The Predators have the space and assets to acquire someone big at the deadline.
The Pittsburgh Penguins get further and further away from a playoff spot this season as the losing continues and teams ahead of them win. With just a few days before the trade deadline, there isn't time to change their losing ways significantly. Any decision that will be made will be based on where the team currently is in the standings and what Jake Guentzel wants to do moving forward.
The Penguins' forward has a 12-team no-trade clause and is a UFA after the season. There is no contract in place for next season and Elliotte Friedman wondered when or if the Penguins would give anyone permission to talk to Guentzel ahead of the deadline. This could open their options up and even get more in return if Guentzel is traded as more than a rental this season.
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Friedman suggested a potential trade involving the Nashville Predators and Guentzel that could be huge for the franchise if it happens. He names them as a "complete and total wildcard," but this is due to the team surging into a playoff spot and really needing the offensive boost.
If a sign-and-trade becomes available, the Predators will surely be in the market to add a high profile scorer for multiple years. But if Guentzel stays as a rental option for teams, this is where the Predators are that complete and total wildcard since they are in eighth place in the conference.