As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Nashville Predators are receiving inquiries about Ryan O'Reilly, who has two years left on his contract at an average annual value of $4.5 million. Despite his lack of no-trade protection, the Predators are handling trade talks cautiously, indicating a preference for significant returns. O'Reilly's trade value remains high, and the franchise is open to offers but not actively shopping him.

Other potential trade candidates from the Predators include Luke Schenn, Michael McCarron, and Colton Sissons. Meanwhile, the Seattle Kraken are expected to be active sellers, with Brandon Tanev and Jamie Oleksiak among those likely to be moved. Tanev's interest has spiked among playoff contenders, and the Kraken may retain some salary to facilitate trades. The Vegas Golden Knights could pursue affordable depth options like Tanev or Ryan Donato.

In New York, the Rangers have been busy, trading key players and may now be looking to move Reilly Smith, who has recently been scratched for roster management. The Tampa Bay Lightning, known for deadline deals, might also be in the market for a depth forward to bolster their top six as they sit with over $6 million in projected cap space.

The Detroit Red Wings are facing a critical moment in their season, particularly regarding their center depth, as Andrew Copp's injury has left them in need of immediate reinforcement. With trade rumors swirling, the team must identify a suitable candidate to fill this gap while considering the long-term success of the franchise. One of the top trade targets is veteran Ryan O'Reilly of the Nashville Predators. O'Reilly, known for his versatility and experience, could serve as an ideal second-line center.

At 34 years old and under contract until 2026-27, O'Reilly is a seasoned player who can significantly impact the game. His stats this season show 16 goals and 23 assists in 58 games, alongside a 56.6% faceoff win rate, underscoring his reliability. He is capable of playing on the powerplay and penalty kill, making him a valuable asset for any contending team. While the Red Wings are still in a playoff hunt, acquiring O'Reilly would send a message about their intentions to compete now, despite mixed signals given his age.

The Nashville Predators are not actively shopping center Ryan O'Reilly but are willing to listen to trade offers. To capture their attention, teams must present a promising, young NHL player ready to contribute. The Toronto Maple Leafs' GM Brad Treliving shared insights about the upcoming trade deadline, emphasizing the importance of improving the team while navigating the busy market. He noted that many teams have not yet declared their intentions, leading to a slower-than-usual pace of negotiations. Despite this, the Maple Leafs are eager to enhance their roster and are in discussions with various teams.

Mika Zibanejad remains the pivotal figure for the New York Rangers, influencing their success and playoff fate. With nine seasons under his belt, his role as a center is increasingly challenged, as he struggles with stamina and speed. Recent fluctuations in his position indicate uncertainty from the coaching staff. General Manager Chris Drury's approach may shift towards acquiring a two-way third-line center, potentially from teams looking to offload players as the playoffs loom.

The Rangers also require a top-four defenseman, but immediate solutions might be scarce. Zibanejad's transition to a top-six winger could open up avenues for trades that affect the team's salary cap, potentially clearing space for significant acquisitions. The future of the Rangers hinges on Zibanejad's adaptability and the management's strategic decisions.

Brady Skjei and Filip Forsberg each scored two goals as the Nashville Predators defeated the Buffalo Sabres 6-4, snapping a six-game losing streak. Jonathan Marchessault contributed with a goal and two assists, while Ryan O'Reilly recorded four assists. Justus Annunen made 25 saves to secure the win. The Sabres ended their four-game winning streak despite notable performances from Alex Tuch and Rasmus Dahlin, who both scored and assisted in the game.

The Predators jumped to a quick 2-0 lead, but the Sabres leveled the score before Forsberg and Skjei's back-to-back goals restored Nashville's lead. Though Buffalo nearly tied the game late on a potential Zach Benson goal, a successful Predators challenge revealed an offside, preserving their lead and ultimately the win.