One team faces Deadline day chaos as 3 trades fell through

It was Barry Trotz’s last trade deadline as general manager of the Nashville Predators this past Friday, and unfortunately for him, it left a lot to be desired.

Things started promisingly: earlier last week, Trotz acquired a second-round pick from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward Michael McCarron, and then he landed a third-round pick for Cole Smith from the Vegas Golden Knights. Big names, including Steven Stamkos, Erik Haula, and Ryan O’Reilly, were made available to some extent in Nashville, and fans eagerly awaited a potential blockbuster trade before the deadline.

“There were a lot of calls on [Stamkos],” Trotz told reporters after the deadline, including Alex Daugherty of The Tennessean. “He’s hot, and he’s got to stay hot because we’re in a playoff race.”

Trotz confirmed he turned down several “really good offers” for Stamkos, O’Reilly, and Haula. But even if he had wanted to move Stamkos, the final decision wasn’t his: the star forward reportedly refused to waive his no-movement clause ahead of the deadline.

But still, not able to move at least one of them?!

That means the challenge for the next GM will be a tough one… By not moving even his top trade assets, Trotz missed a major chance to stockpile picks and prospects. Not sure what the future looks like in Nashville after this less than successful trade deadline…