Nashville Predators Rumors: Team Sets Price For Ekholm

The Nashville Predators are in a tough position as they are still chasing a playoff spot with some of their top producers out with injuries. This will make it really difficult for them to make up any ground, and they are also too good to drop too far in the standings. There are rumours surrounding the team as general manager David Poile may look to sell.

The defenceman whose name has been heavily in the rumour mill is Mattias Ekholm, but Elliotte Friedman said "it would take a strong package to pry Ekholm out of Tennessee." That being said, there is a price that has been set, per Chris Johnston. The price to acquire Ekholm is two first round picks. His potential availability has bumped up the scouting presence at games.

Ekholm is an interesting trade candidate because he is in the first year of his four-year, $6.25 million AAV deal that has no trade protection. The 32-year-old signed the contract with the Predators in October of 2021 and then they also went out and got Ryan McDonagh from the Tampa Bay Lightning. They are similar players, both veterans, and both making in the $6-7 million AAV range. To free up some cap space and get a bit of a new look on defence, Ekholm is available and won't be too difficult to move.

Seeing as a player like Vladislav Gavrikov is going for a first round pick and more, having the term attached to Ekholm is valuable, even if the cap hit is higher. The Predators will surely be willing to eat a bit of salary to create more financial freedom for themselves.