Trade Rumor: Nashville Predators Trade Mattias Ekholm to the Winnipeg Jets

The Nashville Predators are currently on the fence about making trades as the team has creeped back into the playoff picture. If the team ends up selling off some assets, expect to see defenseman Mattias Ekholm traded. According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, one NHL executive sees him being traded to the Winnipeg Jets.

The deal would include a first-round pick, defenseman Ville Heinola and forward Mathieu Perreault. The latter included to make the money work as Perreault is making $4.125 on the cap this season.

The biggest piece here going back to the Preds is Heinola, who's a 20-year-old former first-round pick who has a ton of upside as a puck moving defenseman who can play in all situations. He's appeared in one game for the Jets this season and was a +2 rating, and is currently on their taxi-squad.

As for Ekholm, with him having another season on his contract the Predators are in for a ton of offers and this one from the Jets is certainly an attention grabber. In 27 games Ekholm has recorded 14 points and is one of the best all-around d-men in the league.

Keep an eye on these two teams. If the Predators fall out of the playoff picture and decided to hit the 'reset' button, this deal makes a ton of sense for their hockey club.