6 Nashville Predators Poised to Start NHL’s First Trade Domino

With the standings getting close and a lot of teams looking at trades, the Nashville Predators might be the first big seller to shake things up in the NHL this season. They haven’t been playing great, their core players are getting older, and they’re clearly trying to become more flexible as a team. Because of all this, it makes more sense for them to make a trade sooner rather than wait until the trade deadline.

The Predators’ management has always been quick to act when they think their chance to win is slipping away. They have a bunch of experienced players with contracts that are about to expire or that they can move, and some younger players that other teams want. This puts the Predators in a good spot to be the first team to really start the trade market.

Here are the players most likely to be traded and how each one could change things early on.

Ryan O’Reilly: Sets the Tone for Early Trades

Ryan O’Reilly is probably the most valuable player the Predators could trade mid-season. He’s known for playing well in the playoffs, on both sides of the ice, and at faceoffs. This makes him attractive to almost every team that wants to win a championship.

Even if the Predators don’t retain any portion of O’Reilly’s salary, he will be a popular commodity among cup-contending teams that are looking for help down the middle. Teams that want to strengthen their second-tier players or improve their matchups in the playoffs would jump at the chance to get him.

The Predators don’t gain anything in the long run by keeping O’Reilly while they’re rebuilding. Trading him early could get them some good future assets before the trade deadline, when everyone is trying to make deals, and his value goes down.

Steven Stamkos & Jonathan Marchessault: Retained Salary, Immediate Playoff Impact

If Nashville retains salary, Stamkos and Marchessault instantly become two of the most dangerous options on the market. Stamkos brings elite power-play scoring, leadership, and clutch playoff production, while Marchessault offers speed, physical edge, and proven top-six finishing.

Either could immediately elevate a contender’s forward group. Moving one — or both — would signal Nashville’s full commitment to selling early and could set the trade market’s tone before the deadline even heats up.

Juuse Saros & Filip Forsberg: Franchise-Altering Offseason Pieces

Juuse Saros and Filip Forsberg are Nashville’s real long-term assets, so they’re much more likely to be traded in the offseason instead of at the deadline.

Saros is a legit No. 1 goalie and could bring in a 1st round pick and an A-level prospect. Forsberg’s a top scorer, so contenders would probably fight over him. Trading either of them would mean the team’s going for a total reset instead of just a quick fix.

Michael Bunting: The Depth Forward Everyone Wants

Michael Bunting isn’t a star player, but he’s exactly the kind of player teams look for every March – he has energy, is a pest, and can score a little.

For teams that want to strengthen their bottom lines without spending too much money, Bunting is a good option. Nashville could easily trade him for a mid-round draft pick or a young player who’s ready to play in the NHL.

He’s the kind of smaller trade that often happens after a big trade is announced.

Final Thoughts

With a lot of tradable veterans, the ability to pay part of players’ salaries, and a lot of teams interested, Nashville is in a position to be the first team to really get the NHL trade market going.

Whether it’s a small trade to improve their depth or a big trade that changes the franchise, don’t be surprised if the first big trade of the season happens in Nashville.

Next: NHL Weekend Rumors: Oilers, Canucks, Blues, Predators, Goalie Moves & Sellers