Season Preview – 10. Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators are entering the 2024-25 season with a renewed sense of purpose, ambition, and a roster designed to compete at the highest level. After a disappointing end to last season, General Manager Barry Trotz took bold steps in the offseason to elevate the team. Projected to finish 10th in the league and expected to make a serious push for the Stanley Cup, Nashville’s aggressive moves in free agency have signaled that they are focused on winning the Stanley Cup. Key offseason additions like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei reflect this win-now mentality, while the decision to extend star goaltender Juuse Saros to an eight-year, $61.92 million deal ensures that the Predators have a strong foundation for future success. Also, the team now holds three first-round picks in the upcoming draft, positioning themselves for long-term sustainability while keeping their focus on winning in the present. The blend of veteran talent and young prospects, coupled with a culture of hard work and resilience, has set the stage for a pivotal season in Nashville. The Predators are once again in the hunt for their first Stanley Cup, and this season could be their best shot at it in years.

Season Expectations

The Nashville Predators enter the 2024-25 season with heightened expectations, driven by a clear strategy to transform from a solid playoff contender into a legitimate Stanley Cup aspirant. After years of being known for their gritty, defense-first style, this offseason signaled a shift toward a more aggressive, balanced approach aimed at addressing long-standing weaknesses, particularly on offense. General Manager Barry Trotz has built a team designed to compete with the league’s elite by blending veteran leadership with a relentless work ethic, all while maintaining the team’s core identity.

The aggressive moves in free agency reflect Nashville’s desire to bolster their scoring depth and add experienced players who have been through the grind of long playoff runs. This season will test how well those additions can integrate into Nashville’s existing culture, which has long been built on defense and goaltending. The Predators are no longer just looking to be a tough out in the postseason—they’re aiming to be a team capable of making a deep playoff run and challenging for the Cup.

Nashville’s front office has also ensured that this season isn’t a short-term gamble. The long-term extension of Juuse Saros and the acquisition of three first-round picks signal that the Predators are building for both the present and future. The expectation is not only to make the playoffs but to position the team as a consistent threat in the coming years. The balance between immediate success and future stability is at the heart of Nashville’s strategy as they push to establish themselves as serious Cup contenders.

Projected Lines

The Nashville Predators projected lineup for the 2024-25 season is a balanced mix of experienced veterans and promising young players, designed to compete at the highest level. The forward group features a blend of seasoned leaders who bring playoff experience, alongside younger talents eager to take the next step and contribute with secondary scoring. On defense, the team continues to prioritize stability and structure, with a strong core of reliable veterans complemented by emerging blue-liners ready to make their mark. The true X-factor for Nashville remains their elite goaltender Saros, who provides a steady foundation and the ability to steal games when needed. With this combination of leadership, youthful energy, and elite goaltending, the Predators have the tools to make a deep playoff run and establish themselves as a serious contender this season.

To clarify, these line projections are meant to only predict the start of the season. With so many potential combinations possible, its almost certain that there are tweaks and additions of new faces by the end of the year. Expect the season to start as such:

Filip Forsberg – Ryan O’Reilly – Gustav Nyquist
Steven Stamkos – Tommy Novak – Jonathan Marchessault
Mark Jankowski – Colton Sissons – Luke Evangelista
Cole Smith – Michael McCarron – Juuso Parssinen

Roman Josi – Dante Fabbro
Brady Skjei – Luke Schenn
Jeremy Lauzon – Alexandre Carrier

Juuse Saros
Scott Wedgewood

Scratches: Philip Tomasino, Spencer Stastney

Line 1
This was the most utilized line for the Predators last season, and it would make the most sense to keep them together, at least to start. Last season, they played a total of 766.5 minutes in 78 games, and managed to post a 54.5% xGoals For % along with a 0.51 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. Forsberg is one of the leagues premier power forwards, who has the perfect balance of skill and grit to be a force in every game he plays. While last year he dealt with injuries that may have effected his overall performance, he was still able to post 48 goals and 94 points in 82 games. O’Reilly is usually a Selke Trophy finalist, which is awarded to the best defensive forward in the league, and there is no doubt he will bring a strong two-way game again this year. He has lost a step the last few seasons as he enters his 16th season in the league, but that still won’t stop him from producing on both ends of the ice with his elite vision and defensive acumen. Nyquist generates a ton of speed for a slower line, and has a finishing and playmaking ability that compliments the styles of his line mates. A veteran of 786 regular season games, he was able to find another level last season posting career high with 52 assists and 75 points. His production may take a hit this year due to the new comers making up for offensive production, he will still be a threat anytime he is on the ice.

