The clock is ticking down as the trade deadline approaches. Rumors swirl about who the Nashville Predators may add. Who they send away is just as important.
Let the trade games begin! As the NHL trade deadline approaches, teams are jockeying for position to acquire a player they believe will push them over the top. A few teams already landed key pieces, while rumors of talks surround others. The Nashville Predators are right in the middle of it all; however, there is nothing to report. At least, not yet.
There has been action. The New Jersey Devils added Michael Grabner from the New York Rangers. It is the first time the two teams have worked together. The Rangers also shipped Holden on up to Boston. And, the Philadelphia Flyers added Predators’ nemesis Petr Mrazek from the Detroit Red Wings.
As for the Predators, rumors swirl about possible targets. Many people want to see defensemen Erik Karlsson come over from the Senators. The asking price for the arguably the league’s best defenseman would be astronomical. And, with the team’s defense already established, Karlsson will not likely play on the third pairing. After missing the first half of the season, Ryan Ellis’s return changed the team’s line-up. I don’t believe this trade will happen.
Other possibilities suggested include rentals Rick Nash and Evander Kane. Still, the price could be high for either player. Mike Hoffman has been mentioned and would provide the team with a longer-term solution to their roster needs.
With any trade, players and draft picks will be packaged. The question is what players could be traded.