Lightning Reportedly Target Predators Depth Forward Ahead of Trade Deadline

Nashville's Cole Smith pulled from Tuesday's game as Tampa Bay looks to bolster its bottom-six

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Tampa Bay Lightning are reportedly interested in acquiring Nashville Predators forward Cole Smith ahead of the NHL trade deadline on Friday. Smith was pulled from Tuesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, suggesting a potential trade is in the works. While Smith is a bottom-six forward with limited offensive upside, he could provide depth and an upgrade to Tampa's current fourth-line options.

Why it matters

As the top team in the Atlantic Division, the Lightning are looking to make a push for the Stanley Cup Final. Acquiring a depth forward like Smith could help solidify their bottom-six and provide fresh legs for a playoff run. For the Predators, trading away pending free agents like Smith is part of a larger strategy to build for the future under a new general manager.

The details

According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Lightning have been circling around Cole Smith in trade talks. Smith was removed from Tuesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after just a three-second shift, suggesting a potential trade is imminent. Smith is a bottom-six forward who has never scored more than nine goals in a season, but the Lightning are more focused on adding depth and physicality to their lineup rather than pure scoring ability.

  • On March 4, 2026, Cole Smith was pulled from the Predators' game against the Blue Jackets after just a three-second shift.
  • The NHL trade deadline is set for Friday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Cole Smith

A bottom-six forward for the Nashville Predators who is a pending unrestricted free agent.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The top team in the NHL's Atlantic Division, looking to bolster their roster ahead of a playoff push.

Barry Trotz

The general manager of the Nashville Predators, who is stepping aside at the end of the season as the team looks to rebuild.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Sounds like [Lightning] have been circling around [Predators] Cole Smith in trade talks. Smith was removed from tonight's game after a three-second shift – and the pending UFA winger is awaiting word on a potential trade destination.”

— Frank Seravalli, NHL Insider (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Predators could have bigger moves coming, namely involving Ryan O'Reilly and Steven Stamkos, but for now they appear to be dealing depth pieces like Cole Smith for draft picks as they look to rebuild under a new general manager.

The takeaway

This potential trade for Cole Smith highlights the Lightning's strategy of adding depth and physicality to their roster as they aim to return to the Stanley Cup Final, while the Predators continue to reshape their team for the future by trading away pending free agents for draft capital.