Will the New Additions Pull Nashville Into Cup Contention?

[@LiminalMan777]

Nashville vs Colorado will be some really fun games this season.

[@JaredLS10]

As a Wings fan I'm happy that Nyquist has found a home and doing well, I still remember when a lot of fans myself included thought he and Tatar were going to be the new Euro-twins.

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

Nyquist is someone I've always loved his game and wanted him in Colorado for years

[@jma.87]

Time will tell. They won the off-season, but that doesn't necessarily translate.

[@cheese6191]

with the way they played last year and only getting better? im pretty confident

[@romaliop]

They now have a couple years' window where they might be able to contend before literally everyone starts getting too old for a deep run. I could see them winning the cup, but it's not like there aren't a few other teams that could do it just as well.

[@donborvio]

About the fairest take, as a Preds fan - hope we can do it but could easily be a couple losses in the 2nd and 3rd round depending on matchups, injuries, etc

[@juhomantynen4638]

Considering how well the Preds played against the 'Nucks last season, a team which took finalist Oilers to 7 games, they should win at least one round next season. I really hope they do, I rooted for them so hard in 2017.

[@ninjashep5264]

I agree with you! Stamkos & Josi are both approaching their mid 30s & probably are good for another two seasons before their production begins to fall off I expect they’ll at least make a WCF run & quite likely make it to the finals… They’ll need to make the most of the opportunity though because they might only have 1 shot at it

[@kjells3578]

Everyone letting go of Trotz seems to regret it. Wouldn't surprise me one bit if Preds win the cup even next year

[@nickh4354]

He was our first coach ever and we loved him then, now he's making us proud as GM, love the guy!

[@killhouse6130]

Top 5 goalie, top 5 defenseman, top 10 winger now with stamkos and marchessault they definitely have a good enough core to win the cup

[@JamesEatWorld7758]

Chemistry just needs to line up and we should have a good season.

[@speedybure]

Stammer isn't a 10 winger, especially w/o the top or top 2 playmaker in the league feeding him the puck. will be interested to see how much his goal production drops off.

[@Jimi86]

@@speedybure Yea Stammer is not, as hes a C. Forsberg is top 10 winger.

[@NHLMasterLikeAndSUBSCRIBE]

@@killhouse6130 definitely not getting past dallas or colorado

[@jonah.donohue]

@@speedybureLmao get out of here

[@austingreene9982]

I think Nashville makes one more move, but it is more addition by subtraction. Trotz has said that he is looking to make one or two more moves to create some more cap space. My guess is Nashville is likely looking to shop one of Fabbro, Schenn, or Glass for some cap relief and let some of the young players like Stastney/Parssinen/Tomasino come in on cheaper cap hits. . Nashville made all of these moves with 11M in deadcap space and didn't give up prospects or picks to make it happen, so to me the most obvious to me feels like Fabbro, especially with Stastney's recent extension and him being the next man up.

[@pyrielrising4338]

Age and how they navigate through the inevitable injuries will be interesting. Looking forward to their first match up with Dallas, should be fun.😊

[@TheLinc78]

Still can’t believe we lost Marchy, this one hurts more than Fleury. Seeing Marchy in a Preds jersey just looks wrong. Treat him well, Nashville. He is sorely missed in Vegas.

[@donborvio]

Vegas is my second team, so a lot of those FA losses hurt the team. I'm glad to have him though and hope we can light it up this season.

[@JBTriple8]

Avs fan always loved Marchy yeah its gonna be weird seeing him as a Predator just thought it cool that he was undrafted yeah I feel for VGK fans he is the Face of VGK in my book he was the Golden Misfit of all the Misfits who are all gone except Wild Bill now.

[@DiogenesTheCynic.]

Fleury was still worse because they stabbed him in the back. Marchy walked away because his ego was too massive.

[@bronsonloftin2802]

Marchy's LAZY. Good riddance.

[@baybaymaus]

@@JBTriple8Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb are originals, and are still there as well.

[@leviklynstra8975]

Unfortunately the preds might have a pretty short cup window. A lot of their top guys are around the 30 year range. That being said, they have some solid young guys like Evangelista, Glass, and Askarov (if he stays). I hope I get to see Nashville get their first cup in the next few years, as they are my third favorite team (behind Florida and Detroit). P.S. As a Wings fan, its nice to see Nyquist doing well in Smashville

[@martin9202]

They went all in... they have 2 max 3 years to do anything... Even the 3rd year is a bit stretch...

