Full Breakdown
Jack Drury Trade: Avalanche Sends Center to Predators
6/25/2026, 5:14:07 AM
Trade Summary
On June 24, 2026, the Colorado Avalanche sent center Jack Drury, forward Chase Bradley and a 2029 third-round draft pick to the Nashville Predators for forwards Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L’Heureux.
Context & Key Players
Predators GM Chris MacFarland, who left the Avalanche for Nashville in early June, completed a second deal with his former club after acquiring Ross Colton a week earlier. Colorado, with under $7 million in cap space, traded the pending RFA Drury; Nashville reported $4.8–$5 million in cap room, though another source cited $25 million. Drury, a 2018 second-round pick, posted 10 goals, 17 assists (27 points) in 82 games and a 57-58 % face-off rate. Bradley, a 2020 seventh-rounder, had 12 points in 42 AHL games. Svechkov and L’Heureux, both 2021 first-rounders, combined for 8 goals, 14 assists (22 points) in 95 NHL games and carry a $2.125 million cap hit. Their cost fits Nashville’s flexibility, while Colorado regains two inexpensive former first-round assets.
Official Statements & Responses
MacFarland praised Drury’s reliability and face-off skill, saying the move strengthens Nashville’s middle-line depth and adds Bradley to organizational depth.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue Drury occupies a roster spot that could develop a prospect, note Svechkov’s 42.8 % face-off rate and modest scoring, and point to L’Heureux’s suspension history as a liability.
Open Questions & Gaps
Cap-space reports vary—Nashville’s available space is cited as $4.8–$5 million, $25 million, or $25 million. Drury’s face-off rate is listed as 57.1 % or 58.1 %. No comment from Avalanche GM Joe Sakic on the trade’s rationale was found.
Impact
The trade gives Nashville a reliable defensive centre and a depth forward while preserving cap flexibility for future deals. Colorado adds two low-cost former first-rounders, bolstering forward depth and maintaining financial leeway for 2026-27.
Outlook
Drury must sign a new contract before the July 1 qualifying-offer deadline. Nashville may use the 2029 third-round pick in the upcoming draft, while Colorado evaluates Svechkov and L’Heureux for larger roles.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Jack Drury is a hard-working, reliable, full-sheet of the ice center who can handle the tough assignments while being elite in the face-off circle,” — Chris MacFarland, Predators President of Hockey Operations/GM
- “His addition to our forward group bolsters our depth in the middle of the ice, and we’re thrilled to have him on our roster.” — Chris MacFarland
- “His addition to our forward group bolsters our depth in the middle of the ice, and we’re thrilled to have him on our roster. We’re also excited to add Chase Bradley – another young forward who’s had some NHL experience – to our overall organizational depth at forward.” — Chris MacFarland
- “We have traded Jack Drury and Chase Bradley and our own 3rd Round Pick in the 2029 NHL Entry Draft to Nashville in exchange for Players Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L’Heureux.” — Colorado Avalanche (official statement)
