Barry Trotz's Risky Balancing Act
General Manager Barry Trotz "serving two masters" of the present and future.
“I have to do my job for the present, to give this team a chance. But I also have to worry about the future. That was the balancing act... When you're close enough, but not there, you have to serve two masters sometimes.” - Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz in his post-trade deadline media availability.
The 2026 NHL trade deadline has come and gone with the Nashville Predators making several moves among their impending unrestricted free agents. I wrote earlier this year that Barry Trotz, at minimum, had to make the obvious trades and for the most part he accomplished it. In doing so, Barry Trotz did not sacrifice the top of the Predators roster chasing a playoff spot. However, not finding an opportunity to move one of the bigger names represents a significant missed opportunity. Even without major names being involved, there is plenty to unpack from the trade deadline.
The Trades that Happened
Michael McCarron to MIN for a 2028 2nd round draft pick
Cole Smith to VGK for a 2028 3rd round draft pick
Nick Blankenburg to COL for a 2027 5th round draft pick
Michael Bunting to DAL for a 2026 3rd round draft pick
Overall the Predators got solid value in return for the trades they did make. Barry Trotz unloaded four players set to be unrestricted free agents and while they all bring value on the ice they were unlikely to be part of the next phase for Nashville. The four additional mid-round picks were added over the next three drafts which brings the total to 33 selections, per PuckPedia.
Having so many picks provides additional options to move up or bring in other players via trade. The more immediate benefit is that full-time roster spots have been opened up for younger players. Forwards Reid Schaefer, Joakim Kemell and Fedor Svechkov plus defenseman Ryan Ufko are all back with the big club and likely to remain in the lineup for the remainder of the season. With the Predators still in the midst of a playoff chase, there will be significant opportunities for these players to grow in meaningful games.
The Trades that Didn’t Happen
And this is where the conversation gets difficult. While Barry Trotz has verbally stated his desire to get younger and set the team up for future success, his actions show that he is still struggling to let go of the present. I understand wanting to reward his top players who have pulled the Predators out of the basement and back within playoff range and to reward the fans who sat through last season’s disasters with meaningful games. And I understand wanting to have veterans around who can help the crop of youthful talent grow while not carrying the weight of the franchise on their shoulders. These are all real and relevant ideas.
But… the Nashville Predators are a team in transition that needs to embrace its future. Trading away all the veterans, especially those with trade protection, was always going to be a tall order. There are three names that come to mind that truly represent the missed opportunities of this trade deadline:
Ryan O’Reilly - I have loved having him in Nashville and he has been tremendous in 2 of his 3 seasons. But by all accounts he was one of the top trade targets for contending teams and presumably would have fetched a greater return to Nazem Kadri and Brayden Schenn which was a 1st round pick, 2nd round, a roster player and a prospect. With O’Reilly’s production level and more favorable contract he could have attracted a second first round pick or top end prospect. I appreciate the respect Barry Trotz was trying to show O’Reilly by giving him a manner of say of whether he moved on or not, but the potential assets that could have been acquired were too much to pass up.
Erik Haula - this one should have been easy. Of the pending UFA’s, Haula likely had the most value given his offensive production and special teams contributions. With Jason Dickinson and Nicolas Roy both garnering first round picks in return, that should have been an easy decision. I appreciate how thin this would have made the Predators at the center position and the leadership he provides, but again this was too much value to pass up.
Jonathan Marchessault - this is certainly the most difficult of the three given his contract, trade protection and dip in overall production. But it is pretty clear that Marchessault has not been a great fit in Nashville and a parting of ways is probably best for all parties. In a year where so many teams are still in the mix and looking to make a splash there may not be a better opportunity to make the move.
What Happens Now?
While it is clear that Barry Trotz was unwilling to let go of the playoff chase, he was also saving some of the bigger roster decisions to whoever ends up as his replacement. There will still be suitors for players of Ryan O’Reilly’s and Steven Stamkos’ quality. The abundance of draft picks are available to be used to improve the roster now and in the future. Those decisions may end up being easier for a new general manager who likely won’t have the emotional/loyalty ties to the players. But it is also likely that value will have been left on the table. It may all work out in the end and the Predators may yet find their stars of the future, but the unwillingness to make the hard decisions now represents a missed opportunity.
