As far as logistics are concerned, it may be the easiest transaction in quite some time.
The Nashville Predators acquired forward Cody McLeod from the Colorado Avalanche on Friday in exchange for forward Felix Girard, looking to add toughness and leadership to the lineup. Conveniently, McLeod won't have to worry about packing his bags quite yet, as the Preds are coming to him, set to face his former team in Denver on Saturday afternoon.
A veteran presence, who has racked up 1,359 penalty minutes in 659 career games, McLeod is the classic example of a player a club would much rather have on their side than the other.
"You never like going into Colorado and getting matched up with his line," defenseman Ryan Ellis said of McLeod. "He's a big guy, physical, plays the game the right way and plays hard. He gets in your face, it can get intimidating, so it's nice to have a guy like that on our side."
Preds Practice Ponderings: January 13
Preds Trade for Veteran McLeod; Nashville Sees Subban, Neal Take the Ice
© Brooks Bratten: Nashville Predators
© Brooks Bratten: Nashville Predators
© Brooks Bratten: Nashville Predators