Nashville Predators Season Preview
As the start of the NHL season draws near, excitement builds among fans of the Nashville Predators. Just a week from today, they will kick off their 2025-26 season against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bridgestone Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. CST on October 9.
Last Season’s Struggles
Last year was quite challenging for the Predators, who recorded one of their least successful seasons to date, finishing seventh in the Central Division with a disappointing record of 30 wins, 44 losses, and 8 overtime losses, totaling only 68 points.
Offseason Moves
During the previous offseason, the Predators made noteworthy moves in free agency, acquiring prominent players such as Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, as well as defenseman Brady Skjei, in hopes of turning the tide this season.
Fan Insights
With the new campaign on the horizon, Predators fans took to Reddit to share their expectations through a survey designed to capture their insights on both last season and what lies ahead. Participation was anonymous, and not all questions were mandatory. Here are some key findings from that survey.
Among the current roster, fan favorites included Filip Forsberg, Juuse Saros, Roman Josi, Ryan O’Reilly, and Fedor Svechkov.
When asked about the main takeaway from the previous season, many fans highlighted the evident struggles regarding defensive depth and center position. Concerns were raised about the need for high-quality centers to bolster competitive play and an urgent need to improve defensive stability.
Coaching Challenges
Coaching challenges were another hot topic as Andrew Brunette, in his second season at the helm after a strong playoff debut, faced scrutiny following a lackluster campaign. His future tenure is precarious, with the odds indicating he could be the first coach to be dismissed this year according to BetMGM, though some fans note the necessity of a system tailored to maximize player potential to foster winning.
Season Prospects
When envisioning the Predators’ prospects for the new season, responses varied. While many shared the universal hope of reaching the Stanley Cup, most agreed a more realistic target would be securing a Wild Card playoff spot. Fans recognized the competitive nature of the Central Division but felt optimistic about the team’s chances with new talent onboard and a fresh start after last year’s struggles.
However, some expressed skepticism about the playoffs being a reachable goal, advocating instead for visible improvements in overall performance and standings compared to last year.
Key Players for Success
Fan insights into potential key players for success this season leaned towards the younger prospects. Much enthusiasm surrounded players like Zachary L’Heureux, Luke Evangelista, and Joakim Kemell, who fans believe could help elevate the team. Meanwhile, veterans Roman Josi and Juuse Saros were identified as candidates for rebound years, particularly as Josi returns from a health issue that sidelined him towards the end of last season.
Conversely, concerns were voiced about Barry Trotz, the franchise’s first coach navigating his new role as general manager. Many fans criticized his decision-making in trades and signings, which they believe might hinder the team’s progress.
Looking Ahead
As the Preds’ supporters cast their views on the upcoming season, a majority, about 55.3%, foresee the team missing the playoffs again. Projections suggest they will finish 23rd overall in the NHL and sixth in the Central Division—an improvement of seven spots in the league but still 14 points shy of a Wild Card position.
In summary, while the Nashville Predators are poised for a new season filled with potential, they will need to balance their longing for immediate success with necessary strategic long-term changes. Conversations surrounding the team underscore both the passion of its fans and the critical nature of the upcoming year in defining the organization’s path forward.
