Predators envision 'a twin-tower pairing' of Seth Jones and Jonathan Diaby

At the 2013 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators selected a pair of defensemsen with their first two picks: Seth Jones (fourth overall) and Jonathan Diaby (64th).

The combination of a smooth skating, puck-mover (Jones) and a more physical yet mobile player (Diaby) mirrored a pair of picks from ten years earlier - Ryan Suter (seventh) and Shea Weber (49th) - that formed a formidable tandem prior to the former's exit as a free agent.

While general manager David Poile is reluctant to look too far down the road, he sees similarities between the pairings, and is hopeful that Jones and Diaby can turn into a dominant force on the blue line.

"You're always looking for a twin-tower pairing," Fenton told The Tennessean. "They're both 6-foot-4, and it would be nice to have something like that, but I wouldn't pin it down to say they're going to be pairing in the future. But from a hockey planning standpoint, when you look down the road, you're hoping something like that develops."

Jones, of course, spent this past season in Nashville, posting six goals and 19 assists in 77 games as a rookie; Diaby returned to the QMJHL's Victoriaville Tigers, scoring nine goals and adding 19 assists in 38 games. 

The latter will likely get acclimated to the pro game in the AHL in 2014-15, but the thought of playing alongside Jones also crossed Diaby's mind: "Hopefully, one day I could get a spot on the team and play with [Jones]. Could be great."

Oh, and Weber remains under contract with the team until 2026, so Nashville's defense corps should have a good look for years to come.