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Nashville Predators: Five Mid-Level Trade Targets to Look At

By Max Greenberg

Matt Duchene #95 of the Nashville Predators is congratulated at the bench by teammates after scoring a goal during the third period of a gameagainst the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on March 21, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Matt Duchene #95 of the Nashville Predators is congratulated at the bench by teammates after scoring a goal during the third period of a gameagainst the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on March 21, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Kevin Fiala
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Kevin Fiala, Minnesota Wild

Oh the irony this would be if this actually materialized. It might seem absolutely crazy to think that Fiala and the Nashville Predators would reunite, but a deep dive into the situation tells you that it might be possible.

The Predators are looking to go big game hunting, we know this already, and it already seems that Fiala has one foot out of Minnesota.

The incredibly expensive buyout penalties for Ryan Suter and Zach Parise become especially significant in the upcoming season, and the Wild do not have a viable plan at goaltender right now.

With not even $8M of cap space to work with, they certainly will have to make some sacrifices, and it makes sense that Fiala is just not someone they can realistically afford with him needing a new contract. That being said, it is quite telling that the two sides seemed destined for a divorce right after his best year in the NHL.

Fiala’s offensive skill, mainly his shot and distributing ability, are what any team looks for in a top-six forward, but he is someone who has been known as lazy on the ice and is prone to taking plays and shifts off. His performances in the last two playoffs have also been abysmal, which does not exactly help his case as being someone the Wild should prioritize for their future.

You would think that Fiala is someone who the Wild would be going to the extremes to try and keep, but it does not seem that they are trying to do so, or even do it at the most basic level.

Being a 25-year-old talented winger, Fiala checks the boxes as far as someone who the Predators could use in their system, but the baggage he carries makes him a big risk and someone they should avoid in a perfect world.

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