The 2026 Trade Deadline is this Friday and Nashville Predators fans are feeling mixed emotions about it.
The future is unknown for the Predators. Nashville is floating around the outside of a wildcard spot, winning just enough to be within a point but then losing right after to fall back down. This series of back-and-forth gameplay has split fan views with some seeing the team as enough while some others hoping they sell.
Whether you like it or not, the Preds will lose some pieces at this deadline. While there have been some rumors shut down in recent days, there is still a handful of news out there ready to be told. No more stalling, here's what's out there at the moment.
O'Reilly has tons of trade value, but loyalty shuts deals down
Ryan O'Reilly is arguably the most valuable piece for Nashville trade-value-wise. He has two years left at $4.5M AAV with no trade clause. O'Reilly has 21 goals and 58 points in 60 games with the Predators. He tied Luke Evangelista for team-leading assists with 37 in today's loss against the Detroit Red Wings. The center leads his team in faceoff win percentage with 55.4%, solidifying him as one of the league's top faceoff takers.
O'Reilly's made it clear, however, that he isn't interested in parting ways with Nashville. Preds GM Barry Trotz made it clear in the past that while he doesn't have a clause, the organization treats his contract like it does.
Despite this, teams are reportedly still calling in to get an asking price and to set their offers. The Carolina Hurricanes look like the perfect fit for O'Reilly as they desperately try to look for second-line centerman. With a contending roster, we can assume that a trade might contain a first-round pick and a talented prospect.
In terms of how likely a trade will be, I can only assume that it's pretty unlikely.
League-need for right-handed defenseman poses Perbix as top trade target
Anthony Di Marco from the Daily Faceoff wrote that the league-need for a reliable right-handed defenseman is rising and Nick Perbix might be a top target for many teams.
As RHD seem to be the hottest topic in trade discussion, will be interesting to see what happens with #Smashville D Nick Perbix.
— Anthony Di Marco (@ADiMarco25) February 27, 2026
Teams are kicking tires and it is no secret that the Preds are open to just about anything. He is signed until '27 at a $2.75M AAV.@DailyFaceoff
Unfortunately for Nashville, they will have to work with a lower trade value. The 27-year-old defender has dropped off in point production drastically since last season. He has three goals and nine points with a -14-point differential, setting him below pace to past last year's point total of 19.
His contract, a two-year deal carrying a $2.75M AAV, might help raise the value but even then, Nashville might just have to deal with getting a third in return. Not much else has been said outside of Di Marco's note so for the time being, a Perbix trade is in the air.
Marchessault opened his clause and Nashville needs to capitalize on it
Jonathan Marchessault opened his trade clause not too long ago and so far, Nashville has done nothing with it. As the deadline nears, it provides a prime opportunity to score on a trade involving the veteran. If the Predators can use their last retention spot this deadline to trade Marchessault, that'll be ideal.
The former Conn Smythe winner has 11 goals and 18 points this season. He scored against Detroit this afternoon in a game tying fashion. He's proven to be crucial in dire moments, and teams look for guys like that.
If I were an NHL GM, I'd send a first rounder in my offer for Marchessault. I'd especially be very offensive if I managed the Montreal Canadiens. So far, they're the only team he'd be willing to get dealt to. If Montreal looks to return to the postseason and go even further, having Marchessault in the lineup wouldn't hurt. He has that offensive mindset HC Martin St. Louis loves so he'd fit in quite well.
Haula and Bunting still sit as Nashville's biggest trade candidates
Erik Haula and Michael Bunting both have expiring deals, so it makes the most sense why they're the biggest candidates on paper. Haula has nine goals and 30 points and Bunting has 13 goals and 31 points. They both carry important roles on the Preds squad with Haula serving as their second line center and Bunting as a get-in-your-face winger.
Haula took home the bronze medal with Team Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He has winning experience and that's got a lot to play when it comes to his trade value. Haula is also a good faceoff taker, winning 50.6% of them.
Bunting draws a ton of penalties for Nashville. Per Moneypuck, he's drawn 42 PIM while only serving 14. For teams like the Colorado Avalanche, who are solid offensively but can't seem to get it done on the power play, having a guy like Bunting who'd put the other team in the box more would provide the squad with more scoring opportunities.
That's not everyone but those are the big names to look out for
Other pieces like Mike McCarron and Justin Barron are still good pieces but sit below some of the bigger names. Among the main two listed above however, there's a good chance Bunting is traded sooner rather than later and for Haula, an extension is possible, but a trade is far more likely personally.
Time is ticking for Nashville. The Trade Deadline is Friday at 3 p.m. EST so teams will begin kicking tires as the days pass leading into the big day. More phone calls mean more opportunities for Nashville to kickstart a much-needed fire sale.