from Damien Cox of Sportsnet,

If you’re looking for teams to watch on the trade front this month, Nashville would be one you’d want to keep your eye on.

The struggling Predators, held to two goals or less in 11 of the last 18 games, are clinging to the final wild card berth in the Western Conference and impressing no one these days with an oddly unbalanced team that’s again getting more consistent offence from its defence than its forwards.

Shea Weber and Roman Josi have combined for 51 points, including 19 goals, and just like last year, Nashville is getting more offence from its backline than any other NHL club.

Up front, the story is different. Filip Forsberg has been only okay with nine goals, while youngster Colin Wilson is a huge disappointment with only two goals. James Neal is the only Nashville forward who has 10 or more goals this season.

As a team, Nashville has a 6.8 per cent shooting percentage, which puts them in the bottom third of the league. Last year, they made a winter deal with the Leafs to bolster a strong lineup that managed 104 points, but neither Cody Franson nor Mike Santorelli helped and the Preds went out in the first round.

There are always rumours about possible deals involving Weber, who has a $7.85 million cap hit until 2026 but doesn’t have any no trade/no movement protection. The availability of Columbus centre Ryan Johansen, who had no points and no shots in 14:06 of ice time Sunday against Florida, has many making connections between the Preds and Blue Jackets.

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