Nashville Predators' Top Trade Candidates Heading Into 2023-24 Season

The Nashville Predators are in an odd spot, but that doesn't mean they are in a bad spot. When a team is generally stuck in middle ground between the playoffs and the bottom 3-5 in the league, it is never an ideal place to be. Most times it is very difficult to get first round picks that can really change an organization. But the team decided to sell at last season's trade deadline, get a lot of good assets for their players, and were still competitive, just missing the playoffs. Now that they are back at full health, albeit with some major changes to their lineup, the Predators are ready to compete, but might have a tough time. Here's a look at some players that could be traded if they are in a similar spot to last season.

Tyson Barrie

Tyson Barrie was acquired by the Predators as the NHL player coming back in the Mattias Ekholm trade with the Edmonton Oilers last season. Barrie is a power-play specialist who isn't as strong defensively. The Predators have lots of defense that are capable of playing in their lineup. Right-shot defensemen who can help out offensively aren't that common. The Predators, if they decide to sell this season again, can move Barrie for some more assets and easily fill his spot in the lineup. He would be a rental for a team expecting to go on a playoff run.

Yakov Trenin

Yakov Trenin is a solid third line player in the NHL who can put the puck in the back of the net and play a physical game. He logged over 15 minutes of ice time per game last season, but that is sure to go down in 2023-24. Over his first two full seasons in the NHL, he has scored 29 goals, recorded 48 points, and delivered 358 hits while playing on the penalty kill. He too is a UFA after the season and could be a rental dangled to teams by the Predators later in the season. His cap hit is low and he would be great for playoff hockey.

Alexandre Carrier

Alexandre Carrier is a different type of player than Barrie, but he too is one of many defensemen on the Predators that could fill a spot in the lineup. There may be times where he is taken out of the lineup in favor of Dante Fabbro, Luke Schenn, or Jeremy Lauzon. Carrier was drafted in 2015 and was developed for a long time by the Predators. He played one full season in 2021-22 where he was impressive, but was limited to just 43 games in 2022-23. He was signed to a one-year deal this summer and is a UFA at the end of the season. He will have this season to prove himself, but with the talent in the organization, he could be on his way out as well.