited rebuild for his team. After all, Poile shipped out veterans Viktor Arvidsson and Ryan Ellis in separate transactions and long-time goaltender Pekka Rinne officially retired. All signs seemed to be pointing towards a rebuild or a "reset" for the Preds this offseason, but after signing goaltender Juuse Saros to a four year, $20 million deal earlier this week Poile stated that his next move is to get veterans Filip Forsberg and Mattias Ekholm signed long-term as well. In other words, Poile isn't looking to rebuild anytime soon, in fact he's doubling down on his veteran core.

From NHL.com:

NASHVILLE -- The Nashville Predators are focused on signing Mattias Ekholm and Filip Forsberg to long-term contracts, general manager David Poile said Tuesday.

The defenseman and forward each can become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Poile said he spoke with Ekholm's agent Monday and will resume discussions later this week or next week.

"And then I think shortly before training camp we'll reach out to Filip Forsberg and his camp and sort of get a lay of the land as to where Filip's thoughts are right now," Poile said. "Those are the next two priorities."

The big challenge for Poile will be in convincing Forsberg and Ekholm that the Preds are committed to winning and won't be looking to rebuild over the course of their contracts.

"It's a very important part of the conversation, and they have to believe in the organization and what we're doing and where we're going," Poile said. "I've certainly had talks with both of them at the end of the year a little bit on that, but I think as we get into negotiations, if you will, that those conversations will be taken up a notch.

"I'm going to give my viewpoints and my vision, but I certainly need to see how they see themselves fitting in because those type of players need to be our best players. They need to be leaders for us, and so they need to be totally bought in or it's not going to work for them or for us. They'll be important discussions that will hopefully lead to future contracts with us. That would be the goal."

Honestly... I'm very intrigued to see how this all plays out. Poile has essentially put his card on the table for both Forsberg and Ekholm to see. What happens next is kind of up to them. Will they commit long-term to Nashville?