In trading veteran defenseman Alexandre Carrier for a younger and less expensive blueliner Wednesday, Predators General Manager Barry Trotz acknowledged the reality of his team’s situation. It’s a move that almost certainly would not have been made had Nashville (9-17-6) been anywhere close to contention for a playoff berth.

Alexandre Carrier, who played seven seasons for the Nashville Predators, heads to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Justin Barron.

The Predators announced the deal Wednesday night, a little more than 24 hours before the NHL’s holiday roster freeze.