NHL Trade Rumors: Nashville Predators Get Andrei Kostitsyn from Canadiens

Preds GM David Poile hasn't executed the blockbuster Rick Nash trade that was being whispered just prior to the trade deadline, but he still got one of his long-time targets in a deal with the Montreal Canadiens.

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"(Andrei) Kostitsyn to the #preds for a 2nd round pick in 2013 and the Hal Gill conditional 5th" via Predators beat writer for The Tennessean Joshua Cooper 

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ESPN's Pierre LeBrun is also reporting the trade. 

The Predators reunite Andrei Kostitsyn with his brother Sergei, who led the Predators in goals last season. The siblings previously played together in Montreal for three seasons before Sergei was traded to the Preds in 2010. 

Kostitsyn has 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) on the season and is averaging about 15 minutes of ice time per game. His $3.25 million contract is set to expire at the end of this season. 

This move for Nashville helps to solidify their chances at making a Stanley Cup run this season. With Kostitsyn at the end of his contract, they are able to avoid a huge salary cap hit that would have come with a trade for superstar forward, Nash. 

Kostitsyn is also more of a balanced, team-oriented player that fits Nashville's system quite well. He should gel well in Music City, while announcers pound their heads wondering what to do when both Kostitsyns are on the ice.  

Don't get me wrong, Nash would have been a big addition, but in this deal the Preds were able to bolster their roster with a much-needed forward while keeping their team intact. 

With only three hours left in this year's trade window—set to end at 3 p.m. ET Monday—this could be the last deal for Nashville before their postseason run.

One question remains for Poile as the clock ticks on: Will it be enough?