It’s time for some more NHL rumours. We’re closing in on the Christmas holiday, and that means general managers are in the shopping mood. We’ve already seen one massive deal take place this month. Is it possible that we could see more moves before the roster freeze? Some clubs are trying to make moves to bolster their respective playoff chances. Teams that are on the outside of the Stanley Cup Playoffs could be in a position to get a nice haul should they make a deal.
One team that might be in the mood to trade is the Nashville Predators. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a pair of players who could be on the block.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Pair of Nashville Predators Could Be On Trade Block
Rumour: On a recent episode of DMase, Vingan, and Daunic, the hosts were joined by Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman. They speculated on the futures of both Ryan O’Reilly and Jonathan Marchessault. Both players have been the subject of trade speculation.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Ryan O’Reilly rumours: I think Nashville’s in a really good position, they don’t have to do it, so they can say, if you want us to do this, you have to make us do this – DMase Vingan & Daunic (12/11)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) December 13, 2025
Analysis: Nashville is at the bottom of the Central Division with 28 points as of Sunday’s games. Predators General Manager Barry Trotz had made a big splash in the 2024 offseason with some massive signings. Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei, O’Reilly, and Marchessault were supposed to help Nashville contend in a very good Central Division.
However, things have not worked out for Nashville, which crashed and burned in the 2024-25 campaign. There have been a plethora of trade rumours, but we’ll focus on the two forwards who were mentioned in the recent episode.
The veteran forwards could be key pieces for a contending team. However, teams are going to have to pony up to get O’Reilly, Marchessault, or Stamkos at the deadline. The Predators are likely going to face a rebuild, and shipping out any of these three players will likely get a hefty return.
What It Means
We’ll break down O’Reilly and Marchessault more in this edition of NHL rumours. Friedman mentioned that Marchessault’s name hasn’t been in the rumour mill that much as of late. However, Friedman still thinks that the Conn Smythe winner’s name is still kind of out there. The 34-year-old is carrying a $5.5 million cap hit until the end of the 2028-29 season. He may be in the latter stages of his career, but he has proven that he can be a key component for a playoff team. The former Stanley Cup winner also has a full no-movement clause.
O’Reilly was also mentioned by Friedman in his appearance on the show. The insider mentioned that Nashville is in a good spot when it comes to O’Reilly, who is under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season. The 34-year-old forward has a cap hit of $4.5 million, and that contract is a lot more movable compared to some of the other deals.
O’Reilly can also be moved due to not having any trade clauses. However, Trotz would likely do right by the veteran forward and get him to a contender.
The Predators have a chance to reshape their roster. However, they can be patient and wait for the right deal.
Main photo by: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours: Update on Possible Nashville Predators Trade Pieces appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.