[@tiger5869]

Cup windows are always fleeting, but when you have a chance to put a team out that has potential to win it, that's all the more reason you have to do it. Just look at the Blues, their cup window was literally half of a season and they got it done.

[@toxicelec5960]

Of all our prospects and young players you decided to mention Cody Glass lmao

[@thomasasix8477]

Glass had a terrible season. They gave him more than enough chances last season, but nothing.

[@nathanspreitzer6738]

I think it will, a good goalie + superstars is always a good recipe for success

[@nickelliott1174]

It's strange, but it seems to me that they could be one of those teams that bring in the big name free agents but don't quite jell. Add the fact that they are on the old side, they could have injury problems.

[@nicweircomedy]

Very excited for the next 3-4 seasons here in Smashville!!

[@gordonmacdowell8117]

The more key players you add in the offseason and trade deadline, the more questions of chemistry definitely pop up. A few guys gel immediately, some take weeks, some, months, and some work out with their new teammates. This could be the season of Nashville not being a team hunting for a wildcard playoff spot and finishing higher in the standings. On the other hand they could also easily revert to being the team from the first half of last season, who underperformed until they got their U2 concert tickets cancelled.

[@Vladiator01]

seeing Preds with this offence is weird so used to them being a defense heavy team

[@IvoryColonizer]

I think we have a 3 year window. The guys we got have chips on their shoulders, and Trotz is good at getting the most out of his players.

[@Kachina.]

They’ll have a very good window to contend for the next 2-3 years. Could be longer if the prospects develop quickly. I’d be happy if I was a preds fan.

[@cjl5515]

Why not. but are they good enough to beat dallas, colorado, the oilers? I'm not sure.

[@mpontice]

Dallas yes, the others maybe not.

[@4517onlyglory]

As a casual preds fan, I am certainly delighted

[@NothingToPointOut24]

I think they are still way below Edmonton, Colorado and Dallas. Probably Vancouver too. They jumped Vegas, Winnipeg and LA though. Still would take a lot for them to get out of the West.

[@ghost_615]

So...the Preds push Vancouver to 6 with several games that could have gone either way. Vancouver loses Lindholm and Zadorov. Nashville adds Stamkos, Marchessault, and Skjei...and you still think Vancouver is ahead of them? Holy f*** that's a horrendous take. 😂

[@NothingToPointOut24]

@@ghost_615 I'm sure your opinion holds no bias lol. Vancouver didnt have Demko basically the whole series. You dont think having him in there for all 6 would've made a difference? In a series Vancouver still won BTW. And they might've lost a couple players but also added a few too. They are still better.

[@ianwhipple8842]

@@NothingToPointOut24and Demko is the best goalie in the west too. Nashville will be bounced in the first round.

[@urbanoutdoorsman5654]

There's a big difference between making the playoffs and being cup contenders

[@vipeholmskolan6052]

They will be a threat.

[@Kev-O]

These guys are gonna be great next year

[@Bowman1999]

Of all the moves Nashville made I think the addition of Skjei will end up being the best.

[@ianwhipple8842]

Yup 100%. He will need to be good because Stamkos is a huge defensive liability. I’m so glad he left Tampa Bay.

[@lukeboardman6109]

2 Conn Smythes, 6 cup rings, norris winner, consistent vezina candidate and a potential power play unit that scored combined 179 goals last year. No reason this team can't win the central and go all the way

[@Kachina.]

Only concern is player ages and wether it’s sustainable in the long term. They should definitely be able to compete in the short term.

[@shaman9]

one reason: age

[@HarryRiceHockey]

They're an old ass team.

[@tmdwu5360]

Older team can still win

[@gamingintrospection]

@@HarryRiceHockey The Oilers were the oldest team in the NHL last season. Granted, they lost, but 30 other teams fared worse than they did.

[@trevorwhatever2050]

Seriously can't wait to watch this Preds team this coming season. Should be awesome.

