3 Nashville Predators Not Expected Back Next Season

The Nashville Predators have been through a lot this season. They started the year with sky-high expectations, looking to contend in the Western Conference, and with just a couple weeks left in the season, the Preds sit in the second wild-card position.

Nashville is only a few points up on four teams, so essentially, they'll be playing playoff games from here on out. While the team searches for a new GM, Barry Trotz and company tried to make several trades ahead of the Mar.6 deadline, and both Ryan O'Reilly and Steven Stamkos declined to move.

Heading into the summer, expect to see several changes to the Predators' roster, including the following three players, who aren't expected back next season:

Jonathan Marchessault

It's very awkward for a dressing room when a player essentially says he was hoping a trade would materialize ahead of the trade deadline. Marchessault hasn't been anywhere near the player the Predators were hoping for when they signed him to a huge contract a couple of summers ago. Marchessault is owed $5.5 million AAV through the 2029 season, and owns a no-movement clause. Word is he's open to staying in the east and could be moved to Washington, Ottawa or Montreal in the offseason.

Justin Barron

Barron is entering the summer as a pending restricted free agent, and don't be surprised to see the Predators walk away from a qualifying offer. Barron's under contract this season for $1.1 million and has posted just seven assists in 42 games, averaging 13:31 a night. Barron was once a highly touted prospect, and will likely be looking for work come July 1.

Magnus Chrona

Chrona was acquired as part of the Yaroslav Askarov trade with the San Jose Sharks, and unfortunately, hasn't been able to shine this season in the Preds' organization. Chrona's a pending unrestricted free agent, and at 25 years old entering free agency, will have to settle for a two-way deal. Chrona's posted a 8-9-3 record, along with a .904 save percentage in 21 AHL games this season. The Colorado Avalanche are going to have interest in the former Denver University product this offseason as a third-goalie option.

Photo credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images