Edmonton Oilers Consider Nashville Predators Trio for 2026 Trade Deadline
In a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman sparked speculation that the Nashville Predators could be looking to trade away three key players as the 2026 NHL trade deadline approaches. The players in question are forwards Michael Bunting and Michael McCarron, along with defenseman Nick Perbix.
Potential Trade Targets for Oilers' Stanley Cup Run
The Edmonton Oilers, currently positioning themselves for a serious Stanley Cup run in 2026, might find these Nashville players particularly intriguing. Friedman noted that the New York Islanders have already engaged in talks regarding Bunting, while Perbix has also emerged as a potential trade target around the league.
Michael Bunting, a 30-year-old winger, brings a scrappy playing style to the middle six forward lines. Currently in the final year of a contract paying him $4.5 million annually, Bunting has recorded 12 goals and 29 points through 53 games this season.
Nick Perbix, a 27-year-old defenseman standing at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, has another year remaining on his contract at $2.75 million per season. He has contributed eight points across 50 games while providing substantial defensive presence.
Michael McCarron represents the third potential target. The 30-year-old center measures an imposing 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, playing a physical fourth-line role at a relatively modest $900,000 salary. Through 52 games, he has tallied three goals and ten points while bringing postseason-ready physicality to the ice.
Oilers' Needs and Cap Considerations
Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now has repeatedly mentioned Edmonton's desire to acquire a big, fast top-nine forward. While McCarron doesn't fit that specific description, his physicality could address the Oilers' need for more hitting and aggression from their bottom lines. Bunting qualifies as a top-nine forward with an aggressive playing style, though at 6-foot and 186 pounds, he doesn't bring exceptional size to the lineup.
The financial aspects present significant challenges for Edmonton. Even if Nashville were willing to retain salary on Bunting's contract, the Oilers would need to navigate tight salary cap constraints to accommodate his $4.5 million cap hit. McCarron's affordable $900,000 contract makes him particularly appealing from a financial perspective.
On defense, the Oilers have expressed interest in adding another big-bodied defender capable of handling third-pairing minutes. Perbix certainly fits the physical profile at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, though his $2.75 million contract presents cap challenges for a team already pressed against the salary ceiling.
Current Roster Considerations
The Oilers' existing fourth line of Curtis Lazar, Trent Frederic, and Mattias Janmark recently delivered their strongest performance of the season against the San Jose Sharks. Lazar has emerged as a significant contributor as a checker and hitter, delivering impactful physical play including a notable hit on San Jose's Timothy Liljegren.
Frederic has shown improved skating since joining Edmonton, while Janmark continues to provide value as a penalty-killing specialist despite limited offensive production in recent regular seasons.
Friedman emphasized that while everyone focuses on Nashville's bigger names, McCarron represents an under-the-radar player who could generate significant interest as a postseason asset. "I think he's a fourth-line center who does the things you need to do in the postseason," Friedman noted. "I think he's going to be a guy out there as well."
The coming weeks will reveal whether Edmonton's pro scouts have identified these Nashville players as viable targets to strengthen the roster for what the organization hopes will be a deep playoff run toward Stanley Cup contention in 2026.
