Broadcaster Blog: Interview with Preds Assistant GM Paul Fenton

The perspective of any NHL assistant general manager is unique. Paul Fenton of the Predators must not only know everything about his NHL team, but also be tuned into each prospect in the system, the next wave of amateurs and the beat of what is going on around the League. He may be in Nashville watching the Predators one day, taking in a Milwaukee Admirals game the next, then scouting two college games a few nights later.
I caught up with Fenton on "3D" on the Preds flagship station, 102.5 The Game, prior to Tuesday's game at Bridgestone Arena, a 6-3 Predators victory over Washington. He provided detailed insight on some familiar subjects, but also some important Predator news that is under the radar. I hope you will listen to it - here is your roadmap on just a few of the subjects discussed in the interview.

1. His integral role in the recent trade that brought Kyle Turris to Nashville. A happenstance meeting at an Ohio State hockey game became critical in the eventual execution of the deal.
   2. The importance in developing valuable assets to be able to make the recent big trades the Predators have made. A team can't make moves like these unless you have something to trade that other teams covet. Balancing the "pain" of giving up players you have poured hours and hours to help develop with the joy of bringing in an immediate weapon like Turris. Plus, detail on Turris's game at the premium position of center.
   3. The historical significance of Hall of Famer Paul Kariya's signing with Nashville in 2005. The recruiting story and process was quite detailed. Kariya is truly a unique athlete and personality. His willingness to sign with a young franchise, and his productive two seasons with the Preds changed the course of the organization.
   4. Prospect reports on several players, including Nashville's two most recent first-round picks. Dante Fabbro is shining as a defenseman in his sophomore season at Boston University (playing with another Preds draft pick, David Farrance). Find out who Fabbro's game most resembles in terms of style, according to Fenton.
   5. Meanwhile, Eeli Tolvanen continues to produce as a pure scorer at a very young age in the KHL. Fenton shares a story of a recent performance by Tolvanen that provides a window into what drives him as a competitor.