As the Nashville Predators sink into a disappointing season, trade rumors are intensifying.
According to multiple sources, the organization is actively looking to strengthen its roster by focusing on acquiring a top 6 center and a top 4 defenseman.
Among the potential targets, the name of Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabers comes up repeatedly. But one question persists: if Nashville fails to conclude with Buffalo, could the Montreal Canadiens enter the fray?
Nashville spent heavily this summer to sign veterans like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Sjkei, but those additions weren’t enough to make up for the team’s weaknesses.
With an anemic offense and a defense that lacks depth, the Predators are targeting two specific profiles:
A center capable of playing in the top 6, ideally a young and promising player who could fit into the long-term project.
A top 4 defender, with an offensive touch, who could complement the work of Roman Josi while stabilizing the defensive brigade.
According to the site RG.org, discussions between Nashville and Buffalo include interest in Dylan Cozens, a player with an intriguing…and disappointing…profile.
Although Cozens is having a tough season with just 13 points (a meager 6 goals) in 31 games, the Predators are hoping a change of scenery could revive his talent.
“I know they’ve talked to the Sabres, and one of the players they’re interested in is Cozens,” a source close to the matter revealed to journalist Marco d’Amico (RG.org).
If Cozens were to join Nashville, he would be used at his natural center position, a position where the Predators are severely lacking in depth behind Ryan O’Reilly. (currently he plays right wing in Buffalo)
Why could the CH insert itself into the negotiations?
The Montreal Canadiens could take advantage of this situation to offer alternative solutions to Nashville if negotiations with the Sabers go nowhere.
The CH has several players who could meet the needs of the Predators:
Mike Matheson, a mobile and offensive defenseman, who would excel in the Predators system according to several recruiters.
With a reasonable contract ($4.875 million per year until 2026), he could become an attractive option for Barry Trotz.
Jake Evans, a reliable defensive center, who could fill a third-line role. Although limited offensively, he would fit Nashville’s need for a versatile player to stabilize their attack and could help them out on the 2nd line.
Should we think about Kirby Dach, who, despite his enormous potential, has yet to prove that he can establish himself as a top center?
The latest news is that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have not yet thrown in the towel on the Dach file.
At the same time, rumors began to circulate around newcomers Stamkos and Marchessault, whose integration into Nashville did not go as planned.
Stamkos, with only 16 points in 31 games, and Marchessault, author of 18 points in 31 games, are struggling to justify their respective contracts of 32 million over 4 years and 27.5 million over 5 years.
Their inability to revive the Predators’ offense has sparked speculation that the team may already be considering re-evaluating their role in the long-term project.
“This kind of speculation is typical in a struggling team,” one rookie said.
“But so far, there has been no indication that Nashville is considering getting rid of these players. »
If negotiations between Nashville and Buffalo fail, the CH could take advantage of this situation to advance its own pawns.
A trade with the Predators would allow Kent Hughes to:
Create space under the salary cap by trading a contract like Matheson’s.
Recover long-term assets, whether it’s draft picks or young players like Joakim Kemell or Luke Evangelista.
Exploiting the urgent needs of Nashville, which might be willing to pay a high price to avoid a disastrous season.
Nashville still has several draft picks and interesting prospects who could fit the CH’s long-term plan.
If Hughes manages to insert himself into the discussions, he could emerge a winner, while capitalizing on the pressure weighing on Barry Trotz.
The Nashville Predators are at a crossroads. Between expensive veterans not performing and pressing needs on offense and defense, Barry Trotz is under tremendous pressure to perform.
If negotiations with the Sabers are unsuccessful, the Montreal Canadiens could play a key role in this equation.
Whether by offering Mike Matheson to solidify the Predators’ defense or offering a player like Jake Evans to fill their needs at center, Kent Hughes could exploit this situation to maximize the team’s assets, which, in any case, will no longer be there when CH is ready to win.
In an NHL where immediate needs often dictate decisions, Nashville could turn to Montreal to avoid an entirely wasted season.
For the CH, this would represent an unexpected chance to accelerate its reconstruction. It remains to be seen how the negotiations between Nashville and Buffalo will unfold.
Kent Hughes must be ready.
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