Deal Incoming? Predators Shockingly Scratch Forward For Trade Related Reasons

The Nashville Predators have officially scratched the 35-year-old forward Gustav Nyquist for trade-related reasons, per Elliotte Friedman.

Barry Trotz, the Nashville Predators' general manager, made his trade deadline plans clear a few days ago when he gave an out to his players, saying he's willing to part ways with players who don't want to be a part of the team anymore:

With less than a week to go before the deadline, a lot of people expect the Predators to be one of the most active teams on the market.

A big decision was announced that likely confirmed the fate of Gustav Nyquist with the team.

Indeed, Elliotte Friedman wrote on X that Nyquist will be a healthy scratch for trade-related reasons:

The insider later added that the Minnesota Wild are one of the most aggressive pursuers in the derby to get the veteran:

Teams that want to make sure their trade assets remain healthy often decide to keep players away from the lineup before finalizing deals, and this is exactly what's happening in Nashville with Nyquist.

This season, the 35-year-old forward has scored 21 points in 57 games, mostly playing in the top six alongside the team's best offensive producers.

Coming off a career-high 75-point tally, this has been an underwhelming season for Nyquist, reflecting his team's struggles.

Currently seventh in the Central Division with a 17-35-7 record, the Predators won't be in the playoffs, and we can expect many more moves from them on the trade market before the deadline. Don't be surprised if Barry Trotz decides to healthy scratch other players in the next few days to limit injury risks.

The Preds will play against the New York Islanders on Saturday afternoon. The game is much more crucial for the Islanders, who are looking to remain in the Eastern Conference's tight playoff race.

MUST READ

1 hour ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Nashville Predators Trade 35-Year-Old Veteran Forward

4 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Jordan Binnington Makes his Feelings Known and Responds To Haters After 4 Nations Face-Off Final Win

5 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Unforgettable Moment: Gaudreau Family Takes Center Stage in Blue Jacket's Stadium Series Entrance

20 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Surprising Canadian Team Emerges as the Betting Favourites to Land Mikko Rantanen

21 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Insider Reveals Brock Boeser Turned Down Five-Year Contract Extension from Vancouver Canucks

22 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Craig Berube Makes Rare Lineup Change, His First in 24 Days to Handle Matt Rempe and the Rangers Tonight

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Brandon Hagel Spills the Truth About Team Canada's Secret "Champions" Chat After 4 Nations Triumph Over USA

Feb 28  |  By Julien Trekker Reporter Reveals New York Rangers Looking to Make Blockbuster Trade for Big and Rugged Forward

MORE STORIES