The Nashville Predators have endured a disastrous start to the 2025-26 season. The franchise entered the campaign with playoff expectations after aggressive offseason moves. Instead, they find themselves near the bottom of the standings with difficult decisions looming.
Trade speculation has surrounded multiple Predators players as the losses pile up. One particular superstar’s name has generated significant buzz around the league. However, a prominent insider recently shut down theories that the franchise cornerstone could be moved this season.
Elliotte Friedman Dismisses Filip Forsberg Trade Speculation
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman addressed Nashville’s situation during his latest “32 Thoughts” column. The insider acknowledged the Predators are exploring the trade market but pushed back on speculation surrounding their highest-paid forward.
“I stick to what I said last week, that the Predators are still feeling their way through things, from ownership on down,” Friedman wrote. “This is a critical time in franchise history, and they want to get it right.”
Filip Forsberg signed an eight-year, $68 million contract extension in 2022, carrying an $8.5 million cap hit through 2029-30. The Swedish winger has been Nashville’s most consistent offensive threat since arriving in the famous trade that sent Martin Erat to Washington for him in 2013.
Friedman made his stance on Forsberg trade theories abundantly clear. “I don’t buy Filip Forsberg trade theories at this time,” the insider stated definitively.
The 31-year-old forward represents the face of the franchise. Trading him would signal a complete organizational teardown that ownership may not be ready to authorize. Forsberg’s contract also includes a significant term, making any trade complicated from a cap perspective.
Friedman added another wrinkle to Nashville’s trade considerations. “And am not convinced they want to retain money,” he noted, suggesting the Predators aren’t willing to eat salary to facilitate moves.
However, the insider confirmed Nashville is actively exploring what’s available on the market. The comparison to Vancouver suggests the Predators are gauging interest in multiple players without committing to a full rebuild.
One player generating significant interest is center Ryan O’Reilly. “Like Vancouver, Nashville is exploring the market, well-aware there are teams lusting after Ryan O’Reilly,” Friedman reported.
The insider noted O’Reilly’s contract includes significant trade protection. “Remember: he’s got big say in any move,” Friedman reminded readers.
The Predators face a critical juncture in franchise history. Ownership must decide whether to stay the course, make incremental changes, or blow up the roster entirely. For now, Forsberg appears safe from trade speculation despite Nashville’s struggles.
Whether that stance changes as the season progresses depends on how many losses continue to mount. For now, the $68 million superstar remains a Predator.