[@TylerMorganShow]

Older team than I thought

[@ianwhipple8842]

They’re the nursing home squad

[@icewyre]

Potentially, yes. But I don't think they'll actually be in the Cup conversation

[@xcvbxcvb2179]

Last season's second coming of Nyqvist was a big surprise 😮

[@g3ggles1]

Only time will tell, yes they’ve added players who had 40+ goals and points, but that was last season, there’s no guarantee they can do it again; still fancy Dallas and Colorado to finish in the top 2 and in the play offs, there are many teams who have a shot at the cup and the league and play offs are 2 different playing fields

[@andrewharvey6011]

God, I hope so. 🙏

[@andrewlopez3202]

Nashville wants a cup parade down broadway. I like all the moves. Nashville D corp is deep now with talent in Milwaukee. Now they have some elite scoring talent they have never had before

[@ianwhipple8842]

😂

[@mcthunderstick2374]

I’ll say it: Quinn Hughes shouldn’t have won the Norris.

[@Drjusttrying]

Idiot

[@shawnlewin9057]

Disagree

[@chrisstorment1123]

@@mcthunderstick2374 Hughes won the series and had more points than that Nashville defender .

[@jfayiii]

I agree.

[@mcthunderstick2374]

@@chrisstorment1123 I wasn’t saying Josi should win it. Cale Makar was only behind by a couple points, played less games than Hughes and had more than double the number of blocked shots. To me, Makar was the clear Norris winner.

[@Vis_Electra]

Nashville made quite some majestic moves in the off season. But let's not get ahead of ourselves and schedule the cup parade just yet. Shannon summed it up perfectly: Top 10 Yes, Top 5 No. (And not particularly close to 5 either if you ask me.) It's possible that they win the cup this coming season, but it's not likely. It would require everyone from top to bottom to click in the playoffs and I lack confidence they would at the moment... Barry Trotz did an amazing job so far. He opened the cup window a little bit, for about 3-4 years I would say. After that, I expect this franchise to suffer a lot because this team is OLD AF. I don't care who they signed in free agency fury, I want them to resign either Askarov or Lankinnen RIGHT NOW.

[@tangofett4065]

Might wanna look into the Preds farm system. It’s one of the tops in the league and we have 2 first round picks, 2 second round picks, and a third round pick in a very strong draft class next year. Their future is VERY bright!

[@ianwhipple8842]

@@tangofett4065😂 top in the league??! Hahahaha

[@tangofett4065]

@@ianwhipple8842 “it’s ONE OF the tops in the league”. Reading is fundamental, bud. Also, if you think it isn’t “tops”….. well, Google is your friend. 😎

[@ianwhipple8842]

@@tangofett4065 google can’t subjectively rank a farm system 🤣. Nobody really KNOWS how good a teams farm system is unless they win multiple championships OR they have a track record of pumping out cup winning talent for example: Penguins, Lightning, Blackhawks, Avalanche etc… if my team had 0 cups I would view our farm system as a total failure. There’s a reason Nashville had to go out and “buy the farm” in free agency, their younger talent isn’t ready at all.

[@justinlambright8355]

I’m a huge Preds homer and I have never been more excited for a season. Well aware that the offseason winner does not usually translate, but I think that it should be a great season. The biggest thing for me is that no assets were given up to get these guys. Still have 7 picks in the first 3 rounds next year. I think one (maybe even 2) of Glass/Fabbro/Schenn need to be moved for some slight cap flexibility. Fabbro seems to be the odd man out.

[@thearmourboy3254]

I think it ends up being Glass that is moved, the fact they brought Parsinnen up instead of playing Glass in the Vancouver series tells me he is on thin ice. I'm not sure Fabbro doesn't get moved as well at some point, but something tells me they will be fine with him coming off the bench. Schenn isn't going to be moved imo, don't think Trotz will do it.

[@MikeEckel-z7m]

As a Preds Fans and someone who goes to games regularly, I’m really excited for this season. I think with the additions the Preds are a top 5 team in the west and 3rd in the division, but I also think this team as a good chance to win at least one playoff round this year (now that I said it, they are doomed). And while 9 of their 1st 12are at home it is a challenging schedule out of the gate. Panthers, Stars, Oilers twice, Kraken, Bruins, Tampa and Avs all in that 1st 12 not easy. I’m hoping for a 6-6 or 5-5-2 start I do like with the moves they have made puts them in a win now mode with sacrificing the future. It gives the kids in Milwaukee time to develop . As current player start to “age” out of their contracts they have a lot of skill in the AHL that will be ready for the NHL and the team will still be able to compete. As far as Askarov goes, I not think they do anything with him. As Shannon said the return on goalies has been underwhelming and he is not NHL ready at this point. He has all the talent in the world, but is a white knuckle ride in the AHL. They signed Wedgewood for 2 years, by that point he should be NHL ready and a solid back-up for Saros for a few season before transitioning to a 1A, 1B tandem similar to when Saros came up with Pekka. I think they move Fabbro or Glass to free up cap space. They only have 20 of 23 roster spots filled per Puckpedia

