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Predators Trade Captain Jacob Trouba to Bruins for Prospects, and a pick

11/9/2025 • Neil Burkholder

In a stunning midseason move, the Nashville Predators have traded team captain Jacob Trouba to the Boston Bruins, just months after signing the veteran defenseman in free agency.

In return, Nashville acquires a package centered around young talent and future assets — forward Joshua Roy, prospect Will Moore, and the New York Islanders’ third-round pick in the 2026 DCHL Entry Draft.

The Trade Details

To Boston: D Jacob Trouba

To Nashville: F Joshua Roy, F Will Moore, 2026 NYI 3rd-round pick

Trouba, 31, brought leadership and grit to the Predators’ blue line since arriving in the offseason. Serving as captain during the early stretch of the 2025–26 campaign, Trouba logged heavy minutes and led by example, but Nashville General Manager Neil Burkholder made the difficult decision to pivot toward the future.

“Jacob was everything we expected as a competitor and leader,” Burkholder said. “But this deal allows us to add skill and depth for the next wave of Predators hockey.”

The Return: Youth and Upside

Joshua Roy, 22, originally drafted 138th overall by the New York Rangers in 2021, has been a breakout performer in the AHL, known for his scoring instincts and playmaking touch. His addition gives Nashville a versatile winger who can push for NHL minutes soon.

Joining him is Will Moore, a 18-year-old center and the 47th overall pick in the 2025 Draft by the Seattle Kraken. Moore impressed scouts with his combination of size, speed, and two-way reliability, projecting as a long-term middle-six option.

The 2026 third-round pick (via the Islanders) gives the Predators another chip to bolster their draft capital in what’s expected to be a deep class.

A Leadership Void in Nashville

With Trouba’s departure, questions arise about who will wear the “C” in Nashville. Veterans Lawson Crouse and Reilly Smith are potential candidates, as the Predators continue to retool under head coach Lane Lambert.

Despite the shake-up, Nashville remains committed to competing while building a sustainable core.

“It’s never easy to move your captain,” Burkholder added. “But sometimes the right hockey trade means thinking about tomorrow while still pushing today.”