Josh Cooper

jcooper2@tennessean.com

If the Predators want to get more offensive via trade, there's one more player out there who could help them.

Evander Kane of the Winnipeg Jets is a young scorer who would complement first-line winger James Neal on the second line. If character wasn't an issue, Kane, a former 30-goal scorer who is just 22 years old, would be a great fit.

Sadly, character is an issue for Kane, which is exactly why the Predators shouldn't go after him.

The Predators took on reclamation projects in Neal, Mike Ribeiro and Derek Roy this summer. They don't have room for another.

Kane is somewhat of a PR threat on social media, tweeting out controversial photos of himself, and favoriting tweets that advocate trades out of WInnipeg.

Granted, the Predators have the pieces for a Kane trade. Forward Colin Wilson appears destined for wing -- away from his preferred position of center. He grew up in Winnipeg and has family there.

Defenseman Ryan Ellis remains unsigned, and it seems that he and the Predators are far apart. But, you don't want to take a player that would be addition by subtraction for another team, and that would be Kane.

The wise move for the Predators would be to not kick the tires on this deal and make a trade of need when one becomes apparent during the season.