[@petermelville5524]

They need some young grit up font, to give those aging dudes space.

[@cilini]

Preds have some RFAs (Tomasino/Parssinen) to sign so they will need to offload one of glass/schenn/fabbro in order to stay under the cap, that is pretty much the only move I expect them to make at this point

[@thearmourboy3254]

Truthfull Trotz did what he needed to in the offseason. With Josi and Forsberg we were never going to be bad enough to get a high draft pick, so your only option is to go all in and pay that debt later on. I'm not a fan of the Saros contract at all but it is what it is. Askarov won't get traded imo, at least not yet. People that think he is ready for the NHL haven't watched him play. He needs at least another season in the AHL to fix some fundamental issues ( angles/glove hand )before even thinking about even being a back up in the NHL. He's at least 3 years away from being a starter imo. Best thing we can do to maximize any return on him if we go that route is to develop him and show he can do it. NHL GM's have shown they aren't willing to pay much for goalie potential. I think the rest of the NHL is in a much bigger hurry for us to trade him than Trotz is. Lankinen more or less shot himself in the foot. I think he wanted to test the market to try and get on a team where he might have a longer future and have the potential of more games. That meant Trotz needed to get that job settled quickly and cheap, both of which he did. If Askarov sets the world on fire Blackwood can be waived with no real loss and no cap hit if not claimed. I think someone will call Lankinen but I'm not sure he is in any better position than he would have been staying in Nashville.

[@SteveMcbrain]

Their in Cup or Bust mode. If they dont win this season, expect the following season they will

[@martin9202]

It's gonna be difficult for Nashville.... West has some clear contenders, and it's hard to avoid them in the first round... We could see how the Kings and Jets struggle every year in PO... If they finish anywhere but 1st in central they get a cup contender in the first round... They might get Nucks again, which seems the most friendly opponent they can get, I think... East seems more unpredictable... lots of very good teams, young teams, not proven teams and only a few contenders while two got really weaker... I wish Nashville the best. Such a underrated franchise,

[@GlassJ0e]

The Preds need to win more face offs. The year we got to the finals was a great year for us at the center position. Not sure if we addressed that need sufficiently yet. But who knows…hockey may as well be bingo for how often I get proven wrong. 😂

[@nolananderson4782]

Love their moves, think they're the most improved team in the league. I'm gonna be bold and have them finishing second in the central

[@alchemiist]

Power Play was a big issue for them and now they finally have on paper a really solid one. Lets see how it goes for them.

[@erikhalvorseth3950]

@Shannon, a bit surprised you dont mention Schenn. Weak/injured regular season, the only D that could really take on Knucks physically and come out with positive numbers. I miss some reflections around ‘are Preds more up to it regarding tackles, puck-protection, PK’ etc

[@sunbehindclouds]

imo Nashville wins this off season for upgrading and getting better

[@shellysmith1037]

maybe, but then again everyone thought the Penguins would make the playoffs last year.

[@user-gg1gb8pr9djrkscbsnotabot]

Since when is will carrier in Buffalo? They drafted him in like 2014 and traded him pretty soon afterwards

[@haysbrickell9579]

I think Nashville could make some serious noise come playoff time.

[@gilgalad6231]

Lets go Preds!

[@ripapa6355]

After seeing you breakdown Nashville's lines I'm starting to think they're going to be the Cinderella story of the year.

[@bajjanitor]

Maybe after a few more moves. Finding a better partner for Josi than Fabbro should be a priority. That might be what they use Askarov for.

[@joemansueto1414]

My thoughts about the predators this coming season lineup with yours, Shannon. I don’t think they’re going to win the cup, but I think they are going to make a deep run with this group. Not a predators fan, but well done here in the off-season.

