Report: Predators seeking top-4 defenseman with 'a bit of term'
The Nashville Predators are looking to acquire a top-four defenseman with "a bit of term," reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
General manager Barry Trotz already revealed his intentions to land a center in late October, though he acknowledged the trade market was cold at that point in the season.
The Predators are off to an abysmal 6-11-3 start to the campaign, falling well short of their lofty expectations after a busy summer. Trotz landed wingers Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, as well as rearguard Brady Skjei, but it's been slow going for each new addition.
Nashville sits 31st in the league with a .375 points percentage, ahead of only the Chicago Blackhawks. The Preds own a minus-18 goal differential and have been outscored 45-21 at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick.
The struggling squad has used seven defensemen so far this season, but Dante Fabbro has since been claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Here's how the Predators' blue line has predominantly lined up:
| LD | RD |
|---|---|
| Brady Skjei | Roman Josi |
| Jeremy Lauzon | Alexandre Carrier |
| Marc Del Gaizo | Luke Schenn |
Each defenseman is under contract for at least one more season after this one, aside from Del Gaizo. Josi and Skjei have three more years remaining on their pacts.
Nashville has three 2025 first-round picks, but Trotz hasn't shown a willingness to move them, according to Friedman.
Trotz threatened to start his "rebuild plan" in early November if the Predators didn't turn things around. They've gone 2-4-2 since he made those comments.
Nashville will host the league-leading Winnipeg Jets on Saturday.