2025-26
Record: 38-34-10, 86 points, 6th in Central Division
Playoffs: Missed Stanley Cup Playoffs
Key Losses
F – Fedor Svechkiv (Trade w/ COL), F – Zachary L’Heureux (Trade w/ COL), F – Tyson Jost (Free Agency), F – Erik Haula (LA)
Key Additions
F – Ross Colton (Trade w/ COL), GM – Chris MacFarland (Hired), F – Jack Drury (Trade w/ COL), F – Nils Höglander (Trade w/ VAN), F – Maverick Bourque (Trade w/ DAL), D – Ilya Lyubushkin (Trade w/ DAL), F – Alexander Kerfoot (Signed via FA)
2026-27 Preview
A Fresh Approach
For the Nashville Predators, the Barry Trotz era as general manager did not produce the results the organization had hoped for, leading to a change in leadership. Nashville turned to former Colorado Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland to take over the reins and guide the franchise into its next phase.
After arriving in Nashville, MacFarland wasted little time putting his stamp on the roster. He began reshaping the lineup by acquiring forwards Ross Colton, Jack Drury, Nils Höglander, and Mavrik Bourque, along with defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin, bringing in younger talent and a new mix of skill, energy, and depth.
However, MacFarland’s work is far from complete. The new general manager will need to evaluate the rest of the roster and determine which pieces fit into the organization’s long-term vision and which players could potentially be moved. He will also need to assess the coaching situation, including whether Andrew Brunette remains the right person to lead the Predators moving forward.
The 2026-27 season will serve as an important evaluation period for MacFarland as he begins reshaping Nashville’s identity and determining the direction of the franchise.
Looking to Return to the Playoffs
After two disappointing seasons, the Predators enter the 2026-27 campaign with plenty to prove. Despite boasting one of the NHL’s most experienced veteran cores, Nashville has failed to live up to expectations, making this a pivotal season for many of the team’s key players.
The Predators will be looking to their veteran leaders to set the tone from the start. Ryan O’Reilly, Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei, and captain Roman Josi have all enjoyed successful NHL careers, but Nashville will need more than leadership—they’ll need production. Whether it’s generating offense, shutting down the opposition’s top players, or providing stability in critical moments, the veterans will be expected to lead by example both on and off the ice.
At the same time, the supporting cast must take on a larger role. Nashville cannot rely solely on its established stars if it hopes to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Secondary scoring, improved defensive play throughout the lineup, and more consistent performances from the bottom six will all be necessary if the Predators are going to compete in the highly competitive Central Division.
The pressure is on this group to prove that the past two seasons were the exception rather than the beginning of a decline. The talent is still there, but talent alone won’t be enough. If Nashville’s veteran core can rediscover the form that made them some of the league’s most respected players, the Predators have the ability to get back into the playoff conversation. If they can’t, another disappointing season could force the organization to seriously consider a larger-scale reset.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Filip Forsberg — Mavrik Bourque — Matthew Wood
Steven Stamkos — Ryan O’Reilly — Luke Evangelista
Nils Hoglander — Ross Colton — Jonathan Marchessault
Alexander Kerfoot — Jack Drury — Adam Edstrom
Defense
Roman Josi — Nick Perbix
Brady Skjei — Justin Barron
Nicolas Hague — Ilya Lyubushkin
Goalies
Juuse Saros
Justus Annunen