Predators Acquire Jack Drury from Avalanche in Trade for Svechkov and L’Heureux

The Nashville Predators have made a significant move by acquiring center Jack Drury from the Colorado Avalanche. The trade, which sees the Predators parting ways with forwards Zach L’Heureux and Fedor Svechkov, also includes a 2029 third-round pick and forward Chase Bradley heading to Nashville.

Drury, 26, was originally drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft, selected 42nd overall. After spending three seasons with the Hurricanes, he was traded to the Avalanche in 2025, a move that involved star forward Mikko Rantanen. Over his career, Drury has played 268 games, recording 30 goals and 52 assists while averaging 12:56 of ice time per game. Known for his skill in the face-off circle, he boasts a career win percentage of over 57%.

Primarily recognized for his defensive play, Drury served as the Avalanche’s third-line center, often sharing the ice with Ross Colton, who the Predators acquired earlier in June. This trade marks a notable connection as the Predators’ new general manager, Chris MacFarland, previously held a position with the Avalanche.

Having just completed a two-year, $3.45 million contract signed in 2024, Drury is now a restricted free agent and is expected to receive a qualifying offer of at least $1.65 million, which reflects his salary from the previous season. NHL teams are required to submit qualifying offers to their restricted free agents by July 1. With $25 million in cap space available, the Predators are well-positioned to manage Drury’s contract.

In exchange for Drury, the Predators are sending two former first-round picks to Colorado. Svechkov was selected 19th overall in 2021, tallying 12 goals and 22 assists across 122 games. L’Heureux, drafted shortly thereafter at 27th overall, contributed nine goals and 11 assists in 87 games. Despite their high draft status, both players have yet to evolve beyond role-player status in Nashville.

Chase Bradley, 24, has seen limited action in the NHL, playing just two games for the Avalanche, but spent most of last season in the AHL, where he scored nine goals and added three assists in 42 games for the Colorado Eagles.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.