The topic of whether or not the Nashville Predators will (or should) trade longtime center David Legwand has been a hot one this season (see Jeremy's recent article on the subject), and tonight we're getting outside confirmation that the Preds' front office is indeed working on that front. This comes from the most highly respected insider in the NHL, TSN's Bob McKenzie:

The Predators are shopping Legwand hard. The price is expected to be a first- or second-round pick but keep in mind he has a full no-move clause and he will decide whether or not he wants to be a rental or whether he wants to play out the string with Nashville.

David Legwand #11 / Center / Nashville Predators Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Born: Aug 17, 1980

GP G A P +/- PIM PPG SHG GWG

SOG PCT 2013 - David Legwand 57 10 29 39 -7 24 4 0 2 98 10.2

Legwand is the team's career leader in all the major statistical categories, and he leads the Predators in scoring this season as well, on pace to put up his best numbers since he skated alongside Paul Kariya in 2006-7.

The team has been noticeably quiet about efforts to sign Legwand to a contract extension, however, leading to the widespread expectation that he'll hit free agency this summer (and likely do very well for himself, given the lack of quality centers available).

Since Legwand has a No Movement Clause in his contract, however, he has a tremendous amount of control over the situation, and would presumably demand that any trade places him on a Stanley Cup contender. One especially interesting possibility there could be the Pittsburgh Penguins, where GM Ray Shero is familiar with Legwand due to his time as an assistant GM here in Nashville.

Personally, I think Leggy would be a tremendous asset to any Cup contender, as he plays a heady, low-risk style of game that could plug in relatively easily with a new lineup. He's not a guy who surprises you with unconventional plays or turnovers, and has enough vision to work with new linemates well.

I know wherever he goes, I'll be pulling for him.