A season that began with high expectations for the Nashville Predators after a summer of notable free-agent signings will end in disappointment.
Instead of preparing for the playoffs, Nashville will miss the post-season dance for the second time in three years.
Off-season additions Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei struggled to adjust to their new surroundings. Starting goaltender Juuse Saros had his difficulties after signing an eight-year extension last summer. Top defenseman and captain Roman Josi has been sidelined since Feb. 25 with a lower-body injury.
The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun recently interviewed Predators GM Barry Trotz about what went wrong this season and his plans for the off-season. He hopes to keep his club competitive while laying the groundwork to add younger players to the lineup.
Trotz was among this season's busiest GMs in the trade market. From Nov. 25 to the March 7 NHL trade deadline, he shipped out such notables as Philip Tomasino, Scott Wedgewood, Alexandre Carrier, Gustav Nyquist, Mark Jankowski, Luke Schenn and Tommy Novak, bringing in Justus Annunen, Justin Barron and Michael Bunting.
LeBrun noted that those moves left the Predators short on depth on the blueline and at center. Trotz will seek to address these needs by promoting younger players or making additions through trades or free agency.
The Predators have over $17.2 million of projected salary cap space for 2025-26, with 21 active roster players under contract. RFA winger Luke Evangelista is their only notable player requiring a new deal.
Trotz has sufficient cap space for next season but informed LeBrun he wants to ensure he has enough room for some of his top prospects if they are ready to make the jump next season.
The Predators GM could free up additional cap room by peddling a high-salaried veteran this summer. Daily Faceoff's Carter Hutton suggested Stamkos or Marchessault as he doesn't see Trotz moving away from Saros, Josi or Filip Forsberg.
Trading either player could be easier said than done. Stamkos has three more seasons remaining on his contract, while Marchessault has four. Stamkos, 35, carries an average annual value of $8 million and a full no-movement clause, while the 34-year-old Marchessault has a $5.5-million cap hit, a 15-team no-trade list, and a no-move clause preventing him from ...
