Nashville Predators are calling on big players

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman joined NHL Network on Monday following the news that Barry Trotz is stepping down as general manager of the Nashville Predators. However, Trotz is still in charge at the trade deadline, which makes for a strange dynamic. This hasn’t stopped teams from making calls for their players, as Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Ryan O’Reilly remain on the trade market, along with some role players.

NHLRumors.com Transcripts

NHL Rumors: How will the Nashville Predators handle their GM search?

Bill Pidto: “Elliotte, what do you think Barry Trotz will do in Nashville?”

Elliotte Friedman: “I think they’re going to listen to their big boys, Bill. I think they’re going to listen to Ryan O’Reilly. I think they’re going to listen to (Steven) Stamkos. I look at that sign, I think they’re going to listen to (Jonathan) Marchessault.”

So I don’t think (Filip) Forsberg, I don’t think (Roman) Josi. I don’t think (Juusse) Saros. (Brady) Skjei, possibly, no doubt about it. (Nic) The Hague has just arrived. So I’d be curious to see if they go there, and he leaves soon.

But I do think they are listening to Stamkos, Marchessault and O’Reilly, and I also think they have role players that teams like: Michael Bunting. The Islanders almost made a deal for him before trading for Ondrej Palat. Your producers are really busy. Look how they turn that sign over there.

NHL rumors: What led to the changes in Nashville as Barry Trotz steps down as GM

Bunting, yes. Erik Haula yes. Cole Smith, yes. Michael McCarron. I’ve heard there’s quite a bit of interest in Michael McCarron, and I’ll add another name to that, a defenseman named Nick Perbix. Shot right, under contract for one more year, just under $3 million.

I guess I think the Predators are going to have to make some choices here.

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NHL Rumors.com Note: The Nashville Predators will have to make decisions on players approaching the trade deadline. Nashville is within striking distance of the playoffs, but if they make the playoffs it will be 2024 again when they made a magical run to get in. The players tell the GM and coach they want to fight, but players like Stamkos, O’Reilly and Marchessault have control over where they want to go, despite teams continuing to call about them.

Their role players, such as Haula, Cole, Perbix, McCarron and Nick Blackenburg, could be moved at the deadline. They won’t get as much for these players as they do for the top guys. But if Nashville moves one of its top playersat a high price from which they benefit now and in the future. Everything was average in Nashville, and the Predators should be above average, especially if it comes to a return on one of Stamkos, Marchessault or O’Reilly.

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