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NHL Trade Deadline 2011: Why the Nashville Predators should acquire Ian White

By Chris Burton
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While a center like Mike Fisher was certainly the top priority for David Poile, an underlying but perhaps equally important need is the one for a second pair defenseman to play with Kevin Klein. The need is magnified by Francis Bouillon's concussion, Klein's injury scare last night, and O'Brien limping off the ice this morning, but even without all these, I'd still be a proponent of this move.

It pains me to say this, but the fact is Nashville's defense isn't all it's cut out to be. The only reason the Predators are as high as they are in GA/G is Pekka Rinne - this was clearly shown last night against the Sharks, when Nashville gave up 50 shots, but only 2 goals.

Love him or hate him, Kevin Klein is Nashville's 3rd best defenseman, and by a wide margin. After the top 3, the Predators have a collection of 5th or 6th defensemen. The loss of Dan Hamhuis to free agency has hurt more than many would like to admit, but Poile now has an opportunity to remedy the situation, at least somewhat, in the form of Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Ian White, who is widely rumored to be available:

Asked about White's situation, Canes coach Paul Maurice said after the skate that "there's something in the works that's pending."

"If it happens, it will happen in the next 24 hours, I guess. If it doesn't, then he's with our hockey team."

First, take a look at White's player card, cap hit, stats, and scouting report:

Ian White

#7 / Defenseman / Carolina Hurricanes

5-10

200

Jun 04, 1984

Cap hit: $2,999,995

GP G A P +/- PIM PPG SHG GWG GTG SOG PCT
2010 - Ian White 55 2 14 16 -6 18 1 0 0 87

Scouting Report

Assets
  • Moves the puck with precision out of the defensive zone. Is an above-average skater and puck-handler. Owns a big shot from the point.
Flaws
  • Lacks ideal size for the NHL, especially in front of his own net. Can go into offensive slumps from time to time.
Career Potential
  • Mobile big-minute defenseman.

Just what the doctor ordered, eh? Bob Wage, managing editor of SB Nation's Canes Country, told me that White could be had for a 2nd round pick or prospect. My proposal would be that Poile offer Jim Rutherford Nashville's 2011 second, leaving the Predators with New Jersey's 2nd rounder, which is likely to be much higher in the draft.

What do you think? Should the Preds go after Ian White, or perhaps someone else? Sound off in the comments below.