Line 2
This line was a vision for General Manager Trotz this offseason, where he handed out two expensive deals for Stamkos and Marchessault, who have proven to be consistent scorers for competitive teams. Stamkos is most efficient when he is on his off wing playing the left side, and barring any lacking chemistry throughout the lineup, he should be able to maintain his position for the majority of the season. He will also bring a shooting threat to a lacking power play, and with the likes of Josi quarterbacking and Forsberg being a net front presence, Stamkos should fill the ent with ease. Novak has come to prominence as a top-six option over the last few seasons, and while he might not be a household name, he has earned every minute of ice time in that role. He may not be the best playmaker on the team, but his commitment to both ends of the ice and skating ability, should help foster a productive line. Marchessault leaving Vegas and coming to Nashville seemed just as big of a shock as Stamkos leaving Tampa Bay. His is a nifty, sneaky skater, who has showcased his finishing ability in the last few years, scoring a career high 42 goals last season, a year removed from his Conn Smythe Trophy win. While the jury is still out on the chemistry this line may or may not have, on paper we can at least acknowledge the consistent threat this line can generate.

Line 3
This line wasn’t together for any part of last season, but in order to achieve balance throughout the lineup and mitigate the risk with a top heavy top-six, it makes the most sense to match these players together. Jankowski is a big 6’4″ speedy winger who hasn’t been able to establish himself as a consistent NHL forward, since playing a career high 79 games back in 2018-19 season with the Calgary Flames. His career hasn’t panned out the way many have hoped for after being a first round pick, yet he can be considered a late bloomer since he has been finding some success after a 0.47 point per game pace last year with the Predators. His position may be subject to an upgrade before the trade deadline, but Jankowski should have all the opportunity to prove he should be a stalwart in the bottom-six. Sissons is a reliable defensive-first centerman who compliments the overall forward dynamic well. He set a career high with 35 points last year, and will look to build off that momentum while he maintain a strong defensive presence. Evangelista is a bright spot for this Predators team, with no ceiling too high for his role. He is still transitioning into an effective NHL forward, but the evidence he has provided so far illustrates his potential, after setting career highs with 16 goals and 39 points in his first full season.

Line 4
The heart beat of the forward lines will be able to provide energy and big time momentum swings when they are at their best. Last season, they were together for only 10 games, but still managed to produce an unimaginable 80% xGoals For % along with an outstanding net 1.5 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. While their time together was limited, it was extremely effective, yet expectations for a full season together will be much lower than what their numbers suggest. Smith walks the fine line between a power forward and grinder, understanding how to generate energy and use his body to the fulled extent. He has the ability to play higher in the lineup when a jolt is needed, but he is most effective in a sheltered role like the fourth line provides. McCarron is a massive forward, standing 6’6″ and 232lbs, living up a fourth line center role. Last season he was able to establish himself as a trustworthy bottom-six option, playing a career high 70 games at the age of 28. He may not be a reliable offensive threat, though he will work for every minute he plays and continue to deserve his spot that he earned through his work ethic. Parssinen may be able to play himself higher in the lineup as the season progresses, possibly taking Jankowsk’s spot if that line runs into instability. He is still young at only 23 years old, and only has 89 games of experience, which is why he is best suited for the fourth line while he still gets comfortable.

Pair 1
This was the second most utilized pairing for the Predators last season, and any pairing with Josi leading it will always carry strong analytical evidence. Last season, they played a total of 604.6 minutes in 54 games, and were able to post a 56.3% xGoals For % along with a net 0.68 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. Josi is a Norris Trophy calibre defenseman, the heart beat of the Predators, and one of the most under appreciated players in the league. His vision, skating ability, and leadership qualities proves why he dawns the “C” for Nashville. In the last three seasons alone, he has posted 64 goals and 240 points in 229 games, signifying his elite status as one of the best defenders in the league. While he may be tasked with less of a work load this season after General Manager Trotz bolstered the blue line, he will still have the freedom to dictate the rush and shutdown top-tier opponents. Fabbro is a steady two-way defender capable of playing in the top-four as long as he remains a sheltered option. He may not be an offensive producer even close to Josi, but he can compliment his game by allowing stable coverage for when Josi starts a rush or makes a push in the offensive zone.

