Hour 2: Reaction to Preds at NHL Trade Deadline; Alex Daugherty Interview; Rex Rant (3-9-26)

·42 min·4 clips

Why did the Nashville Predators fail to trade key veterans like Ryan O'Reilly at the deadline, leaving fans and analysts frustrated?

The episode begins with hosts Robbie Stanley and Joe Rexrode discussing the NHL trade deadline that passed without major moves from the Nashville Predators. They express disappointment that players like Ryan O'Reilly, Eric Holla, and Jonathan Marchessault were not traded, despite earlier deals involving Michael McCarron, Cole Smith, Nick Blankenberg, and Michael Bunting. The hosts critique Barry Trotz's press conference explanations, particularly his vague statement about getting 'fairly close' to trading O'Reilly and his rationale for keeping veterans to mentor young players. They argue the team's 'half measures' have left it less likely to make the playoffs without securing significant draft capital. A caller named Nate phones in to vent frustration, saying Trotz letting players influence decisions means the team will never win. Alex Daugherty, a Predators beat writer for the Tennessean, joins the show and labels the deadline inaction as Trotz's worst moment as GM, comparing it to Michael Jordan's tenure with the Wizards. Daugherty analyzes the team's misalignment, suggesting they should have either fully committed to selling or kept the roster intact. He speculates on potential offseason moves for players like O'Reilly and Marchessault under a new general manager. The conversation touches on the Predators' historical drafting failures and the need for an external hire as the next GM. Later, Joe Rexrode delivers a 'Rex Rant' segment, shifting focus to local college basketball. He notes a disappointing weekend for Belmont, Lipscomb, and Vanderbilt women's team, but praises Tennessee State University for winning the OVC tournament under first-year coach Nolan Smith. Rexrode highlights TSU's first NCAA bid since 1994 and calls Smith a candidate for National Coach of the Year. The episode concludes with a brief mention of upcoming NFL free agency coverage.

As heard by us

The Predators' deadline talk keeps running into the same veteran-versus-future problem.

Robbie Stanley, Joe Rexrode, and Ian Safar spend hour two on the Predators' trade deadline and the roster tension that keeps shaping the conversation.

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Why you'd press play

A hockey hour for when the Predators' deadline leaves you with more questions than relief.

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