2025-26 Puck Drop Preview: Nashville Predators

Last Word On Hockey’s Puck Drop Previews are here for the 2025-26 season! As the regular season approaches, we will be previewing each team’s current outlook and stories to watch for the upcoming season. We will also do our best to project how things will go for each team throughout the campaign. Today, we’re previewing the 2025-26 Nashville Predators.

2025-26 Nashville Predators Puck Drop Preview

2024-25 Season Recap

The Predators made a big splash in free agency, drawing the attention of teams around the league. General manager Barry Trotz landed Steven Stamkos. Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei in the 2024 free agent period. Nashville was coming off a Stanley Cup Playoff appearance in 2023-24.

However, things went horribly wrong in the 2024-25 campaign. The wheels fell off early with the Predators losing the first five games in a row and seven of the first 10. Nashville was adrift by the end of the American Thanksgiving holiday. The team was very streaky at points and finished the year 30-44-8, which was a far cry from the hype they received in the off-season.

The 2025 Off-Season Recap for Nashville

Trotz wasn’t as aggressive this off-season, but he still was active in trying to improve the roster. Nashville did improve its prospect pool, but its in no-man’s land with an aging core that has a lot of money committed to it.

The Predators did get Nicolas Hague via trade with the Vegas Golden Knights and brought back Erik Haula from the New Jersey Devils. Nick Perbix also signed with the team, but Trotz is still all-in on this older group.

Projected Lineup

Forwards

Filip Forsberg-Ryan O’Reilly-Jonathan Marchessault

Steven Stamkos-Fedor Svechkov-Luke Evangelista

Michael Bunting-Erik Haula-Zachary L’Heureux

Cole Smith-Michael McCarron-Matthew Wood

Extras: Brady Martin; David Edstrom; Dylan Gambrell

The Top Six

Forsberg had an uncharacteristically bad season for the team, which was a harbinger for the Predators’ troubles last season. The Swede did net 31 goals, but that was way down from his 48 goals the previous season. O’Reilly and Marchessault both had disappointing campaigns for the club, which was 31st in goals per game. Both players are going to have turn things around if the Predators have any designs about a post-season spot.

Stamkos also had an off-year with the team after netting 27, which was his lowest 82-game total since 2017-18. He’ll have younger linemates in Svechkov and Evangelista in our line projections. Evangelista hasn’t cracked 40 points, but has shown plenty of promise. The restricted free agent has yet to sign as of writing. Svechkov bagged eight goals in 52 games, but is eyeing a top-six role.

The Bottom Six

Bunting has shown times that he can put up points and be a menacing forechecker. However, he had his numbers helped by playing with Auston Matthews on Toronto Maple Leafs. His style does fit into head coach Andrew Brunette‘s plans. Haula is familiar with the team from his first stint and can be physical. L’Heureux has a motor and some edge to his game. He’s 22 years old and some upside to him.

This team is filled with forwards that have strong defensive numbers. Smith may not have the fanciest offensive numbers, but is a solid defender. McCarron can also throw his weight around and anchor the bottom line. Wood is a rookie that will have decent shot at making the opening-night roster. However, there’s plenty of chatter around Martin, who has drawn comparisons to Sam Bennett. Edstrom could also get some looks at the bottom-half of the lineup. Gambrell is on a professional tryout and hoping to make the team.

Defensive Pairing

Roman Josi-Nicolas Hague

Brady Skjei-Nick Perbix

Adam Wilsby-Nick Blankenburg

Extra: Tanner Molendyk

The Top Four

Josi missing a significant part of the season really put a damper on the Predators’ chances. This team goes as their Swiss captain goes. He’s one of the best in the business when healthy. Hauge will likely be Josi’s partner on the other side and he’s opening that will rub off on him. The acquisition from Vegas has plenty to like about his game.

Skjei is known for his puck-movement and offensive production more than his defensive skill. He’ll have to improve that if the Predators want move up the standings. Perbix did spend plenty of time in the top four with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He could also slide up to the top pair if needed.

The Bottom Pairing

Both Wilsby and Blankenburg have limited NHL experience, but have some flashes of brilliance. Wilsby actually finished with better numbers than veteran Ryan McDonagh. Blanekenburg has only played around a season-and-a-quarter worth of NHL games. However, he and his partner might get more minutes if others struggle. Molendyk comes highly-touted, but could be better-served spending time at AHL Milwaukee.

Goalies

Juuse Saros

Justus Annunen

Saros and whoever patrolled the Nashville crease had trouble keeping the puck out of the net. The Finn was just recently a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2o21-22. However, last season was troublesome with a disastrous .895 save percentage and 2.98 goals-against-average. The Predators are hoping Saros can bounce back and at least keep them in games.

Annunen didn’t fare much better last season after coming over from the Colorado Avalanche for Scott Wedgewood. Saros’ backup will have to play better to give the number one goalie some chance to rest. The Predators have relied heavily on goaltending since the days of Pekka Rinne.

Players to Watch

Roman Josi

We’ve already documented Josi’s injury issues that limited him to just nine goals in 53 games. Josi has helped Nashville punch above its weight a number of times thanks to his play. He’ll need to tap into that past magic in order to help them defy the odds again.

Steven Stamkos

The future Hall of Famer was hoping to prove the doubters wrong with his big-money deal. However, Stamkos had a down year by his standards. He has bounced back with 40-goal seasons the last two times he finished under 27 goals. The 2025-26 Nashville Predators are hoping that trend continues.

Juuse Saros

The Finn is trying to cement his place as a key player for the upcoming Winter Olympics. However, his struggles are making his role on the team uncertain. Saros is also entering the first year of a contract extension that sees him make $7.74 million per season. The pressure is on for him to live up to that massive deal.

Prediction for 2025-26 Nashville Predators

The start of the season will tell the story for the 2025-26 Nashville Predators. A fast start could give the team hope that it can compete in a very tough Central Division. Nashville was notorious for its terrible starts and paid the price last campaign.

Struggles out of the gate could force Trotz to hit the reset button. He does understand the sensitivities of coaching and may give Brunette some grace. However, the shouts could become too loud and force his hand. Barring some drastic improvements, the 2025-26 Nashville Predators are likely to miss the post-season again.