It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re closing in on the March 7 NHL trade deadline. However, the chatter never stops as we draw towards the big day. Some teams have some hard choices to make as they may not be contenders. The deadline is a chance to clear out some salary and recoup some assets. However, it’s always a hard decision to pull the trigger on dealing a star player. One team that may have to trade a star player is the Nashville Predators. This edition of NHL rumours deals with one they may treat one veteran forward.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Nashville Predators Forward Could be Dealt at Right Price
Rumour: On the latest edition of Saturday Headlines on Hockey Night in Canada, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman discussed the future of Ryan O’Reilly. The insider mentioned that O’Reilly will be treated like he’s got a no-trade clause.
Saturday Headlines — Ryan O’Reilly to be treated as if he has full no-move protection:https://t.co/lKjoVYJAF2
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 12, 2025
Analysis: Nashville was a team that a number of people tabbed to do big things. However, things have fallen flat and the Predators are unlikely to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Many can argue that Nashville is one of the more disappointing teams this season given all the moves they made.
O’Reilly came over the year before and helped the Predators make a surprising post-season appearance. However, more was expected out of this group with the additions of Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei and Jonathan Marchessault.
The Clinton, Ontario native has two more seasons after this one at a $4.5 million average cap hit. O’Reilly turns 34 in February, but he has plenty of experience and could be helpful for a team seeking a Stanley Cup.
Waiting for the Right Deal
Friedman mentioned that Predators General Manager Barry Trotz is going to trade O’Reilly like he’s got a full no-movement clause. There currently isn’t one on the veteran centre’s deal, but Trotz likely wants to do right by O’Reilly.
There may not be trade protections on the four-year deal O’Reilly signed. However, Trotz is going to make sure he gets an incredible return before making a deal happen.
This means that O’Reilly will have the opportunity to veto any deal to a location. Friedman mentioned that teams have called about the Stanley Cup winner. The veteran pivot is well-respected around the league, so he’s going to get plenty of interest.
Moving Parts
Treating O’Reilly like he’s got no-trade protection means there are plenty of moving parts to any potential swap. Friedman said that Trotz will only consider a deal if it’s something that’s going to really make the team. Only then would he bring any deal to O’Reilly to approve.
It was also mentioned by Friedman that the Predators would prefer to keep O’Reilly for the future. Nashville feels that it can put things back together and go for it next season and beyond.
However, there’s no denying that the respected centre is going to get some looks as the deadline nears. Trotz might have a hard choice if he’s presented with a great trade package.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours: Nashville Predators Veteran Forward Trade Possibilties appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.