The echoes of disappointment still linger in Nashville. After a 2024-25 season that saw the Predators invest heavily in a veteran roster, only to plummet to the league`s third-worst record and miss the playoffs by a staggering 28 points, the stakes for the upcoming campaign couldn`t be higher. This isn`t just about recovering from a bad year; it`s about defining the very identity of the franchise. Are the Predators poised for a resurgence, or are they on the cusp of a “forced rebuild” that General Manager Barry Trotz is desperately trying to avoid?
The Weight of Veteran Stars: When Spending Doesn`t Guarantee Success
Last summer, Nashville made headlines by bringing in high-profile talent, signaling a clear intent to contend. Players like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Ryan O`Reilly, alongside stalwart Roman Josi, all aged 34 and above, were expected to form a formidable core. Yet, their collective impact fell short, leading to an offense that ranked 31st in the NHL and a defensive unit with the sixth-highest goals-against average. It was a stark reminder that in professional sports, simply acquiring stars is only half the battle; integrating them effectively and sustaining their elite performance is the true challenge.
Head coach Andrew Brunette, despite the struggles, remains at the helm, tasked with finding the elusive chemistry that evaded the team last year. The hope is that the past season was merely a chaotic adjustment period. However, with an aging core consuming significant cap space, the margin for error shrinks considerably. The question isn`t just “Can they perform?” but “Can they perform consistently enough to carry a team that needs to find its footing?”
The Fledgling Hope: Prospects Stepping into the Spotlight
Contrasting the veteran presence is a cadre of eager, young prospects ready to carve their path in the NHL. This generation includes names like Fedor Svechkov, Luke Evangelista, Zachary L`Heureux, Matthew Wood, and most notably, Brady Martin, the fifth overall pick in the recent NHL Draft. The Predators find themselves in a generational tug-of-war: relying on established, albeit aging, talent while simultaneously needing their youthful exuberance to inject energy and future potential.
Spotlight on Key Figures:
- Newcomer to Watch: Nic Hague. Acquired from Vegas and quickly signing a four-year, $5.5 million AAV extension, Hague is expected to elevate beyond a bottom-pair defenseman. At 26, entering his prime, the left-shooting Hague may be asked to play on his off-side, the right. Nashville needs him to embrace a top-four role and perhaps unlock more offensive upside than his career-high 17 points suggest. This is his chance to prove he`s more than a role player.
- Under-the-Radar: Fedor Svechkov. The 22-year-old center represents a crucial piece in Nashville`s puzzle down the middle, an area of significant weakness. With veteran Erik Haula (34) potentially starting as the second-line center — a considerable ask for a player who averaged less than 15 minutes last season — Svechkov has a golden opportunity. A strong training camp could see him secure the second-line role, or at least earn it through the season. His development is vital for the Predators to avoid an over-reliance on wingers for offensive production.
- Top Prospect: Brady Martin. The 18-year-old fifth overall pick is a physical force. Known for hard hits, ferocious forechecking, and a healthy scoring touch from the center position, Martin has already signed his entry-level contract. This means it`s either the NHL or a return to the CHL. GM Trotz has expressed a desire for young players to earn their spots, and Martin`s strong showing at the prospect tournament indicates he`s ready to battle for at least a nine-game NHL showcase. His raw power and potential are undeniable, offering a glimpse into the team`s future.
Juuse Saros: The Goalie Question and the Contract`s Weight
Perhaps no player embodies the team`s current predicament more than goaltender Juuse Saros. From 2020-21 to 2022-23, Saros was elite, a Vezina Trophy finalist with a .920 save percentage across three 60-plus start seasons. He was the linchpin. Yet, for two consecutive years, his save percentage has declined, and he`s finished with negative goals saved above expected. At 30, and now entering Year 1 of an eight-year, $7.74 million AAV extension signed in 2024 (a decision that involved trading Yaroslav Askarov), the pressure on Saros is immense. The Predators` playoff hopes are inextricably linked to his ability to return to elite form. His performance will be the barometer for the entire season.
The Unfinished Business of Luke Evangelista
Another critical piece in the youth movement is Luke Evangelista. He`s had the most NHL success among the early-20s cohort, tallying 10 goals and 32 points in 68 games last season. However, his points-per-game stagnated, and as training camp opens, he remains one of the few unsigned Restricted Free Agents (RFAs). This contractual uncertainty casts a small shadow, with both player and team running the risk of a slow start if a deal isn`t finalized soon. Evangelista`s continued growth is not merely a bonus; it`s integral to pulling the Predators out of the basement.
GM Barry Trotz`s High-Stakes Chess Match
Barry Trotz, a revered figure in Nashville hockey history, now faces his toughest challenge yet as General Manager. The previous season`s strategy — spending big, re-signing Saros, and holding onto veterans — backfired spectacularly. Now, he must navigate the delicate balance of getting immediate returns from his expensive, aging stars while simultaneously creating pathways for his promising, yet unproven, prospects. It`s a high-wire act with no safety net. Can he avoid a “forced rebuild” by successfully merging these two generations of talent? Or will the inevitable slide force his hand, leading to tougher decisions down the line?
The 2025-26 season for the Nashville Predators is more than just another 82 games. It`s a referendum on a philosophy, a test of leadership, and a desperate plea for redemption. The questions are many, and the answers will define the franchise`s trajectory for years to come. Buckle up, Nashville – it’s going to be an interesting ride.
