NHL Trade Preview: Nashville Predators could have fire sale in 2025-26

The Nashville Predators had lofty expectations for the 2024-25 season, and boy oh boy did they fall short of accomplishing their goals. After spending a ton of money last summer, GM Barry Trotz watched his team have trouble scoring goals, so much so, even their own players were cutting interviews after games wondering why they weren't able to generate any offence.

Trotz was busy trying to make some changes around the edges of the roster, including adding Michael Bunting for some net front presence, with hopes he can spark some offence with some hard-working goals. Regardless, the Preds missed the playoffs and now heading into 2025-26, could be in store for a fire sale if the team once again struggles out of the gate.

Should the Predators faulter this upcoming season, expect to see a bunch of their veterans shipped out of town, including Jonathan Marchessault and Steven Stamkos. Trotz would need to approach both of them to gain a list of potential teams they'd be interested in joining, as he gave them both no-movement clauses last summer when he inked them to long-term lucrative contracts. But, if Trotz wants to have a proper rebuild and start fresh, both veteran forwards will need to be moved for younger talent.

Along with Marchessault and Stamkos, the Predators have Bunting who is a pending unrestricted free agent, Ryan O'Reilly who doesn't have any trade protection, and is on the radar of contending teams. There's also depth forward Michael McCarron who at 6-foot-6 will draw interest from other teams. 

The Predators are a team to watch on the trade market next season. They have big expectations, but after a down season, will be in tough to turn things around in 2025-26. If they can't consistently win hockey games in October and November, look for Trotz to pull off some blockbuster moves, and totally revamp the future of the franchise.

Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images