Instant Analysis: Preds Deal Arvidsson to Kings, Look Toward Future

Nashville's first deal of the offseason has been completed.
On Thursday, the Predators traded forward Viktor Arvidsson to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and a third-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft.
"We want to thank Viktor for all he did to propel our organization forward during his time with the Predators," Nashville General Manager David Poile said. "His work ethic, tenacity and goal-scoring ability - as shown by his franchise single-season record of 34 goals during the 2018-19 season - made him a key part of our teams that reached the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, won the 2018 Presidents' Trophy and earned back-to-back Central Division titles. We wish him and his family all the best moving forward in Los Angeles."

Always a fan favorite, Arvidsson was the epitome of the hard-working, never-say-die type of player that helps define the Predator Way.
The Swedish winger, who was passed up multiple times in the Draft, went to Nashville in the fourth-round of the 2014 NHL Draft, and now departs the organization as a two-time 30-goal scorer, including a franchise-record 34 goals in 2018-19.
However, injuries and inconsistency have plagued Arvidsson in recent seasons. Since ranking 19th in the NHL in goals over a three-season span from 2016-19 with 94 in 216 games, he's produced 25 in 107 games in 2019-21.
Despite the trade of a talented player, the Predators do not view this as the start of a rebuild. Rather, the organization remains confident in their ability to stay competitive and continue to make the playoffs year over year, while positioning to win the Stanley Cup without entering into a rebuilding mode. With a number of prospects and draft picks in the system - including eight selections in this year's Draft - the foundation will continue to solidify in the years to come.
Additionally, the trade was, in part, necessitated by the upcoming NHL Expansion Draft, which will be conducted on July 21 as the expansion club Seattle Kraken select their inaugural roster. Nashville's desire to continue to push to get younger remains as well, with rookies like Eeli Tolvanen taking a notable step forward over the past season. Plus, forwards such as Philip Tomasino and Rem Pitlick are on the verge of becoming NHL regulars.
The Predators will also continue to restock the prospect cupboard - which started again in recent seasons - and Thursday's trade now gives Nashville three picks in the Top 50 of this year's draft, including six picks in the top four rounds, as well as four picks in the top three rounds in 2022.
Ultimately, trades are made from time to time, but Arvidsson's contributions to the organization, especially during the club's best years, will never be forgotten.
Here's wishing all the best to "Arvi."