SWOT Analysis - Assessing the Nashville Predators' Strengths

by Dirk Hoag on Feb 15, 2010 4:06 PM EST

How do the Nashville Predators stack up these days, and what are the prospects for their success in the short- and long-term future? Since we've got two weeks of Olympic hiatus coming up, I'd like to invite Preds fans to join me on a deep-think over where the organization stands today, and how it can move forward in the current NHL.

RADIO NOTE: While you're adjusting your thinking cap, give a listen to general manager David Poile's segment on the Thom Abraham Show this afternoon, as he joins the rest of Team USA in preparation for their first game tomorrow - David Poile on Thom Abraham Show 2010-02-15.

What is SWOT Analysis?

SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Oppportunities, Threats) is a common tool used in the business world to assess an operating group and the environment within which it operates, in order to determine what steps are needed to help that organization achieve its goals. Just as one applies this tool to a factory or a sales force, it can be used with a hockey team as well...

For starters, I'd like to propose the following goal to guide the discussion:

"The goal of the Nashville Predators is to consistently qualify for the playoffs, and contend for the Stanley Cup championship."

As we consider how the Preds can best pursue this goal, we're going to start by defining the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that pertain to the club. Strengths and Weaknesses are characteristics of the club itself, whereas Opportunities and Threats are external factors that influence the team (like how other teams are doing, the free agent market, etc.).

For today, then, I'd like to start with defining a list of the Strengths of the Nashville Predators organization, as they pertain to the goal stated above (in other words, "coolest mascot" probably doesn't apply). Strengths should be things that the Preds do better than the average NHL organization, areas upon which they can leverage a competitive advantage.

I'll toss out two for starters, but in the comments below, I'd like you to help flesh out this list. Over the rest of this week, we'll get to the Weaknesses, etc. For now, just focus on the Strengths of the Preds.

Development of Defensemen: In today's salary cap environment, getting significant contributions from drafted players in the early part of their career (entry-level and RFA contracts) is essential, and the Preds have an excellent pipeline of talent on defense. Shea Weber and Ryan Suter are homegrown team leaders, Dan Hamhuis has had a fine run with the team, and players like Kevin Klein, Cody Franson, Alexander Sulzer, Teemu Laakso, Jonathan Blum, Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis should keep the team stocked with superior and affordable blueline talent for years to come.
Stability of leadership: By retaining a single GM and head coach throughout the team's tenure, there is a clear understanding as to what direction the team wants to take on the ice, as opposed to many franchises which are searching for a winning formula.

So what would you add to this list?

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Comments

Sort of going along with number two is the coaching staff’s ability to relate and communicate so well with the players. That’s a huge thing to me, because in some places the coaches and players don’t mix well.

Trotz is in charge, and there is no question about that, but he’s not heavy handed.

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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 4:43 PM EST reply actions

ditto to chris

the stability extends from ownership to management and also to players from management. also trotzy is an even keel guy. never too high or too low. one of my LMAO moments was a couple years back when we came from behind to beat the blues in OT. last week of the season and we needed the game badly. we came from behind on goals by hlavic, tootoo and im not sure who else. peverly scored in OT and trotz actually could be seen jumping up and down on the bench. priceless. this trait can be a fatal flaw as well. as bad as we have been on the PP for as long as its been i do wonder how horachek still has a job, or at least why he is in charge of the PP.

by predswilrule on Feb 15, 2010 4:55 PM EST reply actions

Lack Of Scoring!

The lack of a marquee scorers has haunted us since the Radulov, Hartnell, Kariya, Forsberg days. Not only does it help with winning games, but it also can help fill the seats. I can only imagine the possibilities of having marquee goal scorers playing along with the d men who have grown up to become one of the better defenses in the league. There was a time we use to be able to put up quite a few goals a game.

by 29thWard on Feb 15, 2010 6:41 PM EST reply actions

um

How is lack of scoring a “strength”, exactly?

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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 6:46 PM EST up reply actions

easy

we are the BEST at NOT scoring

"Get to the Choppa!"

by PredHead on Feb 15, 2010 7:04 PM EST up reply actions

oh

I’d add that Radulov was NOT a marquee scorer.

