Over $77M Worth Of Predators Forwards Land in Top 10 of Trade Board

The Nashville Predators suddenly find themselves at the center of the NHL trade rumor mill, with a staggering $77.5 million worth of forwards landing inside The Athletic’s latest top 10 trade bait board. That the Predators are willing to listen to trades isn’t terribly surprising. That they’re more than willing to deplete a good chunk of their forward group, potentially might be.

Chris Johnston put the list together, and the rankings are intriguing.

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Headlining the list is Steven Stamkos ($8 million per season), who comes in at No. 2. Just 18 months removed from signing in Nashville, Stamkos is now a prime trade candidate thanks to what Johnston labeled as an imperfect marriage between player and team. The Predators don’t have the playmaking center needed to unlock his still dangerous shot, and the club is sliding toward another bottom-tier finish.

The issue for the Predators is Stamkos’ no-movement clause. There is a higher salary attached to his deal, but there are likely teams that believe he’ll find another gear on a different stage. The Predators might also be open to salary retention, but it’s unclear how much they’d be willing to take on and what the ask would be to do so. The upside is real.

Stamkos is locked in until 2028.

Two Other Predators Forwards Also In The Top 10

At No. 7 sits Ryan O’Reilly ($4.5 million per season), the Predators’ respected locker-room leader. He lacks trade protection, but Nashville intends to treat him as if it were implied. He’s been hard on himself, and if he’s looking to change things up and find a better fit on a more competitive team, it is likely he will get moved. He has this season and next remaining on his contract.

Also on the list, Jonathan Marchessault lands at No. 10. Like Stamkos, his fit in Nashville hasn’t clicked, though he still scored 21 goals last season. Put him with a real play-driving center, and he’s a good bet to rebound. Johnston writes, “The 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner boasts a resume that includes 102 career playoff games. What’s more, his cap hit should become even more palatable as it ages.”

Marchessault is under contract until 2028-29 at $5.5 million per season.

The Predators aren’t officially open for business—but the market has already taken notice. Not on Johnston’s list are Juuse Saros and Filip Forsberg, but loose trade speculation has included their name in recent weeks as well.

Next: Analyst Names 3 Lateral or Upgrade Goalie Trades Oilers Could Make