NHL Trade Rumor: Nashville Predators trade RHD Ryan Ellis

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun recently met with the Nashville Predators GM David Poile to discuss this upcoming offseason and all signs are pointing to the Preds making a move to bolster their offense.

David Poile sees a window that’s still open to win. But the Nashville Predators GM knows he needs to try and make changes. He’s been bold before. And he may be again this summer. My column:

https://t.co/mTyOjpAcX7
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 20, 2019

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal feels the move will likely go down at the draft and will involve trading defenseman Ryan Ellis and his $6.25 million dollar salary for the next 8 years.

Ryan Ellis seems the most logical Nashville D to get traded for a forward but at $6.25 mil for eight years that's still a mouthful for another team. He's a good player, theoretically an offensive D, but he's a 40-point guy. Is that enough offence for that kind of dough?
— Jim Matheson (@NHLbyMatty) May 20, 2019

So where could Ellis end up? A RHD on the trade market can rake in a king's ransom. Here are three names worth considering for David Poile and the Predators:

Nik Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets. The speedy winger could be the odd man out in the 'Peg as the team is in dyer need of RHD as both Tyler Myers and Jacob Trouba are expected to depart. Ehlers name has been a hot topic lately ever since Elliotte Friedman mentioned he was potentially available
Josh Bailey of the New York Islanders. The Islanders have a ton of UFA's up front and are going to need to get a couple of them signed which in turn, makes Bailey expendable and Ellis would be a huge upgrade for their D
The New Jersey Devils. The team with the #1 pick also has 3 more in the second round, so they could be active. Perhaps Kyle Palmieri would accept a trade to Nashville, or a name like Blake Coleman could be in play. Ellis would give the Devils a horse for the d-core to help stabilize the offense with Hall, Hischier and perhaps, Jack Hughes.

Ryan Ellis' name is out there, is he going to move at the draft? Who knows. What we do know is David Poile and the Preds will be busy and some industry experts feel Ellis is the chip in play.