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Insider Says Predators Defenseman 'Most Likely to be Moved'

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Preds
By Rob Couch | Last updated 3/4/24

The Nashville Predators have created a bit of separation between them and the teams chasing them for a playoff spot. Even though the team sits eighth in the conference and has won eight games in a row, there still may be some changes ahead of the trade deadline that is almost here.

The Predators are a good team, but not what many would consider a Stanley Cup contender. Management sees this and can't justify being major buyers at the deadline. They also can't justify trading a major piece like Juuse Saros, and that isn't what they're going to do. Instead, it appears the approach is going to be moving some pieces that will likely not be with the Predators next season anyways, but not getting a whole lot worse in the process.

This entails moving a player like Alexandre Carrier. On Sportsnet, Jeff Marek said that Carrier is "most likely to be moved." He wanted to note that the right-shot defenseman is someone to keep an eye on since he is on an expiring deal and it's a good one ($2.5 million AAV).

Marek was also on record saying that "the organization likes Spencer Stastney, currently playing in the AHL Milwaukee. They'd like to make room for him in the NHL." The 24-year-old is exempt from waivers this season, but has only played nine NHL games in 2023-24 and 17 in his career. The Predators organization believes he is ready and he has proven so.

Carrier is arguably the top right-shot defenseman available still with Chris Tanev already being traded. There are multiple teams still looking and as Nashville has a replacement they want to see get playing time, it won't hurt them much, if at all to make the change and get something for a player likely to leave in the summer in free agency.