[@noahcoomer]

1. I would like to see what happens with Fabbro and Glass 2. Keep Askarov 3. I think they are better than Colorado, but Dallas I don't know.

[@gavincheesman1026]

Every star they added is 33+ No this team is not winning a cup and youre lying to yourself if you think otherwise

[@AlexPittiStockMan]

skjei isn't. but he's also not a star

[@JarradBruessel32]

They will forever be too good right now

[@evanfarmer3151]

You mentioning no due overs, made me think. What if they replaced the pre season with playoff do overs? Would that even make sense?

[@jaytee4374]

Currently, at +380 on Draftkings to win the Central division, Nashville looks like a decent value pick to me

[@joshh2747]

8 mil a year...... I give it 6 months and people start getting mad. I love stammer but damn

[@ahmedansari1949]

They should totally package askarov and nyquist for a bonafide second liner or first

[@omfg322]

Yes kinda but their window is small like the next couple years until they age out

[@thebikewatcher9819]

Take care of Stamkos! To me he will always be a Bolt!

[@ianwhipple8842]

So glad that defensive liability isn’t on the ice for Tampa Bay anymore. He was so bad five on five later in his career and he had 0 defense. I’m so glad we got Guentzel and Ylonen and Geekie and Moser. Kucherov Point and Guentzel is the best line in all of the eastern conference.

[@josiahharrison9843]

Barry Trotz has already stated that he plans on making “ another move or two to free up cap space”, so I expect Cody glass and/or Philip Tomasino to be traded out. As far as Askarov is concerned, I personally think we should keep him and have him back up Saros for three or four years.

[@MikeEckel-z7m]

I think either Fabbro and/or Glass are moved before camp starts to clear cap space. While I agree Tomasino could use a change of scenery his contract is in the AHL and isn’t counting against the cap currently. He could be move at the trade deadline depending how things go this year

[@nottheguy4328]

The only thing that worries me about Nashville is that I can't for the life of me figure out how they're going to sign Tavares next season

[@IvoryColonizer]

We're the new Leafs, salary caps and age need not apply.

[@stevedean8529]

Not sure where any roster changes could be made. Five of the bottom six is Glass, Sissons, Smith, McCarron, and Jankowski. Most are very low cap hits. Schenn and Lauzon are good third line D men for their roles. I believe Sissons' cap hit is $2.8MM and could be a possible move to free up space. But with his penalty kill and fourth line enforcement with McCarron and Smith, I believe it would hard to justify trading him.

[@bartphlegar8212]

Uh...Yeah. The Preds became my odds-on Cup favorite...Personally, I don't put much stock in what the sportsbooks think. Last year was a complete whiff for them, and for the life of me, I csn't figure out what criteria they use to get their projections...

[@5onnyh557]

As a Preds fan, One thing I’d love to see is Askarov being around for a long time. Been watching him and hate to see him go.

[@tangofett4065]

With Juice signing an 8 year deal and them bringing in Wedgy as a solid back up, I think Asky is gonna be trade bait for the future.

[@thumbthump]

He'll yes it will!

[@npm911]

I think we can convince Seth Jarvis to play for beers if we trade Carolina Asky😂

[@brandonelliott1277]

They made some bigger name acquisitions but they are just too old. Four of their top 6 players is 34+. And josi is 34. You don’t win championships with that kind of age on the team. Probably first round exit again.

[@happytrails151]

They were a .500 team last year apart from a hot streak. They would have missed the playoffs without these moves. I don't think they are a contender. I bet they will be in tough competing for a playoff spot with Minnesota and Seattle. Maybe LA will drop out of it though, so I'll say they'll make it as a wild card

[@busorenkin55]

10:00 That’s why Florida moved on from Brunette they have a limited window to win a Stanley cup and he didn’t have the playoff experience it may have taken him years

[@ianwhipple8842]

Nashville won’t be as good as their fans think they will be. They will be bounced 1st round.

[@joseph7696]

Go Avs Go

[@howinyee5962]

Short answer is no. While Stammer, Skej and March were good additions but they are old especially stammer. I still believe Tampa made the right call letting him go. Nyquist had unreal chemistry with Forsberg and that needs to be replicated, although i dont see Nyquist in as many offensive situations now. Locking up Saros was good as ive watched Askarov in person and dont believe hes the guy. Not a fan of their kids like Novak and Evangelista. Problem is the other cup contenders like Stars, Oilers and Avs are just way better than this team

[@jfayiii]

Time to get a Stammer Nashville jersey. I hope he wins every trophy.

