Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discuss Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz's comments about kicking off a "rebuild plan." The Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/] keep taking one step forwards and then two steps back, so before it is too late, something has to be done. The most likely next step is another trade as Philip Tomasino was the latest to be moved out. There have been callups, waivers, and a lot of line altering this season, but there is room to make a trade to upgrade further as it would really be disastrous for Nashville to sell already. By having three first-round picks in 2025 at their disposal, Barry Trotz has decisions to make. The most logical solution would be to use one of the first rounders to help upgrade the center position where the team has noticeably lacked this season. The Predators have to find a second line center as no internal options have fit this season and 2024-25 is already 1/4 of the way done. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA5NDIwOTUxNzkwNTYwOTE4/barry-trotz-nashville-predators-training-camp-2024-25.jpg] The Predators own their own first-round pick as well as both the Vegas Golden Knights [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vegas-golden-knights/]' and Tampa Bay Lightning's. Out of the three, Nashville's is the last draft pick they should consider trading unless it is for a major upgrade. With where the team sits in the standings (32nd), this could turn into a high pick and a very good young player. The first to go would be whoever Trotz thinks will make it further this season, Vegas or Tampa Bay. For me, that is a tossup right now. Having said that, Elliotte Friedman said that the first-round picks held by the Predators are coveted by teams they talk to in trade discussions and there has been no indication that Trotz wants to part with them. Nashville is also reportedly looking for a top-4 defenseman with term. A first-round pick would help nab someone of that quality from the trade market. Unless the Predators are ready to commit to a rebuild, first-round picks are more valuable before players are selected by the team with them many times. So by Nashville holding onto all three...for now, the Predators would select players from their needs and not from whatever inquiring teams may like in the first round. Holding onto the first-round picks and hoping that the team can turn it around, this season or next, by using other draft picks or prospects to upgrade, the future looks very bright with the high level talent that would be available and coming into the NHL in due time. Holding onto the first-round picks could also be a strategy to rebuild or retool on the fly so that there aren't many years of misery. The Predators appeared to have done that and executed the right moves over the last two seasons in order to pull that off, but find themselves at the bottom of the league instead. While there is no certainty Trotz is going to hold onto all three of Nashville's first-round picks this year instead of at least using one to make a necessary upgrade, another move could surprise everyone and come at any time. The general manager has not been afraid to make a move since taking over, especially this season already. Visit The Hockey News Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/] team site to stay updated on the latest news [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news], game day [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/game-day] coverage, player features [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/players], podcasts [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/podcasts] and more. RECENT PREDATORS NEWS
