It's not a stretch to think that Fabbro is not going to be traded. Preds need that young and cheap future D-man. Besides what NSH would do with another 2C to the team, they have like 3 in the team already.

How about a Nylander for Ellis swap? That could benefit both teams.

I’m pretty sure Nashville will trade Subban or even Ellis before then move Fabbaro at this point.

Preds need Fabbro as their inexpensive d-man at the moment. I'd be stunned if he was moved.

Ultimately, a big contract will have to be on the way out. Ellis would be my choice in a scenario where we're dealing with just hockey players and not human beings, but don't discount the impact of signing a guy long-term (with the talks being held primarily by Ellis wanting a NTC) and then trading him before it kicks in. I realize hockey is a business, but I don't see that working out for the Preds to operate in that way.

Not 100% sure what you just said but I think you’re trying to say Ellis isn’t going to be traded? And I’d agree with that, my guess is Subban is likely done in Nashville.

Happy to clarify!

Ellis agreed to take a bit of a "hometown discount" when re-signing with the Preds last summer. That contract kicks in this coming summer. During those negotiations, the big sticking point was Ellis wanted a NTC. Poile refused and here we are.

Given those circumstances, nobody would ever sign a long term deal with NSH again without a NTC if Ellis got shipped this summer. Could Poile do it? Absolutely--but at what cost?

That’s a very good point. I’m just wondering what the Josi contract might look like if he gets an extension or if he goes to free agency after next season.

You're looking at this the correct way. This is why this summer is so big for NSH and why they have to move big contracts now. Re-signing your captain and stud D-man will be top priority. He rightfully will command quite the raise so you have to be in a position to make that offer.