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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 7:24 PM EST up reply actions

nor Hartnell

by Sam Page on Feb 16, 2010 1:45 AM EST up reply actions

I would add

Goaltending as a strength. I almost wrote “stability in net,” but stability is definitely not the right word. However, despite the revolving door, rotating goalie, “hot hand,” nature of our goaltending, we really have been blessed with talent. We’ve never known what it’s like to be stuck with terrible netminding.

"Get to the Choppa!"

by PredHead on Feb 15, 2010 7:09 PM EST reply actions

goalie coach

I agree with the overall good goalie play, but I think more of that has been from the goalie coaches and scouts. Our scouts have found gems stuck underneath current starters: Vokoun w/ New Jersey behind Brodeur and Rinne behind Backstrom in Finland. But the coaches still are in charge of getting them ready to play and have mostly done a great job.

by VApreds on Feb 15, 2010 9:57 PM EST up reply actions

I agree, I think defining the strength as the goalie coach (Mitch Korn) makes sense.

Although it should be noted that the Preds are 21st this year in team save percentage.

More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.

by Dirk Hoag on Feb 15, 2010 10:04 PM EST up reply actions

Year to year

I was referring more to the history of the organization and not just to the current year. The goalies save percentage has a lot to do with the poor PK and constant injuries and replacing the Preds best defensive forwards. Not to mention that Zanon is missed more than anyone realized he would be.

by VApreds on Feb 15, 2010 10:09 PM EST up reply actions

Location, location, location...

I think the fact that the arena is right downtown is a great advantage. It has been a few years since I lived in Nashvegas but I remember it being pretty easy to get to the arena. Plus you can shop, or eat, or get a drink before or after the game. I think that is a great draw. It is also a draw for local business sales. How great would it be to get out of work at 5, take a client to dinner, and then walk over to the arena to watch a Preds game. One of the issues that has been raised in Phoenix is that their arena is isolated in Glendale, away from the commercial center of Phoenix

by jerseypredsfan on Feb 15, 2010 7:09 PM EST reply actions

another strength

Is the fervor of the fan base. We have, by all accounts, one of the most rabid, though small, fan bases in the league. Its like going to a college football game sometimes. Tons of cheering and just coolness in general.

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by Chris Burton on Feb 15, 2010 7:26 PM EST reply actions

two ideas that I think are related

1) non-amateur scouting— Unlike our defense corps, which includes many players who were extremely well regarded before the Preds ever drafted them, some of the Preds’ most important contributors are players basically written off by their first teams and forgotten by most of the league. Marcel Goc, Joel Ward, Francis Bouillon, and Dan Ellis are all way more than role-players on this team, but signed with the Preds for virtually nothing and with no fanfare.

2) 2-way play from forwards— One reason why Ward, Goc, and even Smithson may have been undervalued on the open market is their great defensive play, which doesn’t show up on stat sheets (plus/minus is awful). Trotz doesn’t really allow any forward to be above defense (Arnott?) and still uses checking lines with good effect.

by Sam Page on Feb 16, 2010 2:04 AM EST reply actions

the value on the dollar

I think one thing the Preds have done well is make every dollar count. The fact is, it will be a long time before the Preds are paying for the high caliber players that propel some teams to excel. However, the Preds have been able to find the right mix of “bargain players” who fit in to the roles and contribute. This is what has made them consistantly making playoff runs.

Of course, that can also be rolled into the management/coaching situations if you want. Since we do have a salary cap and basement however, i think it is worthwhile to note the slight difference.

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by Evanbio on Feb 16, 2010 9:13 AM EST reply actions

Another take on Location

Would having no state income tax be applicable to the franchise? I guess in regards to location, they would be playing half the games in a state without that tax in place so it would perhaps apply. In addition, many have commented about the community, great place to live and bring up a family, etc. I believe that has been a draw for many who have come through.

by OddManRush on Feb 16, 2010 10:10 AM EST reply actions