The Nashville Predators entered the 2024-25 season with Stanley Cup aspirations. A potent offense, solid defense, and a Vezina-caliber goaltender in Juuse Saros – what could go wrong? Well, a lot apparently. The Predators have been one of the biggest disappointments of the year, and now find themselves battling for a lottery pick instead of a playoff spot. With the Christmas trade freeze looming, General Manager Barry Trotz seems to be shifting into sell mode, and the latest name on the rumor mill is defenseman Alexandre Carrier.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos recently reported that Carrier is a player to watch on the trade market. This isn’t exactly a shock. Carrier fits the profile of a player who could bring back valuable assets.
Why Will the Nashville Predators trade Alexandre Carrier?
So, what makes Carrier so appealing?
- Reliable Defenseman: He’s a solid, stay-at-home defenseman who logs over 20 minutes of ice time per game.
- Penalty Kill Specialist: Carrier is a key component of the Predators’ penalty kill, a valuable asset for any contending team.
- Shot Blocking Machine: He consistently puts his body on the line, ranking among the team leaders in blocked shots.
- Right Shot: Right-shot defensemen are always in high demand, and Carrier provides a reliable option.
- Team-Friendly Contract: With two years remaining on his contract at a very reasonable $3.75 million cap hit, he’s an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their blue line without breaking the bank.
Kypreos didn’t mention any specific teams that might be interested in Carrier, but it doesn’t take an NHL insider to connect the dots. The Vancouver Canucks are desperate for help on the right side of their defense, and Carrier would be a perfect fit. Keep an eye on teams like the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers as well, both of whom could use some defensive depth for a playoff push.
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