Nashville Predators v Anaheim Ducks

Joakim Kemell (right) of the Nashville Predators congratulates goalie Justus Annunen after shutting out the Anaheim Ducks 5-0 in a game at Honda Center on April 7, 2026, in Anaheim, Calif.

 Photo: Getty Images/Sean M. Haffey

It was just over a month ago that the Predators effectively threw in the towel on this season, choosing to deal away four lineup regulars — Nick Blankenburg, Michael Bunting, Michael McCarron and Cole Smith — in the days leading up to the March 6 NHL trade deadline.

The only criticism at the time: Why didn’t the Preds trade away even more veterans, considering how badly the team had underachieved to that point?