Breaking: Preds take big piece off trade market with latest move!

The Nashville Predators are doing everything they can to become a strong contender this upcoming postseason and went out big on the trade market on Wednesday. 

According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, who was the first to report the trade was being finalized between the two teams, the Predators have acquired Brian Boyle from the New Jersey Devils in return for a second round pick in 2019. 

The asking price might have been too expensive for some of the other clubs that were interested in acquiring the veteran centre. 

Boyle has tallied 13 goals and 19 points in 47 games with the Devils this season. He set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and currently carries a $2.55 million cap hit. 

The 34-year-old made headlines last season when he was diagnosed with cancer and won the Bill Masterton Trophy last season after posting 13 goals and 23 points while playing in 69 games despite battling the disease. 

He announced at the start of the 2018-19 that his chronic myeloid leukemia was now in remission.

Boyle was traded ahead of the trade deadline two years ago, going from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Toronto Maple Leafs as a pending free agent for a second-round pick.

In July 2017, he signed as a free agent with the Devils. 

Boyle is expected to bring leadership and experience to the Predators en route to a hopefully long playoff run. The Predators trail the Winnipeg Jets by three points for top spot in the Central Division.