Would Predators ever trade Weber?

The Tennessean notes Nashville Predators GM routinely says he won't trade stud defenseman Shea Weber, but gathers several viewpoints from hockey writers on the subject.

There's also this:

"It is often in the best interest of mid-market teams to trade one star player for many younger players of equal value on the ice. This strategy reduces payroll and diversifies risk," Vanderbilt University sports economics professor John Vrooman said. "There is a trade package that would make sense for the Preds as they reload, but the package must fill Weber's gigantic skates on the blueline and provide offense and youth. This is probably not going to happen."

Vrooman also notes, "In order to survive and make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs on a consistent basis, mid-market clubs like the Preds must stay on the fine edge of efficiency. Forget the short run … Shea Weber is still too valuable in the long run … to trade any time soon."

Source: Josh Cooper, Tennessean