As the NHL season barrels toward its midseason grind, the Nashville Predators are emerging as a team to watch-not because they’re surging up the standings, but because they’re perfectly positioned to light the fuse on this year’s trade market. With a mix of aging veterans, movable contracts, and a front office that’s never been shy about pulling the trigger, the Preds might be the first team to make a meaningful move before the trade deadline chaos kicks in.
Let’s break down why Nashville could be the team that gets the NHL’s trade engine humming-and which players could be on the move.
Ryan O’Reilly: The Centerpiece That Could Kick Things Off
If there’s one name that could set the tone for the NHL trade season, it’s Ryan O’Reilly. He’s the kind of player contenders drool over come spring-strong at the dot, responsible in all three zones, and battle-tested in the postseason. He’s not just a rental center; he’s a culture-changer.
Even without Nashville retaining salary, O’Reilly’s value is high. Teams looking to solidify their second line or add playoff grit down the middle would jump at the chance to bring him in. He’s the type of player who doesn’t just blend in-he elevates a roster.
For the Predators, holding on to O’Reilly during a retool doesn’t do much long-term. Moving him early-before the market gets crowded-could net them a better return than waiting until the deadline frenzy.
Steven Stamkos & Jonathan Marchessault: Big Names, Big Impact
Now, if Nashville decides to go all-in on being sellers and is willing to retain some salary, things get really interesting. Enter Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault-two proven playoff performers who could instantly swing the balance for a contender.
Stamkos brings elite power-play touch, leadership, and a history of delivering when it matters most. Marchessault?
He’s got speed, bite, and a knack for scoring in big moments. Both are top-six forwards who could walk into a contender’s locker room and make an immediate impact.
If either is dealt-and especially if both are-Nashville wouldn’t just be dipping its toe in the trade waters. They’d be cannonballing in, making it clear they’re not waiting around for the deadline to do business.
Juuse Saros & Filip Forsberg: Not Likely Now, But Watch the Offseason
Let’s be clear-Juuse Saros and Filip Forsberg aren’t likely to move midseason. These are cornerstone pieces, and if they’re dealt, it signals something far bigger than a retool. That’s franchise reset territory.
Saros is one of the league’s top goaltenders and would command a massive return-think first-round pick plus a blue-chip prospect. Forsberg is a dynamic scorer with a skill set that contenders would line up for.
If Nashville decides to go that route, it’s more of an offseason blockbuster than a deadline deal. But their names will be in the conversation if the Predators go full rebuild.
Michael Bunting: The Kind of Depth Move That Always Happens
Michael Bunting isn’t going to headline SportsCenter, but he’s exactly the kind of player who moves in March. He’s a pest, he plays with energy, and he can chip in offensively. That’s catnip for playoff teams looking to round out their bottom six.
He’s also affordable, which makes him even more attractive. Nashville could likely flip him for a mid-round pick or a young player on the verge of cracking the NHL. It’s the kind of deal that often follows a bigger trade-small on the surface, but meaningful in the margins.
The Bottom Line: Nashville Could Set the Market
With a roster full of movable veterans, the flexibility to retain salary, and a front office that doesn’t wait for the perfect storm, Nashville is in a prime position to be the first domino to fall in this year’s trade market.
Whether it’s a headline-grabbing move like O’Reilly or Stamkos, or a depth tweak involving someone like Bunting, don’t be surprised if the first big trade of the season comes out of Music City. The Predators may not be chasing the Cup this year-but they could shape who does.