NHL Trade Rumors: Nashville Predators Not Buyers or Sellers

The Nashville Predators are certainly a team to watch as we get closer to the March 5 NHL Trade Deadline. Not because they are expected to make a big trade, but rather what type of deals will they make.

The Predators are less than five points out of a playoff spot but are in a tough Central Division in the Western Conference. That has led to speculation that the Predators will be making a move or two before the deadline.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com asked what the trade situation in Nashville is right now.

"“I talked to almost everybody before the Olympic break; I’ve probably spoken to half of the teams this week,”“Everybody knows from my standpoint what we have available. I’m certainly aware that we’ve come from nine points out of the playoffs to four points out. That gives us a chance to make the playoffs. I know we have to leap over some teams to do it, so the odds are against us, but hope springs eternal.“From my standpoint, I don’t consider myself a buyer, I don’t consider myself a seller. I could just be neutral given where we are.”"

Poile noted that they could have one huge acquisition around the deadline and they won’t have to trade anyone to do it.

"“What might be the best trade-deadline acquisition for us might be Pekka Rinne… if he’s able to come and play with us soon.”"

Of course, LeBrun had to ask Poile whether or not he was looking into trading captain Shea Weber.

"“We’re not trading Shea. We’ve told that to everybody. People ask and it’s their right to ask, but we’re not trading him,”"

Will the Predators make a trade before the deadline? They probably should? After all, the St. Louis Blues, a team in their division, just acquired Ryan Miller and Steve Ott. They have to keep up or risk falling back even further.