Trade Deadline
Gustav Nyquist in Exchange for 2026 2nd
Once it was clear that Nashville wasn't competitive, they began serious of trades that saw many core pieces leave. One of these core pieces was Gustav Nyquist who was coming off of a 75-point season. The 35-year-old was on an expiring deal worth $3.185 million AAV—salary was retained $1.56 million in trade with the Wild. In Minnesota, Nyquist's point production fell off as he only recorded 7 points in 22 games.
For the Predators they received a 2026 second round pick. With Minnesota fighting to remain competitive, that pick has a good chance to be within the 40-55 range. If Nashville traded Nyquist just a few months earlier, they could've a few more assets—potentially another 1st rounder. However, for its time this trade is pretty solid, especially since Nyquist is 35 years old.
Tommy Novak & Luke Schenn in Exchange for Michael Bunting & 2026 4th
I might be a bit biased because Tommy Novak was my favorite player on Nashville, but I believe that this is one of the worst trades Trotz has committed to since he became GM. Novak had signed a very cheap three-year extension in March of last year and was looking to shine brighter this year. His 22-point performance was not bad given the team's circumstances but giving up on him was the wrong move. This trade wasn't ideal since Luke Schenn was later traded to Winnipeg for a 2nd round pick.
For Nashville's return, they got Michael Bunting who's been a solid middle-six winger for the team. He recorded 9 points in 18 games which is pretty solid. If he remains the same going into next season, he can be a 20g, 20a guy who will help maintain reliable scoring on the wing. When combining the skill of the players lost however, the trade isn't that benefiting for Smashville. For this sole reason, the trade can't get anything over a B grade.
Mark Jankowski in Exchange for 2026 5th
Trading away Mark Jankowski was the last move Trotz did for Nashville. Jankowski played bottom-six minutes and put up 36 points in 123 games with the Preds. When the Predators traded him to the Hurricanes for a 5th, it was looked at as a steal—that was so wrong. He scored 8 goals in 19 games with the Canes, 7 of which were in his first 10 games. Nobody could've expected such output by Jankowski which is why a trade like this is pure bad luck.
With the draft in just over a week, we should expect that trade number to keep on going up. Let's hope Trotz learned his lesson and takes player roles and stock into account when making trades.