According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Nashville Predators have traded Colin Wilson to the Colorado Avalanche for a fourth-round pick in 2019. No salary was retained in the deal, making this a clear cap-saving move for the Predators.
Wilson, 27, has been a consistent ~35 point player for the past several years and should see an increased role in Colorado. Drafted seventh-overall he never did turn into the dominant power forward they’d hoped for, but is a solid middle-six contributor. His contract, $3.9MM for the next two seasons, was the biggest reason for the move as Nashville needs room to sign their big group of restricted free agents.
Ryan Johansen and Viktor Arvidsson lead a big crop of players who need new contracts, and the team also added Nick Bonino and Scott Hartnell later in the day in free agency. Though Wilson remains a useful player, his cap space was needed elsewhere.
DoItDoug
Phew. Still hope that my Duchene jersey can be worn next season.
jdgoat
Nashville making cap room for something?
Jimmykinglive
He’s 27 and a consistent 30+ point scorer, you’d think they could get more than a 4th rounder for him
tylerall5
Might be a sign for a bigger move between the two teams?