Trade speculation's increasing on two defensemen on the Nashville Predators should the team look less likely to make the playoffs in March.
Trade speculation's increasing on two defensemen on the Nashville Predators should the team look less likely to make the playoffs in March.
With 38 points in 36 games, the Nashville Predators are four points out of a Western Conference wild-card berth entering Thursday's game with the Carolina Hurricanes. They're in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2013-14, sparking speculation that GM David Poile could become a seller by the March 3 trade deadline.
Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli had defenseman Mattias Ekholm at No. 7 on his latest list of NHL trade targets. He's in the first season of a four-year contract with the Predators. Seravalli claims moving Ekholm is among several cards Poile has on the table.
An experienced all-around blueliner, Ekholm was also the subject of considerable trade speculation before the 2021 trade deadline before signing his current contract later that year. Cap Friendly indicates the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder lacks a no-trade clause, giving Poile considerable leeway in finding possible trade partners.
Ekholm, however, turns 33 in May and carries an average annual value of $6.25 million through 2025-26. Teams could be reluctant to take on an aging asset with three more seasons remaining on his contract. His cap hit will also be difficult to move should the salary cap remain flattened for next season.
Seravalli also wondered if Ryan McDonagh might be available. The 33-year-old defenseman waived his no-trade clause last summer to accept being dealt to Nashville by the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, Servavalli doubts McDonagh could be willing to waive it again.
Even if McDonagh agreed to be traded again, his age and contract could also be tough to peddle. He carries a $6.75-million cap hit for three more seasons.