Predators Listening, But Big Names Likely Staying Put-for Now
As the NHL trade deadline inches closer, the Nashville Predators find themselves in a familiar spot: hovering just outside the playoff picture and fielding calls from around the league. But if you're hoping to see names like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, or Ryan O'Reilly on the move, you might want to pump the brakes. According to league insiders, the Predators aren’t eager to part ways with their marquee names-at least not yet.
Nashville’s recent turnaround has shifted the tone around the team. After a rocky start that had everyone wondering if a fire sale was coming, the Preds have clawed their way back to just three points out of a playoff spot.
They’re sitting just above .500, with 23 wins and 22 losses, plus a handful of overtime results. It’s not dominant, but it’s enough to keep them in the mix-and enough to make GM Barry Trotz think twice about hitting the reset button.
Let’s talk about the big names. Stamkos and Marchessault both carry full no-movement clauses, giving them the final say on any potential deal.
Earlier in the season, there was reportedly more openness to exploring a move-especially if it meant joining a top-tier contender. But there’s been a consistent sticking point: salary retention.
Trotz has made it clear from the outset that he has no interest in eating money to make a deal work. Stamkos is still owed $8 million annually for two more seasons, while Marchessault’s $5.5 million cap hit over the next three years is more manageable, but still not easy for cap-tight contenders to absorb without help.
Then there’s Ryan O’Reilly. While he doesn’t have a formal no-trade clause, the Predators are expected to treat him with the respect of a player who’s earned the right to have a say in his future. Translation: if he gets moved, it’ll be to a destination he’s on board with.
So where does that leave Nashville? In the exploratory phase. Trotz and his front office are still taking calls and weighing their options, but the focus seems to be shifting toward smaller, more strategic moves-ones that could benefit the team next season and beyond.
That means players like Erik Haula, Michael Bunting, and Michael McCarron could be in play. These are the kinds of depth pieces playoff teams love to add-guys who bring grit, experience, and versatility without the price tag or long-term commitment of a top-line star. McCarron, in particular, could appeal to teams looking for a physical presence, someone in the mold of Calgary’s Ryan Lomberg.
The Predators aren’t waving the white flag on the season, but they’re not going all-in either. They’re walking the tightrope that many bubble teams face this time of year-trying to stay competitive without compromising the future.
If the right offer comes along for one of the big names, they’ll listen. But for now, the smart money is on Nashville making moves around the edges, not blowing things up.
In short: don’t expect a blockbuster out of Music City just yet-but don’t rule anything out either.