Nashville Predators Trade Talk: Defensemen

Despite a big win over the Florida Panthers this weekend, the Nashville Predators are looking at shrinking chances to make it into the postseason after a last second loss to the Minnesota Wild. With the trade deadline looming and a playoff run seeming further out of reach, trade talk is ramping up in Nashville. 

There are some fanciful whispers about the Predators roster when it comes to trade possibilities. In reality, the pieces most likely to generate serious consideration are the defensemen on Nashville's roster. Which blue liner has the most value on the trade market and who is most likely to be part of a deal? 

The 32 year old defenseman has been a popular name over the last few seasons when it comes to trade rumors. Even when placed on the "bell curve" of hockey years, Ekholm still has a lot off appeal for teams looking for a solid top defenseman. Granted, the 6'4" Swede has a $6.25 million cap hit through 2025-2026, but the neither price tag nor age hasn't seemed to deter interest. 

David Poile shared an interesting experience when the Ekholm trade rumors were previously at a peak. He tells of Ekholm walking in the GM's office and point blank asking Poile if he was being traded. So far the answer has been "no", but with the Predators looking more and more like sellers at the deadline this is a name that is bound to be in the mix. 

Should the Preds trade Ekholm is a very different question depending on how likely a true rebuild would be. If Nashville doesn't rally in their next five games and David Poile get serious about a rebuild, Ekholm's future becomes more difficult to predict. He would be a huge asset as a core player for whatever rebuild Nashville's current contract situation would allow, but he could have high enough value to bring in quality picks and prospects as well. 

Bottom Line: I don't doubt there will be interest in Ekholm, and I don't doubt that Poile takes those calls, but it would have to be a monumental haul to pull the trigger on an Ekholm trade by the deadline.

Fabbro is another player surrounded by trade buzz. Fabbro has played 225 games for the Predators and will be a restricted free agent after this season, so a team looking for a longer term piece may like to take a swing for Nashville's 2017 first round pick. The 24 year old isn't a fount of offense, but he's young and plays a reliable game and could definitely provide a boost for a team needing to shore up their blue line.

Bottom Line: A deal for Fabbro won't net the Predators a windfall like Ekholm, but his age and long term potential makes him the most likely defenseman to head out of Nashville at the deadline. 

Alexandre Carrier is another defenseman who will be a restricted free agent after this season as well. Despite missing fourteen games due to injury (he is currently listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury sustained in the January 24 games against the Winnipeg Jets), Carrier is an important piece of the Predators defense. His play with veteran Ekholm have made them a formidable defensive pairing for the Preds. 

Bottom Line: Carrier is a player other teams would be interested in based on his defensive performance and his interest in getting more involved offensively as well, but Fabbro is the more likely piece to move based Carrier's successful pairing with Ekholm. Look for David Poile to keep and sign Carrier in the offseason unless there is an overpay offer on the table. 

McDonagh reluctantly waived his no trade clause with the Tampa Bay Lightning to come to Nashville after the Lightning needed to create cap room. The July 3 move gave Nashville more than just a solid defenseman. It gave the team valuable Championship winning veteran experience on a team that could use the insight of a player who has hoisted the Stanley Cup. 

It took some time for McDonagh to find the right fit in Nashville, but now that he is playing with Roman Josi the two are one of the best D pairings in the league. McDonagh is an "elder statesman" in hockey years and his $6.75 million cap hit through 2025-2026 is hefty, so is there any chance he might be moved? 

Bottom Line: McDonagh's "no trade" clause came with his salary so unless he is enticed to waive that again for a team that could get him another shot at a Cup run sooner rather than later, McDonagh will remain in Nashville. 

Josi could bring in the biggest trade return of anyone on Nashville's roster with the possible exception of Juuse Saros. Norris Trophy winner and nominee, career season last year, one of the best playmakers Nashville has had in years - there is a lot to entice other teams when it comes to Josi except that the Predators captain has a no move clause and a $9 million dollar price tag through 2027-2028.

Bottom Line: Unless Josi decides to waive his no move clause and find a team that can get him another shot at a Stanley Cup before the hockey clock hits metaphorical midnight, the Swiss defenseman will be a part of whatever "rebuild" the franchise may piece together next. 

Related Reading: 

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