Despite the efforts of Barry Trotz and the efforts of the team, the Nashville Predators have not been able to turn things around yet. The deeper the Predators get into the season, the more difficult it is going to be to be in contention for a playoff spot.
Nashville is 31st in the NHL in points after major off-season additions to get them to Stanley Cup contender. While it is entirely possible the Predators make up games and turn things around with about 70% of the season remaining, there is also a very real possibility that the team is sellers at the trade deadline.
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Trotz is looking to make at least a trade well before that, so a lot could be in play to change the trajectory of the team this season. Whether moves are made or not, if the Predators are still in seller territory come February, expect some players to be on their way out.
Gustav Nyquist is a name that is going to come up for the Predators. Despite his great chemistry alongside Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly, his numbers this season and last have really boosted his value. The Predators could get a solid return for the veteran.
With how many veterans are already on the team and not playing up to par, maybe Trotz instead tries to integrate more youth into the lineup like what’s already being done. There are more high-end prospects on the way who could make a difference in Nashville in the near future.
Nyquist is 35 years old and in the final year of his deal at $3.185 million AAV. That is a very movable contract, especially since Nashville would be able to retain if needed. Either signs of his age are starting to show clear with only six goals and 10 points in 25 games, or it’s a combination of how poor the Predators have been, age catching up to him, and no top power-play time.
Nyquist and the first line of the Predators really shocked the NHL last season as one of the very best lines in the league. It saw the veteran, who was seemingly on the decline, contribute 23 goals (3rd most in his career) as well as a career-high 52 assists and 75 points.
The Predators weren’t going to trade him last season, but his 82 games of playoff experience would play a big role on a team contending in the playoffs this season. So if a big turnaround doesn’t happen, Nyquist’s name will be right at the top of trade boards in the coming months.
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