Jeremy Lauzon
The former seasonal hits record holder is looking like a good trade option for the Preds. With scoring ramping up in the league, true bottom-pairing defensive defenseman is a must. In addition, his $2 million AAV contract is very attractive to cap-restricted markets. He has an additional year to himself until he is a UFA. If the Predators can get something for him before it's too late, that'll be ideal.
We acquired Lauzon for a second-round pick in 2022. Given how he has turned out, we could get something around a mid to high second rounder at the draft. He is extremely reliable on the back end and his stats really demonstrate this. Despite only playing 28 games, this season due to injury, he only had a -4 +/- while playing on the 24-25 Nashville Predators—a poor defensive team.
Trotz should consider putting Lauzon on the trading block for this year's draft. Acquiring a DD in free agency is going to be expensive next year. It'll be better for teams to look for someone like Lauzon who still has a year of clearance under his name. Making him available brings a lot to the table for Nashville.