The Nashville Predators are in the market for a top-6 center amidst a 1-5-0 start.

Nashville Predators' general manager Barry Trotz already has his sights set on the trade market. Even after adding Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei, and extending Juuse Saros and Alexandre Carrier this past off-season, there is more work to be done.

The Predators looked to be much improved heading into the season, but they fell flat out of the gate and are off to a 1-5-0 start. That can be turned around in a hurry, but the GM already has intentions of bringing in help at center.

Trotz said, “No one is trading anyone right now. I would like to get a center, but no one is giving their centremen away.” The season is still very early and no team is out of the playoff race just yet. With a bit more time, non-contenders will become more present. Evident needs around the league will grow and the teams that are expected to be sellers will start to listen.

For right now, the Predators have Colton Sissons and Tommy Novak as their two best options to play at center on the second line between Stamkos and Marchessault. While Novak has the talent and has shown in the past that he can be very productive offensively, Sissons was able to hold down that spot last season. There is a bit more pressure this time around with much better second line wingers.

Sissons was back on the second line between the two off-season veteran additions and the team has seemed to play the best with that lineup. For now, it would be best to stick with what has worked more than what Nashville hopes will work.

Elliotte Friedman mentioned that the two most difficult pieces to find for a team is a top center and a stud defender. That doesn't bode well for the Predators who didn't decide to make any big additions at the trade deadline last season and opted to add two high pedigree wingers and a top defenseman in free agency.

The options were very limited at center this past off-season. Elias Lindholm was the big fish and it was fairly evident where he was going.

The Predators did well in the off-season and there is typically an adjustment period for new players and a different looking team. While it would be beneficial to acquire a center to play on the second line who is an upgrade to Sissons or Novak right now, options will eventually present themselves.

Trotz has proven that he can win a big trade and there are lots of valuable assets at Nashville's disposal to pull one off this season. The Predators will have to wait and ride it out for now, but the team's fortune can only go up from here.

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