The Nashville Predators have done it again. They've initiated a season turnaround that has taken them from basement dweller to swashbuckling wildcard contender in less than two months.
With the team winning on a far more consistent basis, and a Western Conference race that refuses to have separation, the Predators are looking like a team capable of making the playoffs, and maybe even competing. They did run out of gas in a lopsided loss on a back end of a back-to-back against the Golden Knights on Saturday.
We've talked a lot about who could be moved, when, and how to blow up the team, but maybe it's time we changed our tune. Perhaps it is time to explore who the Nashville Predators could be targeting in the trade market to improve the team for a playoff run.
Draft Picks ownded by Nashville Predators Could Be On Their Way Out
One thing GM Barry Trotz has been able to do is stockpile draft picks. He's got 11 picks to play with in the 2026 draft, and 11 more coming up in the 2027 draft. It is probably safe to anticipate that some of those are going to go towards a trade so that the Predators can have some on ice help.
Obviously, first-round picks have the most buying power, but look especially at the two second-round picks coming up in this year's draft, and the four third-round picks in 2027 that could be some that are potentially moved and probably should get dealt to help give the Predators a leg up over the competion.
Should Nashville Predators consider eating salary?
With recent hot streaks, it seems like Steven Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly might be safe, and worth keeping for the time being. The same isn't be said for Jonathan Marchessault.
Marchessault has just 10 points in 29 games, and is coming off the IR after missing a long stretch. That happened to coincide with the team's best run of hockey. If that's a coincidence remains to be seen, but he's a player who might be looking at other options.
If Marchessault decides to waive his No Movement Clause, then with an open spot for salary retention, the Predators could open themselves up by volunteering to eat some of his contract.
Who Might Be A Target for the Nashville Predators to Buy?
Well, a forward and a defenseman. Adding someone who can fit somewhere in the middle 6 forwards-wise, and really any NHL defenseman, makes the Predators' depth feel a lot safer come crunch time.
On defense, you'd probably think of a player like Nick Leddy. He's got tons of playoff experience, is on a cheap contract, and could slot in almost anywhere, and could be used on special teams. You could also see a player like Brett Kulak fitting in, adding a defensive defenseman to a set heavy with players who excel on the offensive end.
Among forwards, Boone Jenner has been a favorite name tossed out recently, and he makes a lot of sense. He's got some positional fluidity, can score, and plays a tough game. If the Blue Jackets decide to blow it up, he might be out.
Another team fighting for the bottom is the Calgary Flames. The Predators have enough money to swing a deal for Nazem Kadri, exactly the type of player who becomes available when a team needs to rebuild. He's a Stanley Cup winner, a proven scorer, and always infuriates his opponents. Barry Trotz would swoon.