The most valuable member of the Nashville Predators might be a man who hasn't taken to the ice this season - or any season, for that matter.

General manager David Poile has been at the Predators' helm since the team's inception in 1998, and while the team has enjoyed marginal success in the past, it's certainly been no slouch either, with nine previous playoff appearances since the 2003-04 campaign.

With Sunday's Game 6 win over the St. Louis Blues, the Predators punched their ticket to the Western Conference Final for the first time in their history. Below are the biggest moves Poile made to turn his team into the juggernaut it appears to be:

Subban trade

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Some Montreal Canadiens fans vowed to never cheer for the team again after P.K. Subban was dealt. Whether they meant it or not, it's a pretty good indication that the Predators won that trade.

Subban has come exactly as advertised - not by Michel Therrien, though. He's been a competitor who gives his all on both ends, and a lively personality, too. Despite what some on-air personalities might think, though, he's also been all business for the Predators.

He posted 10 goals and 40 points during the regular season despite missing 16 games, and has added another seven points during the playoffs. He also helped limit Vladimir Tarasenko to just two goals and an assist in six games, which was certainly a big reason for the club's second-round victory.

The deal the Capitals will always regret

Filip Forsberg for Martin Erat and Michael Latta ... yeah.

Poile gouged his former team back in 2013, acquiring the young Swedish prospect for an aging Erat and Latta.

It took a couple seasons for Forsberg to become a full-time NHLer, but the 22-year-old, now in his third full season with the team, looks to be on his way to becoming a career Predator. He's also been a vital cog in the playoffs, with eight points in 10 games.

Meanwhile, Erat is coming off his first season in the Czech Extraliga, and Latta spent the 2016-17 season in the American Hockey League.

Impeccable draft record

While Poile has struck gold on a lot of his trades, what might be even more impressive is his knack for making the most of his draft selections. The Predators' current roster is proof of that:

That's 11 players on the team's current roster. Not a bad haul.

Johansen for Jones

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Before Poile made one of the biggest one-for-one deals - sending Shea Weber to the Canadiens for Subban - he shocked the hockey world by dealing towering defenseman Seth Jones to the Columbus Blue Jackets for center Ryan Johansen last season.

It was a deal that seemingly helped both clubs, and was a great example of asset management, as the Predators were already stocked with defensemen.

The Predators, in turn, got the high-caliber center they had coveted, and they're grateful for that. Johansen's 95 points since joining the team last year are just one shy of Forsberg for the team lead over that time, while his nine points in 10 playoff games this year tie him with Ryan Ellis for the most among all Predators.

The other clutch deals

Besides the blockbusters mentioned above, Poile has also used some smaller deals to help fill out his roster:

• He acquired James Neal from the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2014 for Patric Hornqvist and Nick Spaling.
• He nabbed Calle Jarnkrok as a piece in the deal that saw David Legwand shipped to the Detroit Red Wings in 2014.
• There was also the trade for Mike Fisher back in 2011, which - now that he's captain of the team - looks pretty good.

The Predators will now await the winner of Game 7 between the Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers, but should like their chances either way. The team has a playoff-best 8-2 record, and has made quick work of their two early opponents.

The players are doing their jobs, and that's because the GM has done his.

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