4 Nashville Predators 2023 Trade Candidates

The Nashville Predators have struggled this season to find consistency and now find themselves as likely sellers before the 2023 NHL trade deadline. General manager David Poile is looking to re-tool on the fly and will be active trying to advance trade talks on several of his players. Here's the four Preds who are most likely to be moved ahead of the deadline:

Mattias Ekholm

We've recently reported that Ekholm is available and is likely being moved. He's a veteran defenseman who has a decorated track record and can easily step into a team's top four. The issue is his $6.25 million cap hit which takes him through the 2025-26 season, as he just signed a new extension before this season started. Sounds like Poile would like a do-over on this one. Ekholm has appeared in 36 games this season, recording 13 points and does not hold any trade protection.

Ryan McDonagh

Speaking of expensive defensemen, you can add McDonagh's name to the list of Preds trade candidates. Nashville is four points out of a wildcard spot and has a few teams to leap frog. Their chances are not good. However, moving McDonagh is something that could easily be accomplished as he's a legitimate top-four blueliner with a track record that speaks for itself. He's only put up eight points so far this season and holds a no-trade clause, however if he's presented with a good situation on a Stanley Cup contender, McDonagh will likely have no issues waiving.

Nino Niederreiter

Power forwards are hard to come by and could fetch a pretty penny on the trade market this season. The Preds have Niederreiter who will draw interest from other teams and they may be wise to move him while he still has another season left on his deal. 12 goals in 36 games so far this season, Niederreiter is another one of the new Preds who could be spending very little time in Nashville.

Mikael Granlund

Granlund hasn't found the back of the net as expected this season, but he's still put up some respectable numbers with 24 points in 36 games. He's versatile to play down the middle or the wing and is signed through the 2024-25 season at $5 million. Granlund doesn't hold any trade protection and could be moved at will. Certainly a player to watch as the trade talks are heating up in Smashville.

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