As the March 6th NHL trade deadline approaches, the Nashville Predators find themselves at a crossroads, prompting General Manager Barry Trotz to consider all options, including moving key players. While the Predators remain in contention for a Western Conference wild-card spot, Trotz appears willing to listen to offers for several players, potentially reshaping the team's roster for the future.
One name that has surfaced in connection to the Edmonton Oilers is veteran forward Ryan O'Reilly. The 34-year-old center is having a strong season, with 18 goals and 50 points in 51 games, averaging just over 20 minutes of ice time per game. O'Reilly also excels in the faceoff circle, winning 55.3 percent of his faceoffs. With one year remaining on his contract at a $4.5 million cap hit, O'Reilly would not be a rental player, making him an attractive option for teams seeking a longer-term addition.
According to Chris Mason, a former NHL goalie and current TV analyst, Trotz will respect O'Reilly and listen to him. Mason also stated that Trotz has said that "everything's on the table," and that he's going to get a lot of calls.
Edmonton's need for a third-line center is well-documented, and O'Reilly could fill that role effectively. However, it remains to be seen if the Oilers are willing to meet Nashville's asking price, especially considering they lack a first-round pick in 2026. Oilers GM Stan Bowman does possess first-round picks in the subsequent three drafts, as well as multiple second-round picks, which could provide him with the assets to make a deal for a player like O'Reilly. To accommodate O'Reilly's cap hit, Edmonton might need to move out a player like Andrew Mangiapane, who has struggled to find his scoring touch this season.
Besides O'Reilly, other Predators who might be on the move include forwards Michael Bunting and Michael McCarron. Bunting, a middle-six winger with a $4.5 million cap hit, has 29 points in 53 games this season. McCarron, a bottom-six forward known for his physicality and faceoff abilities, could also draw interest from teams seeking to add grit and depth.
With the Olympic roster freeze from February 4th to 22nd sandwiching the trade deadline, the window for completing deals is relatively small. Trotz's willingness to consider offers for established players signals a potential shift in Nashville's approach, balancing present competitiveness with future building. As the deadline draws nearer, the Predators could be a team to watch, potentially impacting the playoff aspirations of several contending teams, including the Edmonton Oilers.