The Nashville Predators entered the 2024-25 NHL season with Stanley Cup aspirations. A roster boasting talent like Filip Forsberg, Steven Stamkos, Roman Josi, and Juuse Saros seemed poised for a deep playoff run. Fast forward a few months, and the Predators find themselves in a very different reality. Dead last in the league with a dismal 7-16-6 record, the playoffs are a distant dream.
GM Barry Trotz, a legend in Nashville, now faces the unenviable task of navigating this sinking ship. The question on everyone’s mind: is it time to tank?
Long-Term Contracts Hamper Nashville Predators Trade Options
Trotz’s options are limited. The Predators are burdened with long-term contracts, making any significant trades extremely difficult. While rumors swirl around players like Steven Stamkos potentially heading to the New York Rangers, it’s unlikely Nashville can make a big splash.
NHL insider David Pagnotta recently suggested on Sirius XM NHL Radio that the Predators need to hit the “pause” button on this season and retool for the future. In other words, embrace the tank.
Why Tanking Might Be the Best Option
While nobody wants to see their team lose, a strategic tank could be the Predators’ best path back to contention. The 2025 NHL draft features two potential franchise-altering talents: Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa. Securing the first overall pick and drafting one of these players could dramatically change the franchise’s trajectory.
Of course, tanking isn’t a guarantee of success. But for a team with limited trade options and a roster that clearly isn’t performing, it might be the wisest course of action. The Predators need a spark, and a potential superstar like Schaefer or Misa could be just that.
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