The Nashville Predators might be pulling more U2 concert shenanigans. After Barry Trotz made comments on the team's performance and his "deadline" until he begins making trades. Since those words came out his mouth, his squad went on a heat, going 5-2 with a goal differential of +4 in that span.
In this stretch, a lot of players have seen a huge jump on the stats board. Multi-point games and unbelievable saves from some of the guys have made the league notice how valuable they would be on their respective organizations. For some however, they've seen little to no action. Whether that be because they're being overshadowed by bigger names or simply because they aren't producing. Here are the "trade-worthy" names that are growing their stocks and the ones who aren't.
Steven Stamkos: UP
The player's trade stock that's probably grown the most is none other than Steven Stamkos. In the past eight games, he's scored six goals and notched two assists. While he isn't playing as many minutes as he signed up for, he's still finding ways to produce. Three games with more than one point and five games with a positive +/-.
From a player who went on a nine-game pointless streak, Stamkos' value is definitely rising. Teams like the New Jersey Devils have the assets to make a trade happen. They're in dire need of another center after losing Jack Hughes to an injury so somebody like Stamkos would benefit them greatly. On the same note as New Jersey, here's another guy that they're scouting.
Ryan O'Reilly: UP
Ryan O'Reilly has been one of Nashville's most consistent players since he was acquired. He's on pace for his third consecutive season with 50+ points and 20+ goals. Additionally, his faceoff percentage is as high as it's ever been, holding a 57.5 FO%. Despite playing on arguably one of the weakest teams in the league, he's still considered among the best in the centerman category.
Like Stamkos, the Devils have been looking into O'Reilly as a center replacement. He doesn't have an expensive contract nor a trade clause so moving on from him is pretty easy. Once Hughes returns, that squad will be stacked top and bottom on the forward core. The Predators could easily get a first round plus a prospect out of a trade.
Brady Skjei: DOWN
It took Brady Skjei 29 games to score his first goal of the season. So far, he's only recorded eight points and is on pace to recording under 25. His 7x7 contract is aging terribly by the day and he's done nothing but play decent defense. With a -15 +/-, I'm not too sure that many teams (if any) will be interested in picking him up anytime soon.
He's being outcompeted by depth guys like Nick Perbix and Nick Blankenburg which is pretty rough. At 31 years old, he's running out of time to prove something. As much as I can name the negatives with his signing, I can't really think of too much to regard on positively. Other than occasionally defending the goal, there isn't much to write home about.
Juuse Saros: UP
Juuse Saros has been on fire as of late. When his defense isn't set up properly in front of him, Saros saves the day. In this stretch, he's found a way to save over 25+ shots per game. His best performance was in the game against Colorado where he faced 42 shots and saved three of them. If it weren't for Saros' excellence in the shootout, I'm not sure Nashville would've snagged the win.
Even though he has weird contract to work with in the trade department, his value is rising. For the past few years, he's fallen off many analysts top 10 goalies in the league charts. Recently, he's building his case on why he should be included again. If he were to waive his clause and get some money retained, the Predators could have a decent package set up.
Jonathan Marchessault: UP
Since returning from injury, Jonathan Marchessault has looked great. He only recorded two points in the entire month of November. Since turning the page in the calendar, Marchy's returned to normal. He has three points in his last five games, two of which were goals. He woke up on the powerplay for Nashville against the Avalanche. When he's active, there's no doubt he's one of the best on the ice.
Some teams might like that drive. Returning from injury can be tough but he managed to make it count. ESPN has him listed as a top trade target going into 2026. If any team needs an elite playmaker on the wing, Marchessault could very way be an option to explore.