The Nashville Predators are off to a slow start this season, but General Manager Barry Trotz appears to be leaving no stone unturned in his quest to build a Stanley Cup contender.
NHL insider Darren Dreger recently reported that Trotz is actively exploring the trade market, with his sights set on acquiring a second-line center. With a stockpile of draft picks and prospects, the Predators have the ammunition to make a significant move.
Trotz has made it clear that he’s willing to be aggressive in order to improve his team. “We’re always looking to get better,” Trotz said in a recent interview. “If there’s a deal out there that makes sense for us, we’re going to explore it.”
Preds looking to bolster roster after recent struggles
The Predators’ current second-line center, Mark Jankowski, has been serviceable, but the team believes an upgrade at the position could significantly bolster their offensive firepower. While Trotz has remained tight-lipped about specific targets, one name that has surfaced in rumors is Anaheim Ducks star Trevor Zegras.
Zegras, 23, is one of the most dynamic young players in the league. His offensive creativity and playmaking ability would be a perfect fit alongside Jonathan Marchessault and Gustav Nyquist. However, acquiring a player of Zegras’ caliber would come at a steep price. The Ducks would likely demand a package including a first-round pick and a top prospect.
Another intriguing aspect of this situation is the potential availability of Predators defenseman Dante Fabbro. The 26-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July and could be a valuable trade chip for Nashville. A change of scenery might benefit Fabbro, who has yet to fully live up to expectations.
It’s worth noting that trade talks are often fluid, and things can change quickly. The Predators’ performance over the next 10 games could significantly influence Trotz’s decision-making. If the team turns things around, he may be less inclined to make a major move. However, if they struggle, expect Trotz to become even more aggressive in his pursuit of a second-line center.
This is a developing situation that bears close watching. The NHL trade deadline is still months away, but the Predators are clearly a team to keep an eye on.
Stay Updated with the Latest Nashville Predators News
Want to stay up-to-date on the latest Nashville Predators trade rumors and news? Be sure to bookmark nhltraderumor.com! We provide daily updates on all the happenings around the league, including in-depth analysis, fantasy hockey predictions, and even a look back at what happened on this day in NHL history.
Plus, find out what channel the Preds game is on TV today, so you don’t miss a minute of the action. Sign up for our weekly newsletter below and get all the latest news delivered straight to your inbox!