Nashville Predators General Manager Chris MacFarland acquired the keys, and now he's ready to begin unlocking some doors.
With the offseason approaching, MacFarland and the Predators look to make some big changes, whether that's through the draft, a trade, or a player signing. Among them, there is one that makes the most sense: a trade. The current state of the roster is a loaded mess, holding back the team's best prospects from ever getting a real shot at the NHL full time.
We previously explored the possibility of reviving the Jonathan Marchessault trade discussions as a means to clear up space for the forward prospects; this time around we'll be checking out the defense. Out of the returning players, there is one that sticks out like a sore thumb, that being Nick Perbix.
Perbix, 27, signed for two years with the Predators in 2025 and has since struggled to live up to his Tampa Bay Lightning days. The rise of Ryan Ufko and eventual arrival of Tanner Molendyk is putting pressure on the right defenseman. Given the circumstances, Perbix is emerging as a prime trade candidate entering the offseason.
Defense to become most competitive position for Predators
Nashville has a promising blueline in the making. For Perbix, this isn't a good thing, as his minutes would gradually decrease to allow for more rookies. Limited playing time was a story known all too well for him, as he rarely got more than averaged more than 16 minutes of ice time in his time with the Lightning. The 19 minutes of ice time he got this season with the Predators isn't a guarantee anymore.
Fellow righty Ufko surprised many in his 18-game stint with the Predators at the season's end, scoring two goals and 11 points with a +0 rating. Comparing that to Perbix's stats in 61 more games, three goals and 13 points with a -14 rating, it's wise to assume that Ufko is their go-to right defenseman, not Perbix.
Assuming that Justin Barron does not re-sign with Nashville this offseason, that would place Perbix on the second defensive pair. This spot is not guaranteed, however, as head coach Andrew Brunette opted to pair Brady Skjei and Nicolas Hague, two lefties, on the second unit. With Ufko at first, and those two together, Perbix is left with the third pair, less than ideal.
That's not to say that Perbix isn't a solid third liner. He blocked 95 shots and landed 35 hits this season with Nashville. For a team that relies heavily on physicality, his presence is greatly appreciated.
His talent, along with his right-handedness, make him a valuable trade asset as there is a constant league-wide demand for reliable right defensemen. His contract is feasible, sitting at $2.27 million AAV, and can easily make him a viable rental piece for a cup contending team. MacFarland could find a way to snag a third or fourth rounder for him, maybe a second if they run into a desperate trade partner.
Among the Predators' players with immediate trade value, Perbix is one of the easiest to deal. Nashville would benefit in the long run as it allows one more prospect to join the ranks while also adding onto the team's draft capital.
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