To say the Nashville Predators are having a disappointing season would be an understatement.
The team has only 33 points in 42 games, is currently 15 points out of a playoff spot and probably needs to start preparing for next season.
Moreover, the Preds recently traded Alexandre Carrier to the Canadian in order to acquire Justin Barron.
However, it could be that Predators general manager Barry Trotz is still active between now and the trade deadline and it is a safe bet that the team is in selling mode for prospects and draft picks.
Trotz would notably be open to trading Ryan O’Reilly under two conditions: if the offer is really interesting and if the center player accepts the destination of the transaction.
Because although he doesn’t have an official no-trade clause in his contract, the Preds want to treat the situation as if it were.
Remember that O’Reilly is in the second year of a four-year, $18 million contract after signing an agreement with Nashville in the summer of 2023.
Could the Canadian be tempted to strengthen their center line by acquiring the 33-year-old veteran?
In 39 games, O’Reilly has 25 points, including 12 goals, and a differential of -15. In terms of production, it’s better than our second center, Kirby Dach, with 14 points in 42 games and our third center, Christian Dvorak, with 12 points in as many games.
I believe that the CH would immediately improve their center line. O’Reilly could man the team’s second or third line.
In the first case, the Canadian has certain options for Dach, such as playing him on the wing or in the center of the third line, which would take the pressure off him to produce offensively. And Dvorak, even if he’s been playing well lately, let’s just say that I wouldn’t be sad if the CH placed him in the stands.
And even if we know that CH does not want to acquire a rental player, there are still three years left on O’Reilly’s contract, which makes it a much more interesting deal for the club.
However, we don’t know what the Preds’ requirements are for their center player (or if he wants to come play in Montreal), but we can assume that they will want either prospects or draft picks, two things that the Canadian has in quantity.
I really believe that Kent Hughes should at least give his counterpart a call and inquire about his requests.
In burst
– The CH arrives in Salt Lake.
– Victory for the Bolts.
– Detroit back in the race!
– Solid career!
– Fleury’s class.
– Eagles victory.
– What a race!
– Bags to go!
