"You have to get your arms around what you're willing to pay," Poile said. "You have to be as organized as you possibly can… [You have to consider] would you be willing to give up this player and that player and all those scenarios before you jump into it."
The conversations Poile has over the coming days, according to him, are more likely to revolve around acquiring a player at the forward position rather than on the blue line, a position of considerable strength for the Predators.
But no matter what he does at the deadline, Poile already knows he's got a centerman on the way.
Former Preds captain Mike Fisher, who participated in his first practice with the team on Monday, after previously announcing his intention to come out of retirement and play for the team once more, intends to sign a contract by or on Feb. 26, the day NHL rosters expand to allow more than 23 players.
Poile says he expects Fisher to make his debut "closer to March 1," and feels no need to rush Fisher back, considering the current standing and depth of the team.
Top prospect Eeli Tolvanen, who is currently competing for Finland at the 2018 Winter Olympics - and has been setting numerous rookie records with Jokerit in the KHL this season - was also discussed, with Poile confirming conversations have been had with Tolvanen's agent, but nothing is set in stone as far as the 19-year-old potentially joining the Predators this season.
"We've talked to his agent and he's going to have a long year… Olympics and more regular-season games and playoffs with Jokerit, so we can't get ahead of ourselves," Poile said. "We have to see what happens with all the hockey he has left to play."