Predators Fail to Capitalize on Trade Deadline Opportunities

Nashville GM Barry Trotz opts for modest moves, keeps aging veterans despite speculation of roster teardown

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline has come and gone, and despite widespread speculation that the Nashville Predators were poised for a major roster overhaul, general manager Barry Trotz made only modest moves involving less notable players. Veteran stars like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Ryan O'Reilly remain with the team, leading to questions about the Predators' long-term direction.

Why it matters

The Predators' inaction at the deadline represents a missed opportunity to extract maximum value from their aging veterans and chart a clear path forward for the franchise. With Trotz set to retire after the season, the team now appears to be in limbo, risking another season of inconsistency and a potential playoff miss.

The details

Trotz did make a few trades, including sending forward Michael McCarron to the Minnesota Wild and defenseman Nick Blankenburg to the Colorado Avalanche. However, he opted to keep his core veteran players, citing a desire to "give us a little bit of opportunity to see if we can get there" in terms of making the playoffs. Trotz said the veteran players, including team captain Roman Josi, are "all in" and want to help mentor the team's younger players.

  • The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline took place on March 3, 2026.
  • On the eve of the deadline, the Predators traded defenseman Nick Blankenburg to the Colorado Avalanche.

The players

Barry Trotz

The general manager of the Nashville Predators, who is set to retire following the 2026 season.

Steven Stamkos

A veteran forward who was rumored to be on the trade block but ultimately remained with the Predators.

Jonathan Marchessault

A veteran forward who was also rumored to be on the trade block but remained with the Predators.

Ryan O'Reilly

A veteran forward who was rumored to be on the trade block but remained with the Predators.

Roman Josi

The team captain of the Nashville Predators.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You look at it and where we are...you have to decide where we are in the playoffs and the playoff race, I should say, and balancing that out. I felt that a few games back, that we would move some of those guys... As I've said, the plan has always been in pen and the path is in pencil. That was the pencil part right there, where we moved [players]. I thought we were at really good value for the players that we moved.”

— Barry Trotz, General Manager, Nashville Predators (NHL.com)

“When I talked to all of them, I said, 'I've got to make some tough decisions, because we're not there, but I want to give us a little bit of opportunity to see if we can get there.' And they understood that. We talked about, 'Who was your guy? Who was your guy when you were young? [Stamkos] or [O'Reilly], who was your guy that really helped you along when you're starting?' And I said, 'You're now that guy.'”

— Barry Trotz, General Manager, Nashville Predators (NHL.com)

What’s next

Trotz has announced he will retire following the 2026 season, and the Predators will need to find a new general manager who can chart a clear direction for the franchise moving forward.

The takeaway

The Predators' inaction at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline represents a missed opportunity to rebuild their roster and establish a clear long-term vision for the franchise. With an aging core and an uncertain future, Nashville now faces the risk of another season of inconsistency and a potential playoff miss unless significant changes are made in the offseason.