We are almost through the month of May and the Nashville Predators have yet to name a new GM, as some of their preferred candidates might not be available to interview yet. No matter who gets hired, it is likely that the new GM will want to focus on more of a youth movement for the future.
Such an approach would only make sense, as the Predators have been largely stuck in mediocrity over the past few years. Additionally, they saw very promising things from youngsters such as Luke Evangelista, Matthew Wood, and Ryan Ufko, and have a top five prospect pool according to analyst Scott Wheeler.
Even if the Predators to really unleash the youth, it does not mean they are going to prioritize all of them. Nashville will have to make decisions on who and who not to keep from previous regimes. Adam Wilsby is one of those guys about whom serious questions will have to be asked.
Wilsby's outlook with Nashville Predators might not have much to offer
First of all, it must be noted that there really have not been many actual rumors regarding a potential trade of Wilsby out of Nashville. Secondly, the speculation is not due as much to his play on the ice, but has lots to do with circumstantial factors that, unfortunately, are not all within his control.
The Predators have a total logjam on the left side of their defense, only beginning with three established veterans -- Roman Josi, Brady Skjei, and Nic Hague. Tanner Molendyk and Cameron Reid, two of the prospects listed in Tier one of Wheeler's rankings, also have yet to play a game at the NHL level.
Wilsby would have to do a considerable amount to stand out among his competition and lock down a roster spot. While his play so far has been decent, it has been nothing incredible, tallying 21 points with a +5 rating in 81 career games. He also served as a healthy scratch occasionally during 2025-26, indicating that he still has lots to earn moving forward.
Even more concerning is his injury history -- something that will absolutely hold him back from making an impact as a player if it does not improve. It is not the fairest thing in the world to knock someone due to his injuries, since they are part of the game and really cannot be controlled, but Wilsby's track record does not paint a pretty picture.
He was placed on IR twice in 2024-25, one of which cost him the final two months of the season, and between both stints, over 30 games. He avoided IR in 2025-26, but missed 20 total games due to lower body injuries, one of which was a full-blown week-to-week stint that cost him 10 games.
You do not have to be a doctor in order to be valid in having concern over such an injury history, since injury proneness is a legitimate thing for some pro athletes. You also could not blame the Predators if they did not want such a player on their roster, especially given how tough the hill would be to climb for Wilsby to begin with.
They certainly would not garner a major return by trading him, but he is still regarded as a young defenseman who has some upside, which could interest some other teams. A pick in the first four rounds seems like fair value at this point in time, which might be worth it for the Predators, since further injuries could derail Wilsby's trade value.
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