[@user-zh2ox8nm5q]

Will Carrier went to Carolina or did he get moved again?

[@Tiax776]

If they can start scoring, then maybe.

[@nottheguy4328]

Juuse Saaros is talked about a lot but did you know that he's below 6' tall?

[@tonykung8756]

They signed a bunch of older players to add to the old players they already have. You can maybe bank on Forsberg and Saros to be productive for a bunch more years, but how much are you expecting from O'Reilly, Nyquist, Stammer, March, and Josi for the next few years...? They're clearly trying a win-now, ask questions later...

[@chardeemacdennis3852]

Mustard cats are kinda loaded

[@ianwhipple8842]

With players who need hip replacements

[@squiggleface3631]

If the Nashville Predators have an AMAZING record in the first 10 games, they'll have an outstanding year. Early team chemistry with the new arrivals will be key for having a successful regular season and playoffs. I like Stamkos but I hope this doesn't become a "Mark Messier-Past His Prime-Vancouver Canucks" kind of situation. Believe me, that was painful to watch.

[@genierissler]

They could have beat Vancouver last year if their powerplay could have scored,all those unproductive powerplays hurt us dreadfully

[@larrygrassinger2819]

I'm just curious. Does this make Nashville the oldest team in the league? If not, they must be very close

[@Nunnleberry]

Saros to win the Vezina next year?

[@BayBye2011]

it can happen

[@connorkenney6938]

Chicago is probably the best for to aim for Askorav. Fit’s their timeline and they have cap/capital to make it happen.

[@connorkenney6938]

They also have the time to let the kid figure things out at the NHL level without a must win now mentality

[@donborvio]

Why help the division rival? This would have to be a hell of a trade.

[@danielperryfishing3046]

Stamkos at center, drop down Novak to the third and add Evangalista to the 2nd line.

[@leematson8484]

Didn’t Brunette do pretty good in FLA after queen ville was suspended ?

[@michaelleroy9281]

Yes, then they fired him after being swept in the playoffs by TB 2022

[@user-xn5me8iz7c]

this is complete speculation but i wonder if there a character issue when it comes to Lankinen because i agree, i hvae no idea why he is still a free agent. One of the better backups in the league with potential for a starter job imo

[@datcfo8170]

@@user-xn5me8iz7c From what I heard, more of a contract issue than character. He also wanted to be a starting goalie somewhere, but doesn’t look like that is going to happen for him.

[@thomasjackson1205]

As a preds fan, id like us to dropp schenn and pick up newcomer Wayne Gretzky. And if we cant have him then we still get to drop schenn who only barely wasnt a liability in the playoffs and was one through ALL of the season

[@mvgamer9637]

Nashville is not far off.

[@Raytapia407]

After the free agency this team better go far this year they have wayyyy too many good players and adding stamkos gonna make there power play team tuff and this is coming from a rangers fan only teams they gotta watch out for is Dallas and Edmonton but after Stan Bowman got his gm job back ain’t no telling how mcdavid and draisaitl gonna feel about it we might get the best or the worst out of them this season

[@martydarts8632]

sounds like we got a GM of the year.....

[@hunterwelcher5485]

I would pay for someone to take Luke Schenn. Dude gets burnt more often than kids' marshmallows at a campfire.

[@armandoperez7967]

In my opinion, yes. The Predators are good enough to win the Stanley Cup.

[@people3865]

I don't see it honestly. I don't get what everyone else sees.

[@254zero]

I'm seriously jealous of Nashville fans right now. The additions this off-season have been incredible. Gonna be a force

[@FaintKarmatic]

Nope, look at the salaries and the drop off of talent. If one of the big three (Flip, stamkos or Josi) get injured they are done

[@donborvio]

Don't sleep on some of the farm talent. They might not replace 40 goals with 40 goals but 20-25. It'll look like last year.

[@scottsatkowiak2347]

How can Nashville lose to Carolina in the the playoffs without it being the final?

[@michaelleroy9281]

Covid season divisions were realigned for one season because of air travel