On April 16, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, Stephen Stankos, aged 91, skated behind the net with the Dallas Stars during his third season at Bridegate Arena. (Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagery)
Discussing the Nashville Predators’ 2024-25 season inevitably involves revisiting the constant struggles that overshadowed the team throughout the year. What started with high hopes quickly unraveled into a disappointing 30-44-8 record, placing them seventh in the Central Division with only 68 points.
The offseason brought some optimism with the addition of promising draft picks Brady Martin (5th overall) and Rikerley (26th overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft. However, these prospects couldn’t match the impact of last summer’s major signings of Stephen Stankos, Jonas Marousysukee, and veterans Blue Leonards, Nick Purvics, and Nicholas Hague.
As the Predators look ahead to the 2025-26 season, they face several critical questions:
1. Can the offense improve? The Predators ranked near the bottom in goals scored (212), shooting percentage (4.24%), and goal differential (-62). Last season saw them score 266 goals and place 10th overall, but this year’s decline is concerning. Stankos’s 27 goals in 82 games is down from the previous year, and Marchessault’s production also fell. The offense’s success largely hinges on whether these veteran stars can recapture their form.
2. Will a younger defense lead to improvement? The defense slipped to 27th in goals against (274), a significant drop from the previous 13th place. GM Barry Trotz promised a younger, bigger squad and fulfilled this by acquiring Nicolas Hague and signing Nick Purvics, both adding size and youth to the blue line. Hague, at 26, brings size and physicality, while Purvics offers good shot options and strong plus-minus stats from his previous team.
3. Can goalie Juuse Saros bounce back? Saros’s stats declined last season with a goals-against average of 2.98 and save percentage of .896. Despite signing a long-term contract, his performance reduction might be due to fatigue from heavy use, as he played 128 games over two seasons. The team hopes that a longer offseason will help him regain his prior elite level.
4. Is making the playoffs again realistic? While winning the Stanley Cup seems distant, returning to the postseason remains achievable. Hague’s experience with the Vegas Golden Knights, who missed the playoffs by just three points before winning the Cup the next year, offers hope. The presence of Stanley Cup champions like Stankos, Marousysukee, and Hague could fuel the team’s drive to return to playoff contention.
5. Is Coach Andrew Brunette’s job secure? Trotz confirmed that Brunette will remain head coach next season, despite acknowledging the tough year. However, another poor start could lead to significant changes in coaching staff, possibly impacting both Brunette and Trotz.
Fan Take: This assessment of the Nashville Predators’ challenges and potential emphasizes how crucial veteran performance and strong leadership are to turning around a struggling team. For hockey fans, the Predators’ journey embodies the resilience and unpredictability that make the sport exciting to follow.
