The Predators Are 'Actively Shopping' Filip Forsberg, Because Things Were Going Too Well Apparently

The Nashville Predators have been one of the best surprises in the NHL this year. In a season they were supposed to take a major step back after trading the likes of Ryan Ellis and Viktor Arvidsson, the Preds have been in playoff position all season, even in a tough Central division.

But things were rolling along all too swimmingly, it seems, because Nashville is "actively shopping" Filip Forsberg, according to St. Louis Blues reporter Andy Strickland.

Forsberg is a free agent after this season and will assuredly cash in after a season in which he'll likely set his career high for goals and points, even after missing an extended period of time — he currently has 26 goals and 44 points in just 38 games. This is exactly the kind of guy you pay, though. You don't make the mistake the Capitals made and trade a Filip Forsberg for a Martin Erat.

There's nothing wrong with taking phone calls from teams and seeing what anyone is willing to offer for a player like Forsberg. Maybe somebody is desperate for a goal scorer and is willing to give up a crazy package. But the term "actively shopping" suggests to me that's not what's occurring.

All this is happening on the day the Preds are retiring Pekka Rinne's number, no less — and two days before a Stadium Series game in Nashville. Can't we have a moment's peace?

Please, for the love of God, do not trade Filip Forsberg.