Winnipeg Jets Trade Deadline: Does a Trade with the Nashville Predators Make Sense?
By Sam Melnyk
The trade deadline is fast approaching so it’s time to have fun speculating and let your inner GM run rampant. Let’s take a look at what the Nashville Predators have to offer the Winnipeg Jets!
As of writing this, the Nashville Predators are currently sitting at the top of the central division two points ahead of the Winnipeg Jets. Last year the Nashville Predators made it to the Stanley cup finals, so I am sure it comes as no surprise that the Predators will be buyers at the trade deadline.
What do the Predators want?
According to Predlines, their current weakness is scoring in 5 v 5 situaitons. Therefore, the Predators are probably looking for some more scoring. The Predlines article by Corey Francis highlighted a few good options in Patrick Maroon, Rick Nash, Radim Vrbata, and Thomas Vanek.
What the Winnipeg Jets Want
The Jets are a solid team, but that hasn’t stopped trade speculations. With the rash of injuries, the Jets could be looking for anything from top line scoring, added depth in the defence to a back up gaolie.
Nick Kypreos said during Saturday’s Headlines on Hockey Night in Canada:
"“Don’t be surprised if they start shopping for a top-six forward as well,” “In a perfect world, they’d still like to maybe find someone on the left side that can go in there with [Mark] Scheifele and [Blake] Wheeler.” -Kypreos"
Does a trade make sense?
A trade between the Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets does not make sense. Both teams are potentially looking at upgrading their forwards and both teams are looking at hopefully making a long playoff run.
Next: Are the Jets pursuing Rick Nash? Would it even make sense?
In fact, these two teams are likely to be trade rivals, with the GMs battling it out over scoring forwards. With how tight the race is in the Central division, the GM that wins this trade battle could put the their team over the top in the race to the Stanley Cup finals.