3 Predators' Trade Candidates as Struggles Continue in Nashville

The Nashville Predators have been trying to get things back on track for a couple of seasons now, and after GM Barry Trotz spent a ton of money two summers ago, it appears he's going to have to move in another direction.

The Preds have started the new season 4-6-2, they're among the league's worst with just 29 goals scored, and they have plenty of expensive contracts on the books that Trotz and company are going to need to find new homes for.

Here's three trade candidates for the Predators, as changes are expected at some point this season:

Ryan O'Reilly

When the Predators signed O'Reilly a couple of years ago, it was surprising the veteran center didn't receive a no-trade clause. Last season during their struggles, management approached O'Reilly about a move back to Toronto, but he wasn't thrilled about it, so no deal took place. This season, the trade chatter is back and this time around, keep an eye on the New Jersey Devils. O'Reilly has two seasons left on his deal at just $4.5 million AAV, and the 34-year-old has recorded a team leading nine points through their first 12 games.

Steven Stamkos

Talk about struggles, Stamkos is having a tough go this season. The former Stanley Cup champion has scored just one goal and added one assist in 12 games, and there's a ton of speculation brewing that Trotz is going to approach Stamkos about where he'd like his next stop of his career to be. Right now, it feels like the Carolina Hurricanes, Vancouver Canucks, and Toronto Maple Leafs have the best chances of landing the future hall of famer.

Michael Bunting

While Jonathan Marchessault to the Hurricanes could happen, Bunting is a pending unrestricted free agent, he plays a playoff style gritty game, and he's going to be coveted by several contenders ahead of the deadline. Put it this way, if the Predators continue to be on the outside looking in at the playoff picture, there's 100% chance he's traded. Bunting has recorded two goals and four points in 12 games, and doesn't hold any trade protection.

photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images