While there has been speculation that the Nashville Predators will be sellers this year with another disappointing season as the team stands at 10-14, sixth in the Central Division, many experts are pointing fingers at Filip Forsberg, who has just one more year remaining after this one. The 26-year-old forward is one of the few bright spots this year with 10 goals and 24 points in 24 games and there are many questions regarding his asking price (potentially in the $9MM AAV range) and interest in remaining on a team ready to begin a full rebuild. However, there is also speculation that the Predators asking price for Forsberg is incredibly high, making it less likely they will deal him when the trade deadline rolls around on April 12.
On the other hand, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta writes that a more likely candidate to be moved will be forward Viktor Arvidsson. The 27-year-old is in the fourth year of a seven-year, $29.75MM deal and for a three year period (from 2016-17 through the 2018-19 seasons) averaged more than 30 goals per season. However, Arvidsson’s play like much of his team, has dropped in the last two years. He scored just 15 goals last season and currently has just three goals and 12 points in 24 games so far.
Regardless, it makes sense that a possible revival in Arvidsson’s offense could easily happen on a contender. Add in that fact that almost everyone in Nashville is struggling would suggest that he can turn his game around. Throw in that Arvidsson makes a reasonable $4.25MM per year and is locked up for another three years, giving teams some security could make him an attractive commodity for many playoff contenders.
Of course Nashville has plenty of other candidates it wouldn’t mind moving, including pending UFA’s Mikael Granlund and Erik Haula. It might even consider discussing some of their top defensemen. The team also wouldn’t minding ridding themselves of centers Matt Duchene or Ryan Johansen, but both have contracts that might prove difficult to move.
If they’re gonna blow this up who could they possibly take back in a deal… I really don’t want them to trade Arvy
numbers on the downhill already. no thanks
To the Devils for Johnsson and whatever picks they want please.
Forsberg isn’t a pending UFA. His contract runs through 2021-22. Arvidsson has struggled since he was injured on a hit by Bortuzzo last season. However, he has shown signs of life recently. He has been more engaged than he has in awhile and he starting to put up points. If he continues to find his game, Arvi should bring back a good return.