Could Erat find himself on the trade block?

Due to the team’s uncertain ownership situation and his status as a restricted free agent, Tony Gallagher of The Vancouver Province suggests that Nashville Predators forward Martin Erat could be shopped by the club.

While the Czech winger only makes $1.675 million this season, he could earn a significant raise as an RFA. Whether he signs an offer sheet with another team or re-ups with the Predators, well, that remains to be seen. That could very well be decided if Predators GM David Poile receives the backing of ownership to “make long-term financial commitments” to free agents.

But if Poile doesn’t get the ‘go ahead’ to re-sign free agents, he may seek out teams interested in upgrading their offence and offer them Erat.

The Vancouver Canucks are one of those teams looking to bolster their forward group, though Gallagher believes that it’s unlikely they would “entertain” such a move.

As far as Erat is concerned, though, he would like to remain in Nashville.

“I haven’t thought that much about the future, I’m trying to concentrate on hockey,” says Erat, whose speed and emerging shot make him one of the more entertaining players around, particularly at these price levels. “Hopefully things will work out in Nashville. Mr. Poile is a good general manager but he’s been in a tough spot lately and nobody knows what the budget is going to be, nobody knows who will stay here or whether they’re going to go out and get more players next year.”

However, he says he wouldn’t mind playing elsewhere if he had to.

“I know I want to be on a team that is trying to win a Stanley Cup and so where that’s going to be I’m not sure. I have no problems playing in the big cities, in Canada where they love hockey because I’ve played in Canada [Saskatoon and Red Deer in junior] so that wouldn’t bother me.”