The Nashville Predators are fielding inquiries about center Ryan O'Reilly, who is in the final two years of a $4.5 million cap hit contract. Despite lacking formal trade protection, O'Reilly is regarded as having implicit no-move protection by the Predators, complicating potential trade discussions.

Analysts suggest that O'Reilly's reputation and role as a mentor to younger players weigh heavily on Nashville's decisions. There are indications that the Predators prefer to retain him, especially as they rebuild their roster and seek to stabilize their center position.