NHL Trade Deadline: Predators D Alexandre Carrier

The Nashville Predators are currently in possession of the last Wild Card spot in the Western Conference playoff picture, so why is it that they could be convinced to sell off assets?

The Predators have won five games in a row, putting them four points ahead of the St. Louis Blues for the final playoff spot in the West, though the Blues have two games in hand in which they could make up those four points.

While there are several teams in contention for that final playoff spot, the reality of the situation is that whoever emerges with it is in for a brutal fight to make anything of their playoff run.

The 2023 Florida Panthers proved it could be done, but the top-heavy Western Conference means that team is staring down a juggernaut in the first round. The Predators are coming off of a fantastic road trip to California, but there might be a level of practicality that factors into the team's approach at the deadline.

If they do opt to buy and sell at the same time, one piece that could be moved out is Alexandre Carrier, a right-shot defenseman having a strong bounce-back year after he was excellent in 2021-2022 as well.

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NHL Trade Deadline: Alexandre Carrier

Contract Situation: Expiring at end of 2024 at $2.5 million cap hit
Season Stats: 4 goals, 13 assists for 17 points in 54 games
Possible Destinations: New Jersey, New York Rangers, Colorado, Boston, Edmonton, Tampa Bay

Carrier is the definition of a steady and reliable defenseman. He isn't going to blow anybody away with his offensive ability, but he does all of the little things that contribute to winning.

The Predators benefit greatly from his steady presence when he's on the ice, even in the context of a team historically loaded with quality defensemen.

According to Natural Stat Trick, with Carrier on the ice at 5-on-5, the Predators control 51.26% of the expected goals, and while his share of shots on goal and shot attempts are both under 50 percent, he's above 50 percent when it comes to high-danger shot share.

This means that even though he's not a dominant possession force, he does the job around the net to make sure that his goalies aren't having to deal with dangerous chances often.

The Predators are indeed loaded with defensemen, so the presence of Roman Josi, Ryan McDonagh, and Dante Fabbro make Carrier's presence a luxury more than a necessity both looking forward and on a nightly basis this year. He's due for a big raise, and the Predators may not want to commit significant cap space to their fourth defenseman.

That means if any of the teams in need of defensemen come calling, the Predators might be wise to take a high offer, as teams like Boston, Edmonton, Tampa Bay, and Colorado are all in need of upgrades on their second defense pairings.