Predators Eye Strategic Moves Ahead of Trade Deadline-But Don’t Expect a Fire Sale
The Nashville Predators have made things interesting. A recent surge in the standings has kept them in the thick of the Wild Card race, which has cooled talk of a full-blown sell-off.
But make no mistake-GM Barry Trotz is still listening, and the Predators are very much open for business. Just don’t expect everything to go out the door in one big rush.
At the heart of the conversation are two big names: Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. Both are high-profile, high-dollar players who’ve drawn attention around the league. But moving either won’t be easy-and it might not happen at all.
Stamkos, Marchessault on the Radar-but Complications Loom
Let’s start with Stamkos. He’s got term left on his deal-$8 million AAV for two more seasons after this one-and a No Movement Clause.
That means Trotz can’t just ship him off anywhere. Stamkos has to sign off, and by all accounts, he’s happy in Nashville.
Unless a team comes in with a blockbuster offer and agrees to take on the full contract and Stamkos gives the green light, this one feels like a long shot.
Marchessault might be a bit more movable. He’s on the books for $5.5 million AAV through 2028, and while he also holds a No Movement Clause, there’s a sense he could be open to the right situation.
Still, any deal would likely require Nashville to retain salary, and that’s where things could hit a snag. Trotz isn’t going to give away talent for pennies, especially when there’s no urgency to move these players before free agency.
Multiple Predators Make the Trade Watch List
The Fourth Period recently released its 2026 Trade Watch List, and the Predators are well-represented. Stamkos checks in at No.
10, Ryan O’Reilly at No. 11, Marchessault at No. 16, and Michael Bunting at No.
- That’s four top-30 names from one team-clear evidence that Trotz has options if he wants to shake things up.
Beyond that group, there’s a second tier of players who could be on the move. Erik Haula, Nick Blankenburg, Michael McCarron, and Cole Smith are all on expiring deals and could draw interest from teams looking to add depth for a playoff run. These aren’t blockbuster names, but they’re movable pieces-especially Haula, who has shown he can contribute in a variety of roles.
The return on these types of deals won’t be huge-think mid-round picks or fringe prospects-but if Trotz can land a young player with upside, that’s a win. These are the kinds of moves that build long-term depth without sacrificing the present.
Depth Players Worth Keeping?
There’s also a case to be made for holding onto guys like Blankenburg and Smith. They’ve earned modest raises and have proven to be reliable depth options.
If their contract demands stay reasonable, re-signing them could be a smart play. Every team needs glue guys, and these two have shown they can fill those roles without breaking the bank.
Making Room for the Next Wave
If Trotz does move on from players like Marchessault, Haula, Bunting, and McCarron, it opens the door for the next generation of Predators to step in.
Zachary L’Heureux is one name to watch. He’s been producing at a strong clip with the Milwaukee Admirals-18 points in 15 games-and looks ready for another NHL shot.
Joakim Kemell is another top prospect who could benefit from a roster shake-up. The Predators are clearly eyeing a youth movement, and giving these players NHL minutes down the stretch could be invaluable for their development.
Ozzy Wiesblatt is also nearing a return from injury and is expected to be a regular in the lineup post-deadline. That kind of internal reinforcement makes it easier for Trotz to part with veterans and give the kids a shot.
O’Reilly Likely Staying Put-Unless the Offer’s Too Good
Then there’s Ryan O’Reilly. Like Stamkos, he’s a respected veteran with leadership value that goes beyond the stat sheet.
He’s embraced his role in Nashville, serving as a key voice in the room alongside captain Roman Josi. He’s entering the final year of his deal next season, and unless a team comes in with a strong offer and the willingness to take on the full contract, it’s hard to see Trotz pulling the trigger here.
A Measured Approach, Not a Firesale
So what does all this mean? The Predators are sellers-but with a strategy.
This isn’t a panic-driven teardown. Trotz is working with leverage, and he’s not about to give away assets just to make headlines.
There are 11 games left before the Olympic break, and five more after that before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. That’s 16 games to either solidify a playoff push or make the case for a more aggressive sell-off. In a Wild Card race that’s anything but settled, a lot can still happen.
But one thing’s clear: the Predators are keeping one eye on the future, and Trotz is playing the long game. Whether that means moving a big name or just clearing space for the next wave, Nashville’s approach is calculated-and worth watching.