For the second consecutive season, the Predators seem unsure whether or not to sell assets ahead of the trade deadline. This year, despite currently being in a playoff position, reports are out that the Predators are looking to move on from a player who has essentially been the face of the franchise for quite some time.
That's right, once again, Filip Forsberg could be on the move. Andy Strickland of Bally Sports reported Wednesday night the Predators are looking to trade the superstar winger.
Forsberg, at 27 years old, is producing at the highest rate of his career with 44 points in 38 games, and is a pending unrestricted free agent at the end of this year. Through the remainder of this season, Forsberg holds a manageable $6M salary cap hit, which becomes even more manageable with some salary retention by either the Preds or a third team coming in to help broker a deal.
This decision indicates that the Predators don't believe they will be willing or able to pay the price to re-sign Forsberg. So not only will contending teams initiate a potential bidding war over the young superstar, but he will likely sign elsewhere in the league during the Free Agent Frenzy of July.
Nashville's General Manager David Poile is arguably one of the best in hockey, carrying the most wins from any GM in league history. Poile has also been known to make huge splashes in the trade market, famously trading quality players Seth Jones, Shea Weber, Samuel Girard in recent years, with many more earlier in his career.
When a player of this caliber becomes available at the deadline, every contending team will make sure to check in on the price to acquire Forsberg, barring any salary cap restrictions. Keep an eye out for Poile to once again shock the hockey world with a Forsberg trade.
