Predators' Top-6 Forward Linked To Maple Leafs

Jonathan Marchessault, Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators have won six of their past 10 games and are three points out of a playoff spot with one game in hand, but they are still under .500 and unless there's a big turnaround, they aren't a playoff team. If the last season and a half has been any indication, the Predators are not a contender with how they are built. They have plenty of talent for the future, but that is going to have to wait and build.

Nashville already moved on from Spencer Stastney and many more players have been in and around trade rumors, including Jonathan Marchessault. Pierre LeBrun said, "Jonathan Marchessault, 34, would have to consent via his full no-movement clause, but I wouldn't be surprised if he would consider the Leafs, where he would get a top-6 role."

If the Predators continue to go the way they are going, it's not a stretch to think that Marchessault, who has known winning and thought he was coming to Nashville for that same reason, would want to go to a team that has made the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons and have a clear open spot on the right side in the top-6 since Mitch Marner left.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are struggling, but have the skill and need a change in their roster. Players like Max Domi and Mattias Maccelli have been in trade rumors and Domi is currently playing in the role that Marchessault could slot into beside Auston Matthews.

Marchessault is a Conn Smythe Trophy winner and a goal-scorer who desperately needs a change of scenery. He has just seven goals and 10 points for the Predators this season in 28 games. He is also logging his least amount of ice time per game since his rookie season in 2015-16.

A trade like this would benefit both teams if the Predators can get some future from it and be willing to take back some money. The Maple Leafs may be right near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but they are two points out of a playoff spot and plenty is changing every week. They need to make a move soon.