NHL rumors: Predators still looking for defensemen after Jayden Struble trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Earlier this month, the Nashville Predators swung a trade with the Montreal Canadiens, acquiring defenseman Jayden Struble in return for a second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
However, Predators general manager Chris MacFarland, who took over the executive responsibilities for the franchise in early June, may not be finished making moves.
According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, the Predators would like to make at least one more move to bolster their defense, while noting that Predators players have had nothing but good things to say about the managerial style of MacFarland.
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Two weeks after trading for Struble, the Nashville Predators are still keeping an eye on the defence market,” Seravalli wrote via Sportsnet. “Preds players have been very complimentary of new GM Chris MacFarland and his clear communication of the plan for the future.
Teams are closely monitoring where this season goes for Nashville (3-2-3) as Ryan O’Reilly remains a prime target.”
Meanwhile, following the Struble acquisition, MacFarland touted his on-ice qualities, which include being hard to play against, while also looking forward to his additional growth potential.
“Jayden Struble is a 25-year-old physical defender who will add mobility and a hard to play against quality that will help our backend,” MacFarland said shortly after the trade with the Canadiens was completed via NHL.com. “We are excited to watch his growth and look forward to him being a player who can grow with us.”
So far this season, the Predators have gotten off to an inconsistent 3-2-3 start for nine points, currently sixth overall in the NHL’s Central Division standings.
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