November 28, 2025 | 10:16pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
PLENTY OF EYES WATCHING PREDATORS
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Michael Bunting, forward
With the Nashville Predators taking calls on several players, GM Barry Trotz is fully engaged in trade discussions as he looks to retool his roster.
While a major move is not expected at this point in the season, barring an out-of-left-field offer for one of their stars, Trotz has been willing to listen on almost every one of his players.
On Friday evening, nine teams had scouts or management figures in Chicago for the Blackhawks’ home game against the Predators.
Lots of scout seats occupied in Chicago tonight for #Blackhawks vs Preds
— Tab Bamford (@The1Tab) November 28, 2025
TOR (x2)
NYR
NYI
CAR
BOS
PIT
PHI
LAK
BUF
List includes 4 directors of pro scouting + one assistant GM (a 2nd unique Leafs' AGM this month) pic.twitter.com/xO82US0q7d
The Toronto Maple Leafs, who may also be keeping tabs on the Blackhawks, had assistant GM Ryan Hardy and a one of their pro scouts for tonight’s game in Chicago. It is the second time this month one of Toronto’s AGMs visited Chicago to take in a Blackhawks game.
It is unclear whom some of the teams in attendance were watching, but the Predators have multiple pieces they are willing to move, including the likes of centre Ryan O’Reilly, forwards Michael Bunting, Erik Haula and Michael McCarron, and veterans Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, both of whom have full no-movement clauses.
Bunting, Haula, McCarron, Tyson Jost, Cole Smith, and Nick Blankenburg are all playing on expiring contracts and can become unrestricted free agents next summer.