Nashville Predators: Sorting through Predators trade rumors

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 21: General manager David Poile of the Nashville Predators poses for a portrait with the NHL General Manager of the Year Award at the 2017 NHL Awards at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 21: General manager David Poile of the Nashville Predators poses for a portrait with the NHL General Manager of the Year Award at the 2017 NHL Awards at T-Mobile Arena on June 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
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(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
(Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)

Rick Nash

It is clear the New York Rangers intend to ship Rick Nash off this season. Sure, his massive salary will come off the books this offseason, but Rangers are rebuilding. Gaining a few young players in return is better than losing Nash and getting nothing in return.

Nash is the highest priced free agent coming off the Rangers’ ledger. They have five unrestricted free agent forwards alone. Not to mention three restricted free agents. Trading Nash is the team’s best way to receive talent in return due to his performance and contract.

Earlier this week, I wrote a post discussing the possibility of the Nashville Predators obtaining Nash. It appears the price for Nash would be steep. Do the Predators have what it takes to swing such a deal? Yes. Should they? Depends.

Now, Darren Dreger is saying the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators are the two top contenders for Nash’s services. If that is the case, I hope the Predators pursue him. Getting a top scoring option and keeping them from another team truly in contention is worthy of consideration. There may be 10 other teams on the list, but the depth of Dallas would be scary good with Nash.

My only hesitation is affording Nash long-term.