Nashville Predators Forward Could Be Trade Candidate
As the Stanley Cup Final approaches, attention turns to the 30 teams not competing, with many facing off-season decisions after disappointing seasons. The NHL Draft and the start of free agency on July 1 are fast approaching, presenting teams with opportunities to reset and make changes.
One team that underperformed this season was the Nashville Predators, and now, attention is turning to potential moves for the off-season, including one forward who could be on the trade block.
Predators Forward Jonathan Marchessault Could Be Traded
Chris Johnston of The Athletic recently listed potential trade targets for the off-season, with Nashville right winger Jonathan Marchessault ranking as the ninth player on the list who could be moved.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Predators had high hopes after making significant moves in free agency. General Manager Barry Trotz signed Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei, and Marchessault in an attempt to build on Nashville’s 2023-24 playoff appearance. However, the season quickly derailed with a poor start, and the team was eliminated from contention early.
As a result, Trotz now faces difficult decisions this off-season. While there may be a temptation to view last season as an anomaly, the Predators could also consider a retooling and clearing cap space. Both Stamkos and Marchessault are Stanley Cup champions, but with both players in their 30s and carrying sizable salary cap hits, they could become trade candidates.
What a Potential Trade Means
Johnston suggests that the Predators are likely to make changes to their roster, and Marchessault, despite a down year, could still attract interest. The 34-year-old winger registered 21 goals and 56 points this season, but that’s a notable decline from his career-high 42-goal campaign with the Vegas Golden Knights. Still, Marchessault brings valuable postseason experience, having won the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy and accumulated 102 career playoff games.
While his cap hit of $5.5 million remains until the 2028-29 season, it may become more manageable as the contract progresses. The major concern for any potential suitor is the length of the deal, but Marchessault still has much to offer. If traded to a contender, he could settle into a middle-six role and potentially benefit from more favorable matchups. His ability to perform under pressure, demonstrated in past playoff runs, would make him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their depth for a Stanley Cup push.
The Predators’ off-season decisions will be pivotal, and what happens with Marchessault could shape the team’s direction moving forward.
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