Avalanche acquire Nick Blankenburg from Predators for fifth-round pick The Colorado Avalanche have bolstered their defense corps by acquiring defenceman Nick Blankenburg from the Nashville Predators in a trade that included a 2027 fifth-round draft pick, both teams announced on Wednesday. The move adds depth to a roster already ranked among the top teams in the NHL. Blankenburg, 27, is entering his second season with the Predators after signing a two-way, two-year contract in the 2024 offseason. He has been performing at a career-high level this season, recording six goals and 21 points in 49 games. The right-handed shooter averages 17 minutes and 58 seconds of ice time per contest and carries a minus-11 rating. His contributions have been instrumental in Nashville’s efforts to remain competitive in the Western Conference. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound defender began his NHL career with the Columbus Blue Jackets before joining the Predators. Over five seasons in the league, Blankenburg has accumulated 16 goals, 55 points, and 58 penalty minutes in 164 games. His ability to play both ends of the ice and his physical presence have made him a valuable asset for any team. The trade comes as the Avalanche look to strengthen their blue line ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. Blankenburg will now aim to help the league-leading team chase a Stanley Cup. Colorado currently holds the top spot in the league with 91 points and a 41-10-9 record. The deal also highlights the Avalanche’s continued focus on adding depth and versatility to their roster. Blankenburg’s experience and scoring ability could provide a significant boost to a defense that has been a key factor in their success. As the trade deadline approaches, teams across the league are making moves to reshape their rosters.#nashville_predators #nhl_trade_deadline #stanley_cup #colorado_avalanche #nick_blankenburg
Predators Acquire Fifth-Round Pick in 2027 NHL Draft From Colorado Nashville, Tenn. (March 4, 2026) – Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz announced today that the team has acquired Colorado’s fifth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft from the Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Nick Blankenburg. The trade marks another strategic move in the Predators’ efforts to bolster their draft prospects for the upcoming NHL Draft. With this acquisition, Nashville now holds 12 total picks in the 2027 NHL Draft. The team’s draft selections include four third-round picks, two fourth-round picks, two fifth-round picks, and one each in the first, second, sixth, and seventh rounds. This expansion of draft assets positions the Predators to increase their options for selecting talent in the 2027 draft class, which is expected to feature a mix of high-profile prospects and emerging talents. The trade reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its roster through both free agency and draft strategy. Blankenburg, who has been a part of the Predators’ defense corps, will now join the Avalanche, while Nashville gains valuable draft capital to invest in future talent. The move also aligns with the Predators’ broader approach to building a sustainable competitive edge in the NHL, balancing immediate roster improvements with long-term development. As the 2026 season progresses, the team’s focus on draft picks and player acquisitions will likely continue to shape its trajectory in the league.#nashville_predators #nhl_draft #colorado_avalanche #barry_trotz #nick_blankenburg
Nashville Predators Trade Nick Blankenburg to Colorado Avalanche for 5th Round Pick The Nashville Predators executed another trade on March 4, sending defenseman Nick Blankenburg to the Colorado Avalanche. In exchange, the team received a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. Blankenburg, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, will have his remaining $775,000 salary for the 2025 season covered by the Avalanche as part of the deal. Blankenburg, 27, appeared in 49 games for the Predators during the 2025 season, tallying six goals and 15 assists. Over his two seasons with the team, he played 109 games as a reliable contributor on the blue line. Signed as a free agent in 2024, Blankenburg developed into a dependable two-way defender following injuries to key players Roman Josi and Luke Schenn. His pairing with Brady Skjei formed the team’s most effective defensive duo last season, securing him a larger role in the 2025-26 campaign. This trade marked the third deal orchestrated by general manager Barry Trotz ahead of the NHL trade deadline on March 6. On March 3, Trotz sent Michael McCarron to the Minnesota Wild for a 2028 second-round pick and Cole Smith to the Vegas Golden Knights for a 2028 third-round pick. With the latest transaction, the Predators now hold 32 total picks across the next three NHL drafts. The move underscores the team’s active pursuit of roster adjustments as they prepare for the postseason. Blankenburg’s departure leaves a void on the defense, but the acquisition of draft capital positions the Predators to address future needs through the draft process. The team’s strategy reflects a balance between short-term competitiveness and long-term rebuilding efforts.#nashville_predators #nhl_trade_deadline #colorado_avalanche #barry_trotz #nick_blankenburg
