In a surprising turn of events, the Nashville Predators’ top prospect and 2020’s 11th overall pick has requested a trade, as first reported by Kevin Weekes. This move significantly weakens GM Barry Trotz’s bargaining power, especially since the player’s request is now public.
Trotz had been exploring potential trade partners for some time, including during this year’s NHL Entry Draft, where there were rumors of him attempting to move up into the top-10. However, no deals were finalized.
Now, with free agency largely concluded and many teams having already secured their goalies for the upcoming season, the market for trading the young, unproven player has shrunk. Despite this, any team interested would likely be looking at his long-term potential rather than immediate impact for the 2024-25 season.
Several teams could be viable trade partners, but the challenge lies in finding a deal that meets the Predators’ high asking price, which likely involves acquiring a top prospect or a proven NHL starter. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Predators would prefer not to trade within their division, which limits their options.
Overall, the player’s trade demand has put the Predators in a difficult position, forcing them to navigate a limited market while trying to secure a return that justifies losing such a promising talent.
