Orrrrrrr it could be as simple as Rinne is untouchable because he was a big part of Nashville's *past*, and that there's just a wee bit more to this business than just trading whoever for whatever. Getting, say, a 3rd for a declining goaltender does precious little for a franchise, while showing loyalty to & abiding by the wishes of an iconic player sends all the right messages to players, staff & fans alike
Call it something else if you'd like, but the end result is the same ~ the player stays put
Anddddd it's not like the Predators don't have lots of other pieces they can sell for valuable futures, should they decide to do so. And here we are, quibbling over *this*....