The trade that sent Filip Forsberg from the Washington Capitals to the Nashville Predators in 2013 continues to be a talking point in NHL circles, even over a decade later. The deal, which saw the Capitals acquire veteran Martin Erat and Michael Latta in exchange for the highly touted Swedish prospect, is frequently cited as one of the most lopsided trades in recent NHL history. With the benefit of hindsight, it's clear that the Predators emerged as the clear winner, but a closer examination reveals a more nuanced story.
At the time of the trade, the Capitals were looking to bolster their roster for a Stanley Cup run. Erat, a proven scorer with the Predators, was seen as a valuable addition to their top-six forward group. Forsberg, while highly regarded, was still a prospect who had yet to establish himself in the NHL. The Capitals hoped that Erat would provide immediate offensive help, pushing them closer to their championship aspirations.
However, Erat's tenure in Washington was short-lived and unproductive. He struggled to find his footing, scoring just two goals in 62 games with the Capitals. A year later, he was traded to the Coyotes. Latta, the other player acquired by the Capitals, primarily played in the AHL.
Meanwhile, Forsberg blossomed into a star in Nashville. After a period of development, he became a consistent scorer and a key player for the Predators. Forsberg is now the Predators' all-time leading goal scorer with 318 goals. He has also established himself as one of the top wingers in the NHL, showcasing his creativity and offensive skills. In the 2024-25 season, Forsberg led the Predators with 76 points (31 goals and 45 assists).
Despite the seemingly one-sided outcome, some argue that the trade was not a complete loss for the Capitals. In the short term, Erat's arrival sparked a late-season surge that led to a Southeast Division title. More significantly, some argue that missing the playoffs the following year was a catalyst for change within the organization, ultimately leading to their Stanley Cup victory in 2018.
Furthermore, the Predators' acquisition of Forsberg also indirectly paved the way for another key acquisition. Due to their post-trade deadline slide in 2013, the Predators secured the fourth overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft, which they used to select Seth Jones. Jones was later traded to Columbus for Ryan Johansen, who became Forsberg's linemate and a top center for the Predators.
Forsberg signed an eight-year, $68 million contract extension with the Predators in 2022, solidifying his commitment to the team. This contract, with an annual cap hit of $8.5 million, runs through the 2029-30 season.
While the Filip Forsberg trade is often viewed as a major misstep by the Washington Capitals, it's important to consider the context of the situation and the potential benefits that the team may have indirectly gained. However, there is no denying that the Nashville Predators acquired a franchise cornerstone in Forsberg, who continues to be a vital part of their team. As of August 2025, Forsberg is still considered among the top wingers in the NHL, ranking 18th on NHL Network's Top-20 list.
