NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On The Predators, Bruins And Islanders

The Nashville Predators remain well out of wild-card contention in the Western Conference. GM Barry Trotz has already been the busiest GM thus far in this season's trade market, swinging five deals since the start of the regular season.

Some observers wonder if Trotz will be a busy seller leading up to the March 7 NHL trade deadline.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday the Predators were getting calls about Ryan O'Reilly, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2019. The 33-year-old two-way center's best seasons are behind him, but he remains well-respected around the league.

O'Reilly has two years left on his contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million. He also lacks no-trade protection. However, Friedman said the Predators are treating him like he has a full no-movement clause. He also said they would only move O'Reilly if they get a trade offer that excites them and if it's something O'Reilly would agree to.

Friedman didn't speculate what type of offer would “excite” the Predators. Trotz could want a package containing a first-round pick or a top prospect and a good young NHL player, given his intent to add younger talent to his roster.

Related: NHL's Biggest Shockers At The Halfway Point Are The Sabres, Rangers And Predators

The Hockey News' Jon Bailey noted that not many contenders could reasonably fit his cap hit, which could make a good offer tricky to find. That said, he listed the New Jersey Devils, Utah Hockey Club and New York Rangers as potential fits.

Turning to the Boston Bruins, TSN's Darren Dreger reported last Thursday they were “open for business.” He suggested pending free agents, such as Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau, could be in play. Dreger said they intend to “map out a strategy” to take them to the trade deadline unless they receive a sensible offer beforehand.

Given the Bruins' precarious situation in the standings, one wonders if they'll be buyers or sellers by March 7. They could be in sell mode if they're willing to entertain offers for Frederic and Brazeau. But The Hockey News' Michael DeRosa believes the Bruins should look into trading for right winger Oliver Bjorkstrand from the Seattle Kraken to boost their scoring.

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Meanwhile, the New York Islanders are trying to climb back into a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference but remain a fixture in the rumor mill.

Pundits consider Islanders veterans Brock Nelson, Kyle Palmieri and Jean-Gabriel Pageau as trade candidates. Nelson and Palmieri are UFA-eligible on July 1, while Pageau has a year left on his contract.

Ethan Sears of the New York Post reported last week that Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello has been getting calls from clubs wondering if he's ready to sell. Lamoriello said he's not even thinking about that now, focusing on his team's efforts to stay in the post-season hunt.

Lamoriello seems willing to let his players determine whether he'll be a seller or a buyer by deadline day. We should have a clearer picture of his intentions once the calendar flips to March.

Related: NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest New York Islanders Trade Speculation

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