Pair 2
One of the most exciting additions to the Predators this year is the veteran Skjei, who brings a lethal shot from the point, and a two-way style that can shut down opposition scoring threats. There will be an adjustment period for Skjei once he finds comfortability in a new defensive structured system, yet all signs point to him having an immediate impact on both ends of the ice. Skjei will likely also see secondary power play time, which can help creating balance in the two units. Also, he can play both sides of the ice, meaning there are multiple options to find the most optimal pairing for him. Schenn makes an ideal partner for Skjei. He is a big body stay-at-home type who throws big hits and blocks every shot he can. His stability and willingness to anchor an offensive mentality of Skjei, makes this pairing a great fit on paper. He will be a stalwart on the penalty kill, possible seeing top unit minutes next to Josi. However, time will tell if this pair will be effective as management is hoping for.

Pair 3
This pair was the most played for the Predators last season, as they stayed together for 67 games with a collective 730.6 minutes of ice time. They were able to generate a balanced analytical output, posting a 50.1% xGoals For % along with an even net 0.00 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. They are neither difference makers or liabilities when they are on the ice, which makes them a solid third pairing in a competitive Western Conference. Lauzon is one of the leagues underrated defensive-defenseman, as he posted the league high of 386 hits, which was 60 more than second best. Having a physical presence like Lauzon on the backend, makes opposition players think twice when skating into his corner or through the neutral zone. While he doesn’t produce much offensively, he has found his identity and will continue to build on his strengths that make him so effective on the bottom pair. Carrier is a smooth skating two-way defender, that has the capabilities of playing all throughout the pairings. Yet, it would be wise for the coaching staff to maintain a balance on the blue line, just as they have attempted to throughout the forward lines, meaning Carrier should stay where he has already found success beside Lauzon.

Goalies
One of the more significant topics last year and this offseason was the future of Saros in Nashville. Entering the last year of his contract, speculation was leaning on the Predators to make a move to open up the position for their top prospect at the time, Yaroslav Askarov. However, General Manager Trotz threw people by surprise and signed Saros to a eight-year, $61.92 million extension and subsequently trading Askarov to San Jose. The definitive move signified the Predators belief and commitment behind their elite goaltender, who has been in Vezina Trophy conversations since he became a starter. Last season he had a down year with a -3.0 Goals Saved Above Expected, yet he carries an impressive 2.63 goals against average with a 0.917% save percentage in 351 career regular season games. He will once be tasked to be the difference maker he has shown throughout his career, and with a new contract signed, Saros will have all his focus on the play at hand. Wedgewood is a veteran backup that is capable of 25 games to ease the workload on Saros. He is capable of playing high quality games in a limited role. Barring injury, Wedgewood will simply just have to win when he plays and fill a much needed gap before the tenuous playoffs begin.

Scratches
Tomasino has yet to establish himself as a consistent or trustworthy NHL player for the Predators. He possesses an impressive offensive skill set that unfortunately is not currently needed for the already top heavy forward lines. There is no doubt that the coaching staff will give him opportunities to solidify his two-way play at a chance to stay in the lineup full time, but to start the season he will be on the outside looking in. Stastney is a reliable 7th defenseman that will likely be the first man up if any injuries occur on the blue line. He has a keen sense of how to be responsible and provide the coaching staff with a high transitional awareness when called upon.

Keys to Success

For Nashville to meet and even exceed their season expectations, several factors need to align. The first is the chemistry between the new acquisitions and the existing core. Stamkos and Marchessault have championship experience, but they will need time to adjust to Nashville’s system, which has traditionally emphasized defense and structure. If they can find their rhythm early, especially on the power play, Nashville’s offense could become one of the most dangerous in the league.

Another key will be the play of their elite goaltender. Saros has been the backbone of the team for several seasons, and with no elite prospect like Yaroslav Askarov waiting in the wings, the pressure on Saros to stay healthy and maintain his elite level of play is enormous. If Saros can provide the kind of goaltending he has over the past few seasons, the Predators will have a chance to win on any given night, regardless of the opponent.

Nashville’s defense, led by Josi and now bolstered by Skjei, needs to continue being a dominant force. The top-four pairs lead by Josi and Skjei should provide a perfect blend of offense and defense, while younger blueliners like Dante Fabbro and Alexander Carrier need to take steps forward in their careers. A deep, reliable defensive corps will be essential in shutting down the high-powered offenses of the Central Division.

