The echoes of a truly forgettable season still linger in Nashville. The 2024-25 campaign was supposed to be different. It was the year the Predators, armed with substantial offseason investments, aimed to reclaim their footing in the NHL. Instead, it delivered a profound disappointment, leaving the team well outside the playoff picture and forcing a hard look in the mirror. Now, as the 2025-26 season approaches, the burning question isn`t just “can they win?” but “can they even recover?”
The Weight of Expectation: A Tale of Two Generations
General Manager Barry Trotz finds himself in a fascinating, if precarious, position. The roster, as it stands, is a fascinating dichotomy. On one side, you have the seasoned warhorses – players like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Ryan O`Reilly, and captain Roman Josi. These are individuals who, at 34 years old and up, still carry immense weight and are expected to deliver significant contributions. They are the established stars, the experienced voices in the locker room, and, frankly, the most expensive pieces of the puzzle.
On the other side, a burgeoning wave of youth is knocking on the door. Prospects like Fedor Svechkov, Luke Evangelista, Zachary L`Heureux, Matthew Wood, and the recently drafted Brady Martin represent the future. They are the early-20s and under crowd, brimming with potential but still navigating the demanding transition to the NHL. The challenge, and perhaps the greatest variable for the Predators this season, lies in bridging this generational gap. Can these two distinct groups coalesce into a cohesive, winning unit, or are the Predators staring down the barrel of an unavoidable, and potentially messy, rebuild?
New Faces, New Hopes: The Hague Factor
One of the more intriguing additions this offseason is defenseman Nic Hague, acquired from Vegas. Immediately signing a four-year, $5.5 million AAV extension, Hague isn`t just a depth acquisition; he`s expected to play a significantly elevated role. In Vegas, he was often limited behind a deep defensive corps, averaging around 17 minutes per game. In Nashville, the expectation is he`ll slide into the top four, potentially even playing on his less preferred right side. Hague insists he`s comfortable, but the Predators aren`t just paying for comfort; they`re paying for an offensive surge that hasn`t quite materialized in his career thus far. A career-high of 17 points won`t cut it for a defenseman with his cap hit. At 26, entering his prime, this is Hague`s opportunity to prove he can be more than a bottom-pair specialist – a classic “prove it” moment under the bright lights of Bridgestone Arena.
The Unsung Heroes and Emerging Talents
Fedor Svechkov: The Center of Attention?
The Predators have openly acknowledged their weakness down the middle. While veteran Erik Haula might start as the second-line center, expecting more than 21 points and limited minutes from him last season might be optimistic. This opens the door wide for Fedor Svechkov. The 22-year-old, a first-round pick, has a legitimate chance to seize that second-line center role. He put up 17 points in 52 games as a rookie, showing flashes of offensive upside. The team desperately needs its younger players to graduate into meaningful roles, and Svechkov`s development at center is paramount.
Brady Martin: The Immediate Impact Prospect
Taken fifth overall in the most recent NHL Draft, Brady Martin is far from your average rookie. Described as a “handful,” he combines fierce forechecking, physical play, and a knack for scoring. His presence was immediately felt at the prospect tournament, and he`ll be pushing hard for an NHL roster spot. Having already signed his entry-level contract, it`s either the NHL or a return to the CHL for the 18-year-old. GM Trotz has stressed opportunities for youth, and a strong camp from Martin could earn him at least a nine-game showcase, offering fans an early glimpse of the potential future.
Luke Evangelista: The Contract Conundrum
While the focus is often on high-profile signings and draft picks, the growth of existing early-20s players like Luke Evangelista is equally vital. He`s had the most success among this group so far, but his points-per-game stagnated last season. Scoring 10 goals and 32 points in 68 games, he`s a valuable piece, yet his contract extension remains unsigned as training camp looms. This RFA situation, if it drags on, could create an unnecessary distraction for both player and team, potentially leading to a slow start.
Three Burning Questions Defining the Predators` Fate
The path forward for the Nashville Predators is fraught with uncertainty, encapsulated by a few critical inquiries:
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Can Anything Be Salvaged After the 2024-25 Debacle?
The previous season was a stark failure. Despite winning the 2024 offseason and having high hopes for acquisitions like Marchessault and Stamkos, the team finished with the third-worst record in the NHL. Head coach Andrew Brunette was retained, signaling a belief that the issues stemmed from systemic change rather than coaching deficiency. Their offense was particularly anemic, ranking 31st overall, despite a respectable 18th-ranked power play. Can the star veterans find their form and lead a team-wide resurgence, or was last season a harbinger of deeper problems? -
Can Juuse Saros Still Be Elite?
From 2020-21 to 2022-23, Juuse Saros was a Vezina Trophy finalist, boasting a .920 save percentage. He was the backbone, the masked marvel, consistently playing 60+ games. However, for the past two seasons, his save percentage has tumbled, and he`s registered negative goals saved above expected. At 30, with an eight-year, $7.74 million AAV extension kicking in this season, the Predators desperately need their star netminder to return to elite form. His bounce-back isn`t just desired; it`s absolutely essential for any playoff aspirations. -
Will Luke Evangelista Secure a Contract Before Season Start?
As highlighted earlier, the RFA status of Luke Evangelista is more than just a procedural detail. His growth is integral to the team`s transition from the basement. A protracted negotiation risks a sluggish start for a player whose consistent development is crucial. Resolving this before the puck drops would send a clear message of stability and commitment to their developing talent.
The Road Ahead: High Stakes in Music City
The Nashville Predators are not just entering another NHL season; they`re embarking on a mission of reclamation. The weight of past disappointment, the delicate balance between veteran wisdom and youthful exuberance, and the pressing need for key players to perform at their peak combine to make the 2025-26 campaign one of the most anticipated – and potentially pivotal – in recent franchise history. Will they chart a course back to contention, or will the challenging winds of change force a new, more drastic direction? Only time, and the ice, will tell.
Tristan Blackwood