The Predators are once again struggling to win games after their mid-season push, which helped them recover from a 6-12-4 start. They have lost five out of their last six games, dropping their record to 24-23-6. Roster shuffling has helped manage injuries, yet results have not fully followed. Nashville remains close enough to the race to stay hopeful, but far enough to face hard questions.
Those questions now reach the front office as trade talks begin to surface.
Barry Trotz Keeps Trade Door Open for the Predators’ Star
Nashville stayed busy through January with practical roster moves instead of major trades, leaning on recalls, assignments, and injury returns to stay afloat. Andreas Englund moved back and forth between Nashville and Milwaukee to help cover blue-line gaps, while Jonathan Marchessault returned from injured reserve earlier in the month.
These moves helped Nashville manage depth, but they did not fully stop their slide.
That inconsistency is visible during their current three-game losing streak. It has slowed their momentum and exposed defensive breakdowns. Nashville struggled to manage pace, especially in a heavy home loss against the Utah Mammoth, where long defensive-zone shifts piled up early.
Scoring chances came and went, but the offense lacked finish, even on rush opportunities. Turnovers often led to quick goals against, leaving goaltenders under constant pressure as coverage broke down around the net.
Despite a steadier season compared to last year’s 30-win finish, the Predators have not matched the control they showed in 2023-24. With 24 wins, they remain competitive but inconsistent, which has kept management realistic.
If their current slide continues, they will miss the playoffs for the second straight season. Their general manager, Barry Trotz, is not going to sit if the playoff chances do not improve. Asked by 102.5 The Game whether veteran center Ryan O’Reilly could be considered untouchable ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, Trotz did not close the door.
“No, I think everything has to be on the table,” Trotz said, while mentioning that he has not talked with Ryan about the situation. But his priorities are clear: to improve the team. So he said, “I have to listen to all offers. If there’s an offer that blows my mind a bit, then I have to listen.” Trotz also stressed the bigger picture, saying, “But at the same time, we’re not in the playoffs. And that’s the bottom line.”
O’Reilly, 34, continues to play a consistent two-way role as Nashville’s top center and alternate captain. Drafted 33rd overall by Colorado in 2009, his experience shows in how he reads situations. This season, he has 18 goals and 33 assists for 51 points in 53 games, with his production matching his top seasons.
The veteran has also been open about his own struggles during tough stretches. After a 3-1 loss to Philadelphia on Nov. 6, O’Reilly was blunt in his self-assessment.
“I know for myself, I’m the number one center, and I’m turning the puck over wherever,” he said. “I can’t make a 6-foot pass to save my life. You’re not going to have much success if I’m playing pathetic like that.”
READ MORE: NHL Fans Taken Aback by Predators GM’s ‘Crazy Price’ for Ryan O’Reilly Trade
O’Reilly is signed to a four-year, $18 million contract with an average annual salary of $4.5 million, which runs for one more year after this season. As the Predators weigh short-term competitiveness against long-term direction, Trotz’s comments suggest that even core veterans could be part of the conversation.
With the March trade deadline approaching, Nashville appears willing to listen, even if the decision proves difficult.
