The Nashville Predators are at a fascinating crossroads. After a 2024-25 season that can only be described as a monumental disappointment, GM Barry Trotz is trying to walk a tightrope between a full-scale rebuild and a quick retool. The splashy free-agent signings of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault were supposed to propel the Preds back into contention, but instead, they found themselves at the bottom of the standings. As we head into the 2025-26 campaign, the questions surrounding this team are as numerous as the honky-tonks on Broadway. Let’s break down the main concerns and the glimmers of hope for a franchise desperate to get back on track.
The Elephant in the Room: Offensive Inconsistency
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Predators’ offense was abysmal last season. They finished 31st in goals scored and dead last in shooting percentage. That’s simply not good enough for a team with aspirations of playoff hockey. The big-name acquisitions, Stamkos and Marchessault, saw significant drops in their goal production. While it’s easy to point the finger at the two veterans, the offensive woes were a team-wide issue. The lack of a true, top-tier offensive superstar has been a long-standing issue for this franchise, and it was painfully evident last season.
The main concern heading into this year is whether or not the offense can bounce back. Can Stamkos and Marchessault, now a year older, find their scoring touch again? Can Filip Forsberg, who was a lone bright spot with 31 goals, carry the load once more? The Predators desperately need more secondary scoring from their bottom-six forwards and a more consistent offensive contribution from their blue line. The addition of Erik Haula should provide some depth down the middle, but the pressure will be on guys like Luke Evangelista and other young forwards to take a significant step forward.
A Blueline in Transition
The Predators have always prided themselves on a strong defense, but even that took a step back last season, finishing 27th in goals against. Trotz has made it a priority to get younger and bigger on the back end, and he’s made some intriguing moves to address this. The additions of Nicolas Hague and Nick Perbix bring size and a more defensive mindset to the blue line. Hague, a Stanley Cup champion with Vegas, has the potential to be a top-four defenseman, while Perbix provides a steady, right-shot option.
The key to this revamped defense will be how quickly the new pieces can gel with the existing core of Roman Josi and Brady Skjei. Josi’s health will also be a major factor. After a scary concussion last season, the Predators need their captain back at 100% to lead this group. If the new-look defense can find its chemistry and play a more structured, physical game, it could go a long way in taking the pressure off the offense and the goaltending.
The Saros Situation and Goaltending Depth
For years, Juuse Saros has been the backbone of this team. He’s a Vezina-caliber goaltender who has stolen countless games for the Predators. However, even Saros had a down year by his lofty standards. The sheer volume of games he’s played over the last few seasons may be catching up to him. The Predators have committed to him long-term with a massive eight-year contract, so they are banking on him returning to form.
A bounce-back season from Saros is absolutely crucial for the Predators’ success. He’s the type of goalie who can single-handedly keep a team in the playoff hunt. The team will also need a reliable backup to ease his workload. Justus Annunen is expected to fill that role, but he’ll need to prove he can handle the responsibility. If Saros can regain his elite form and Annunen can provide solid minutes, goaltending will once again be a major strength for this team.
The Verdict: A Season of Uncertainty
The Nashville Predators are a team in flux. There are legitimate reasons for both optimism and concern. The revamped defense has the potential to be a formidable unit, and a healthy and motivated Juuse Saros is still one of the best goalies in the league. However, the offensive question marks are significant, and the team is in a tough Central Division. The first few months of the season will be crucial in determining whether the Predators will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. One thing is for sure: it’s going to be a wild ride in Music City.
Created with the aid of Gemini AI