Avalanche Division Rivals Make NHL Trade Deadline Deal

Minnesota Wild acquire forward Michael McCarron from Nashville Predators

Mar. 4, 2026 at 2:52am

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Two of the Colorado Avalanche's Central Division rivals, the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators, completed a trade on Tuesday, with the Wild acquiring depth forward Michael McCarron in exchange for a 2028 second-round draft pick.

Why it matters

Trades between division rivals, especially around the NHL trade deadline, are relatively uncommon and can often raise eyebrows. This deal between the Wild and Predators, both of whom are competing with the Avalanche in the Central Division, could have implications for the playoff race and the balance of power in the division.

The details

The Wild acquired 27-year-old forward Michael McCarron from the Predators in exchange for a 2028 second-round draft pick. McCarron is a depth forward who has played for the Predators over the past three seasons, providing physicality and some scoring depth. The trade comes just ahead of the NHL's trade deadline, when teams make last-minute moves to bolster their rosters for the playoff push.

  • The trade was completed on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • The NHL trade deadline is approaching, with teams making final roster moves.

The players

Minnesota Wild

A professional ice hockey team based in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a member of the Central Division of the NHL's Western Conference.

Nashville Predators

A professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee, and a member of the Central Division of the NHL's Western Conference.

Michael McCarron

A 27-year-old forward who has played for the Nashville Predators over the past three seasons, providing depth and physicality.

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What’s next

The trade will be finalized, and both teams will look to see how the addition of McCarron impacts their respective playoff pushes in the Central Division.

The takeaway

Trades between division rivals, especially around the NHL trade deadline, are relatively uncommon, and this deal between the Wild and Predators could have implications for the playoff race and the balance of power in the Central Division.