Imagine this: a team once written off as a lost cause, now on the brink of a playoff spot, all while their general manager unexpectedly announces his retirement. That’s the Nashville Predators’ reality right now, and it’s a head-scratcher for fans and experts alike. Just two months ago, the Predators were in freefall, with trade rumors swirling around star players like Steven Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly. A Stanley Cup Playoff berth seemed like a distant dream. But here we are, with Nashville boasting an impressive 18-10-2 record in their last 30 games, just three points shy of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Their upcoming clash with the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday (8 p.m. ET; FDSNWIX, FDSNNO, FDSNSO) could be a turning point, especially as it’s their second-to-last game before the Olympic break. And let’s not forget the bombshell dropped by Barry Trotz, who revealed he’s stepping down as general manager after three seasons.
But here’s where it gets controversial: With the NHL Trade Deadline looming on March 6, what’s the Predators’ next move? Are they buyers or sellers? And who will steer the ship after Trotz’s departure? Former Predators defenseman turned broadcaster Hal Gill weighed in on the NHL @TheRink podcast, admitting the team’s unpredictability makes this transition tricky. ‘They can look like the worst team on the ice one moment, and then flip a switch and become unstoppable,’ Gill said. Take their recent 6-5 win against the St. Louis Blues, where they rallied from a 5-1 deficit to secure victory. ‘It’s baffling,’ Gill added. ‘They’ve got the talent—Stamkos is firing on all cylinders, Roman Josi is playing out of his mind—but consistency is the question.’
And this is the part most people miss: Nashville leads the Western Conference with 17 comeback wins, second only to the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL. That resilience could be enough to convince Trotz to make a bold move before the deadline, even in his final stint as GM. ‘This team battles,’ Gill emphasized. ‘In a condensed season, that’s no small feat. I’m eager to see what they can achieve.’
The podcast also dives into other hot topics, like the Tampa Bay Lightning’s scorching 18-1-1 run, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ turnaround under Rick Bowness, and the struggles of the New Jersey Devils. Plus, a sneak peek at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, where Czechia and Switzerland could surprise everyone with medal-worthy performances.
Here’s the bold question: Should the Predators go all-in at the trade deadline, or play it safe with an eye on the future? And who’s the right fit to replace Trotz as GM? Let’s hear your take in the comments—agree or disagree, the debate is wide open. Catch the full episode of NHL @TheRink for free on all podcast platforms, NHL.com/multimedia/podcasts, or the NHL app.
