2011 NHL Trade Deadline: Are the Nashville Predators considering a trade for Ladislav Smid?

Most of the time, I don't feel comfortable reporting rumors, because they are just that - rumors. This particular one is somewhat different, however, considering the predominant source has been TSN. The player in question is Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid, who might fit some of Nashville's needs that we've laid out over the past couple of days. First, this report from Jonathan Willis of The Score:

There have been rumblings over the last few months that the Edmonton Oilers might be willing to send away defenceman Ladislav Smid, and over the last few days those rumblings have gotten very, very loud. Edmonton sports reporters Ryan Rishaug and Dan Tencer have both tied Smid to the Nashville Predators, and the team has had scouts at the last few Oilers games.

After the jump, the reports in question and whether or not Smid would be a good fit, and some video of David Poile's thinking as we approach the NHL Trade Deadline:

First, from Rishaug, TSN's Edmonton reporter:

Next, via Dan Tencer, who hosts the Oilers' radio broadcasts:

As you can see, these aren't your typical rumormongers. Rishaug and Tencer can probably be considered "in the know". Whether or not these particular rumors are accurate, of course, is another matter entirely, but the report bears watching.

At yesterday's Nashville SportsFest, Predators GM David Poile spoke about his approach to the Trade Deadline, and how the health of Francis Bouillon plays a role in whether they'll make another move:

As for Smid himself:

Ladislav Smid

#5 / Defenseman / Edmonton Oilers

Height: 6-3

Weight: 226

Born: Feb 01, 1986

Contract: $1.4M, RFA this summer

Smid seems a little redundant, but could very well fit in on the Predators' blueline if Bouillon's recovery doesn't proceed quickly enough. The problem, as usual, is who he would bump out of the lineup and what it would take to acquire him. So use this post as a discussion starter - should the Nashville Predators attempt to acquire Ladislav Smid from the Oilers?