The Nashville Predators spent more in free agency than the Chicago Blackhawks. They are off to terrible start.
This summer, the Chicago Blackhawks made headlines with their free agent acquisitions, generating positive energy throughout the Windy City. General manager Kyle Davidson brought back Teuvo Teravainen, signed 30-goal scorer Tyler Bertuzzi to a four-year contract, and strengthened the goalie position by adding Laurent Brossoit.
However, a mix of injuries, subpar team performance, and disappointing contributions from the new signings has led to a season of disappointment for the Hawks. They currently hold a poor record, rank among the bottom three teams in goals scored in the league, and sit second-to-last in the Central Division, ahead of only the Nashville Predators.
While the Blackhawks were active in the offseason, no team was busier on July 1st than the Predators. Nashville’s general manager Barry Trotz quickly secured Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, offering each player (all over 30) deals of at least four years with an average annual salary of at least $ 5.5 million.
After a surprising playoff run last year and these high-profile additions, many expected Nashville to easily make the playoffs and be genuine Stanley Cup contenders. Yet, nearly a quarter into the season, Stamkos and Marchessault have combined for just seven goals and 17 points in 36 games, while Skjei has a -6 rating, and the Predators have scored fewer goals than the struggling Blackhawks.
The Predators must serve as a cautionary tale for Kyle Davidson and the Blackhawks.
Nashville still has an opportunity to salvage their season, but the outlook is not as promising as it was in July. By the 2027-2028 season, the Predators will be on the hook for $ 20.5 million in salaries for a 38-year-old Steven Stamkos, a 37-year-old Jonathan Marchessault, and a 34-year-old Brady Skjei.
While these players may still be performing well now, relying heavily on aging veterans can undermine a team’s competitiveness.
As Davidson evaluates the free agent market this summer, he must be cautious not to repeat Trotz’s mistakes. With potential options like Mitch Marner, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Brock Boeser likely to be available, Davidson needs to think carefully about the consequences of any long-term, expensive contracts he considers.
What seems appealing in July could hinder the team’s future prospects. If Davidson isn’t careful, he risks assembling a roster that features generational talent like Connor Bedard surrounded by overpaid, past-their-prime players, leaving the team far from realistic Stanley Cup contention.
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