Predators exchanging Kevin Fiala against Wild's Mikael Granlund, report by match

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Kevin Fiala said Monday morning that he had paid attention to commercial rumors, but that he had not seen his name mentioned.

A few hours after taking the ice for the Predators' morning program at the Bridgestone Arena, Fiala was sent to the Wild in exchange for forward Mikael Granlund, who has 15 goals and 34 assists this season.

The transaction was reported for the first time by Bob McKenzie of TSN.

Mikael Granlund from Minnesota to Nashville for Kevin Fiala.

– Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 25, 2019

"Of course you follow a little," said Fiala. "I do not know, you follow the trades, but you're not scary every day, just when you hear something from other guys."

Granlund, who turns 27 on Tuesday, has one year and $ 5.75 million remaining.

Fiala, who is 22, will be a restricted free agent after this season. He has 10 goals and 22 assists this season.

Nashville general manager David Poile said in early February, when he traded against Brian Boyle and Cody McLeod, that he listened to the offers, but that he would be happy to enter the post-season with the current alignment.

But Poile and Wild chief executive Paul Fenton was able to reach an agreement before Monday at 2 pm deadline. Fenton has been the assistant of Poile in Nashville for 12 seasons.

"I bet you'll score 30 goals in this league," Poile said of Fiala in early February. "There are still parts of his game that he has to work on, his balance needs to be better, he's a bit of a streaky player, you can see him some nights he has some, you can see him after that." he's really good at playing or scoring a goal. "