Finally, leadership and depth will be crucial to the team’s success. Stamkos, Marchessault, and Josi bring leadership and experience, but Nashville will need contributions from its all their players, including forwards Ryan O’Reilly, Filip Forsberg, and Luke Schenn. These veterans have shown they are strong leaders in any locker room, but this season will be pivotal that they will need to provide a sense of stability and influence to keep the teams trajectory high.

Potential Downfall

While optimism is high, there are potential pitfalls that could hinder Nashville’s quest for success. The most glaring issue is the lack of depth behind Juuse Saros. With Askarov now in San Jose, Nashville’s goaltending depth is unproven minus backup Scott Wedgewood, and an injury to Saros could spell disaster for the Predators. The team could struggle to stay competitive if forced to rely on the goaltending depth for an extended period.

Another potential concern is the age and health of the team’s veteran additions. Stamkos has dealt with injuries throughout his career, and while he remains a high-caliber player when healthy, any significant time missed by him could severely impact the team’s offense. O’Reilly, while not as injury-prone, is also on the wrong side of 30, and the rigors of an 82-game season could take their toll.

There’s also the issue of chemistry. While adding high-profile players like Stamkos and Marchessault increases talent, it can sometimes take time for a team to come together, especially when those players are expected to carry a significant load. If the team struggles to gel or finds itself mired in a midseason slump, it could face a steep uphill battle in the standings.

Finally, Trotz’s decision to bolster the team through free agency and bet heavily on this season comes with risks. If the Predators fail to make a deep playoff run, the moves made this offseason could look shortsighted, leaving Nashville with cap issues and an aging core without the young talent to fill the gaps.

Future Outlook

The future for the Nashville Predators is incredibly bright, as the franchise has positioned itself for both immediate and long-term success. One of the most significant moves made by General Manager Barry Trotz in the past year was stockpiling three first-round picks for the upcoming draft. These picks give the Predators the flexibility to either continue building their already impressive prospect pipeline or use them as assets to bolster their current roster before the trade deadline, depending on how the season unfolds. The ability to either draft first-round talent or acquire impact players is a major advantage that keeps Nashville’s future outlook balanced between winning now and planning for later.

Nashville’s prospect pool is one of the strongest in the league, featuring players like Matthew Wood, Joakim Kemell, Tanner Molendyk, and a deep group that includes Fedor Svechkov, David Edstrom, Egor Surin, Zachary L’Heureux, and Andrew Gibson. While many of these prospects are still developing, Wood and Kemell in particular have the potential to make significant impacts in the near future. Wood’s size and scoring touch could eventually see him take on a top-six role, while Kemell’s offensive instincts and skating ability give him the tools to become a game-changer at the NHL level. Molendyk, a promising young defenseman, could develop into a key piece of Nashville’s blue line, providing mobility and poise for years to come.

On the current roster, a young player like Luke Evangelista is poised to take a big step forward this season. He has shown flashes of potential and could provide the reliable secondary scoring the Predators need to complement their top-line talent. If Evangelista can break through, it will further solidify Nashville’s forward group and take pressure off their veterans.

With a deep pool of prospects and a strategy to build through both drafting and making key acquisitions, the Predators are well-prepared for the future. Whether it’s developing homegrown talent like Evangelista, Wood, and Kemell or making strategic moves with their draft capital, Nashville’s future is lined with possibilities that should keep them competitive for years to come.

Final Thoughts

The Nashville Predators are entering the 2024-25 season with a sense of urgency and optimism. The moves made in the offseason indicate that the franchise is all-in on making a serious playoff run and potentially competing for the Stanley Cup. Nashville has positioned itself as a dangerous team capable of making noise in the postseason. However, the team’s success will hinge on several key factors, including the health of its star players, Saros’ ability to maintain his elite play, and the ability of new additions to integrate seamlessly into the system. There are risks involved, particularly with the lack of depth behind Saros and the pressure on the team to deliver results after such an aggressive offseason.

If everything comes together, the Predators could be primed for one of their best seasons in recent memory, with the potential to finally bring a Stanley Cup to Nashville. If not, the team’s window for contention could close quickly, leaving them to rebuild with their newfound draft assets. Either way, this season promises to be an exciting one for Predators fans, with plenty of highs and potential pitfalls along the way.