Predators season preview: Strong start needed in quest for playoff return

The 2026-27 NHL regular season begins Sept 29. Leading up to the season opener, NHL.com is identifying six things to watch for each team. Today, the Nashville Predators.

Last season: 38-34-10, sixth in Central Division; missed Stanley Cup Playoffs

Coach: Andrew Brunette (fourth season)

Biggest challenge

For starters. avoiding another slow start is vital for the Predators, who failed to qualify for the playoffs each of the past two seasons after digging an early-season hole. They'll also need their forwards to gel, a group that includes five new players -- Mavrik Bourque, Ross Johnston, Jack Drury, Adam Edstrom and Nils Hoglander. And maybe most importantly, they need goalie Juuse Saros to have a bounce-back season. His 59 games played were second-most in the NHL last season, but his 3.16 goals-against average was the highest of his 11-season career and his .894 save percentage was the lowest (not counting his one game in 2015-16).

How they make playoffs

Just how slow has Nashville been out of the gate? In 2024-25, it began with five straight losses, was 8-17-6 halfway through December and finished the season with 30 wins. Last season, the Predators were 8-13-4 entering December. They went 30-21-6 the rest of the way but finished four points behind the Los Angeles Kings for the second wild card from the Western Conference. They also need to fare better than the 3.26 goals allowed per game from last season (26th in NHL).

Most intriguing addition

Bourque was acquired in a trade with the Dallas Stars on July 1 and could become the team's No. 1 center, replacing Ryan O'Reilly. Bourque had 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists) and averaged 15:29 of ice time in 82 games last season. The 24-year-old played wing with the Stars last season, but Borque is a natural center and is looking forward to returning to that position. "I believe I'm a better player down the middle, so I know what I’ve got to work on to be a good center in the NHL," he said during his introductory press conference. "I think I've always been a center, and I want to show that I can be a center again." If he doesn't start the season as the top option, he could find himself there at some point.

Biggest potential surprise

Brady Martin, the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, played three NHL games in October last season before being reassigned to Sault Ste. Marie of the Ontario Hockey League, where he had 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 24 games. With Nashville needing center depth and aiming to give more ice time to younger players, a good camp could lead to Martin earning a full-time NHL role this season. Although it's probably more likely the 19-year-old begins this season with Milwaukee of the American Hockey League, another slow start by the Predators could lead to him seeing NHL ice time sooner than later.

Ready to contribute

Ozzy Wiesblatt has six points (one goal, five assists) in 45 NHL games, 40 of which came last season. The 24-year-old forward was limited because of injuries, including missing 21 games because of an upper-body injury. He had 40 points (15 goals, 25 assists) in 64 AHL games with Milwaukee in 2024-25 but has yet to produce at the NHL level. If he can stay healthy, Wiesblatt will be looking to show the Predators he can provide some value.

Fantasy sleeper with EDGE stats

Mavrik Bourque, F: He set NHL career highs in goals, assists, points, shots on goal (147), hits (78), and average time on ice with the Stars last season. Bourque could bring exposure to Steven Stamkos (42 goals last season; tied for ninth in NHL) on Nashville's second line and play on the first power play with high-scoring skaters Filip Forsberg and Roman Josi. Per NHL EDGE stats, Bourque ranked highly at his position in high-danger goals (14; 87th percentile), high-danger shots on goal (59; 83rd percentile) and long-range shots on goal (17; 86th percentile) last season with Dallas. He could set career highs across the board in fantasy and is worth prioritizing in the later rounds (going undrafted on average), especially in keeper and dynasty formats. -- Chris Meaney

Projected lineup

Filip Forsberg -- Ryan O'Reilly -- Jonathan Marchessault

Steven Stamkos -- Mavrik Bourque -- Matthew Wood

Ross Colton -- Jack Drury -- Nils Hoglander

Adam Edstrom -- Alexander Kerfoot -- Ozzy Wiesblatt

Roman Josi -- Nick Perbix

Brady Skjei -- Justin Barron

Nicolas Hague -- Ilya Lyubushkin

Juuse Saros

Justus Annunen