Another Surprising Predators Name Emerges As Trade Candidate

We've all heard Ryan O'Reilly's name frequently listed as a trade candidate from the Nasvhille Predators if they decide to make some more moves. Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, they, too, have had their names mentioned. But another notable player can be added to that list, according to insider David Pagnotta.

Speaking on the DFO Insider, Pagnotta mentioned a certain top-four blueliner whose name has entered the fray.

I've been told, a few teams have told me that Brady Skjei's name is out there. Nashville is listening, and they've had conversations with teams.

One thing to note, however, that's playing into the talks: Skjei has four more years on his contract after this one at a $7 million cap hit.

(Some teams) are a little bit reluctant to take on that remaining contract at its entirety... It leads me to believe that a lot of playoff-contending teams might be interested in this particular player but don’t necessarily have the cap space to work with.

Pagnotta figures that the combination of fitting the cap hit, along with GM Chris MacFarland's asking price, which figures to be hefty for a 6'3", mobile, two-way, puck-moving D-man, could be difficult for contending teams who are close to the cap limit to make work. 

Would Nashville retain some money on that? 

But let's be honest: for a team with the cap space, a $7 million AAV for a top-four defenseman of Skjei's quality is extremely good value these days. 

Additionally playing into things, Skjei has a 15-team no-trade list.

Certainly, MacFarland has not been shy about making moves since taking over the Preds this past summer, so we'll keep an eye on this one.

In 781 career games over 12 seasons, Skjei has 308 points while averaging 20:58 time of ice per night. He has 1,003 career hits and 886 blocked shots.