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Predators Appear to Have Made Their Choice Between Novak & Trenin

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Preds
By Rob Couch | Last updated 3/3/24

The Nashville Predators have surged into a playoff spot and hold down the first wildcard spot in the Western Conference, but the season is far from over. In no way am I saying that they will collapse and fall out of a playoff spot by the end of the season, but there are some important decisions to not only be made before the trade deadline, but the offseason as well.

The Predators have a young team and more talented players on the way. Very soon, room has to be made for these players to get a chance, meaning not everybody on the current roster will be sticking around. As the team continues to win, it may not seem like the right time to sell, but I wouldn't be shocked at all if a couple of players on expiring contracts are moved.

Two players in particular that interest me due to a recent headline by Elliotte Friedman are Tommy Novak and Yakov Trenin. Friedman said, "Tommy Novak is a player that I think had a lot of interest out there. He's a scorer, he's only making $800,000. The understanding today is that he's not on the market. It's believed that there has been some progress made between him and the Predators on an extension and they're likely to keep him. That will disappoint teams."

If this proves to be correct and Novak is extended in the short-term, then it makes Trenin much more expendable, even before the trade deadline. While the Predators aren't in any cap bind, Trenin's numbers don't suggest a raise after the season and his money can be allocated to the raise Novak has earned.

The center depth that can contribute to the Predators right now is weaker than what the organization has on the wing. It doesn't make sense to trade both Novak and Trenin, but it also doesn't make sense to keep both of them past this season either. Trenin has a style of play that is useful in the playoffs and this could get him some attention, but it also may be more worth it to keep him in hand for the remainder of the season.

Nashville has players like Philip Tomasino, Egor Afanasyev, and Joakim Kemell all coming shortly. I expect Novak to be signed soon, but anything other than an extension for Trenin won't shock me.