Nashville Predators Top-5 Trade Block Board as team plummets into abyss

I think the fantasies of the Nashville Predators making a miraculous run and saving their season are finally dead. This team is cooked.

Feb 3, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA;  Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) clears the puck against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Feb 3, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) clears the puck against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Tommy Novak, Nashville Predators
Jan 29, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators center Tommy Novak (82) skates behind the net against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

4. Tommy Novak, Forward, 2 Years Left at $3.5M AAV

Proposed trade return: High end prospect and mid-round draft pick

I can totally see Novak being the next example of a player thriving once they get away from the dysfunctional plague the Nashville Predators find themselves in.

Novak has offensive skills good enough to be at worst at middle six forward in the NHL. It's still up for debate on if he'll ever elevate his game to a full-time top-six player, and he hasn't lived up to the expectations of second line center before the season started.

I don't want the Predators messing with their young core too much, but Novak is one I'm willing to part ways with if a team shows high interest. I'm not willing to just take the first offer that comes along. I'm not that desperate to move Novak, and it's not horrible if Novak remains as part of the long-term rebuild that I believe the Predators are about to enter.

However, if my proposed trade return for Novak is an upper-tier prospect and a mid-round draft pick then I'll be all for it. I'm just very unsure if Novak will be able to offer much to a team that's about to go through some dark times, so trade him now while his ceiling might still have some optimism for another interested team.

Benchrates has Novak as one of their most valuable trade candidates for the Predators, along with the next player on my trade block list.

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