On the morning of July 1, many veteran players from the Nashville Predators exchanged enthusiastic texts, curious about what the day would bring.
This date holds particular significance in the National Hockey League, marking the start of the annual free-agency period, during which teams can sign new players once their previous contracts have ended.
It didn’t take long for the big news to break when it was revealed that the Predators were signing future Hall of Famer Steven Stamkos—a two-time Stanley Cup champion and Tampa Bay’s captain for the past decade—to a four-year, $ 32 million contract.
“The group chat was buzzing,” said Predators forward Filip Forsberg. “When we learned he was joining us, we thought that might be all for the day. It was a major move.”
But that was just the beginning for Predators general manager Barry Trotz.
Within hours, Nashville also signed high-scoring forward Jonathan Marchessault to a five-year, 27.5milliondeal,topdefensemanBradySkjeitoaseven−year, 49 million contract, and goalie Scott Wedgewood to a two-year, 3millionagreement.Withthesemoves,thePredatorsbecamethefirstteamtoinvestover 100 million in free agency since the Florida Panthers did so five years ago, according to The Canadian Press.
“It was fantastic,” said Preds captain Roman Josi, another participant in the veteran group chat. “We were all genuinely happy about the commitment made and the confidence shown in us.”
Predators forward Ryan O’Reilly added, “July 1 felt like Christmas for us, as we added top-tier free agents.”
To top off an already monumental day, Trotz announced new contracts for two key players: goalie Juuse Saros received an eight-year, 61.9milliondeal,whiledefensemanAlexCarriersignedathree−year, 11.25 million contract.
“It’s significant because it sends a message to the rest of the league,” Trotz remarked with a smile at the end of the day. “These players recognize what we’re building here. We have plenty to offer, and we’re committed to winning.”
However, along with the splashy signings and celebratory announcements came two key realizations.
Firstly, the Predators were no longer the underdog team they had been during the 2023-24 season, when they surprised many by making a playoff return after a one-year hiatus. Their success was bolstered by several players enjoying career-best seasons and new coach Andrew Brunette, who finished second in NHL Coach of the Year voting.
With the arrival of high-profile talent, expectations for the Predators have risen. They are now expected not just to make the playoffs, but to make a significant impact during the postseason. Nashville hasn’t won a playoff series since 2018, the year after their unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Final.
“Signing guys like Stamkos, Marchessault, and Skjei—players with extensive experience and success—is massive,” Josi noted. “So yes, the expectations are definitely elevated. But it’s just on paper for now; we have to put in the work and build chemistry.”
The second realization was that a window to capture Nashville’s first Stanley Cup had begun to open with their spending spree.
Already possessing a veteran core, the Predators added even more experience with Stamkos (34), Marchessault (33), and Skjei (30). While all three still seem to be playing at a high level, their careers won’t last forever. This season’s opening night roster may feature as many as 11 players aged 30 or older, including forward Gustav Nyquist (35), Josi (34), O’Reilly (33), and Forsberg (30).
In simple terms, if this group doesn’t secure a championship in the next two or three seasons, the Predators will begin transitioning to a new generation.
“I’m not the youngest anymore,” Josi, who was the runner-up for last season’s best defenseman award, admitted. “I’m getting up there. You never know how many opportunities you have, so it’s great that Barry signed those players to give us the best chance possible at a championship.”
Sticking to the Plan
The Predators’ eye-catching moves on July 1 were actually a continuation of the groundwork laid by Barry Trotz during his first summer as general manager, succeeding David Poile.
Many in the hockey community anticipated a full-blown youth movement for a Predators team that had stagnated, missing the playoffs in 2023 after eight consecutive postseason appearances. However, Trotz took a different approach, bringing in a trio of veteran “serial winners”—Ryan O’Reilly, Gustav Nyquist, and defenseman Luke Schenn. O’Reilly was named MVP of the playoffs in 2019 while leading St. Louis to the Stanley Cup; Schenn had won two Cups with Tampa Bay, and Nyquist had accumulated 71 playoff games over eight postseason appearances.
This commitment to a win-now strategy, rather than a prolonged rebuild, played a key role in attracting players like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei in July.
Why would Stamkos, for example, want to join a team that appeared to be starting from scratch after 16 years in the NHL and three Stanley Cup Final appearances in five years?
The same applies to Marchessault, who was the MVP of the 2023 Cup Final with Vegas, and Skjei, who is eager to win his first Cup after playing in 76 playoff games over nine seasons.
“Whenever you find yourself in a free agency position, especially at this stage of my career, one of my top priorities is to give myself another shot at winning,” Stamkos stated. “For me and many players in the league, that’s what you aim for every season, so it was vital.”
While it made sense for Trotz to seek more experienced players, executing this plan successfully was still impressive.
According to The Athletic, Stamkos, Skjei, and Marchessault were ranked among the top seven free agents available, while Sportsnet placed Stamkos first, Marchessault second, and Skjei tenth.
By signing Stamkos and Marchessault, the Predators became the first team in NHL history to add two 40-goal scorers in a single offseason. Stamkos has achieved 40 goals in a season seven times, a milestone reached by few players, while Marchessault hit the mark for the first time last season.
“When players start texting you saying, ‘I’m excited,’ it speaks volumes,” Trotz remarked in July. “Players know each other, and they recognize that we’re serious about winning. You look at how many guys on our team have achieved that, and they inspire the rest.”
Analyzing the Roster
The Predators’ success this season won’t rely solely on the three new players, as Nashville is returning nearly its entire roster after finishing last season with a record of 47-30-5, good for 99 points and tied for the sixth-best in the Western Conference. They were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Vancouver Canucks.
The strongest forward line from last season—likely to remain intact—featured Filip Forsberg on the left wing, Ryan O’Reilly at center, and Gustav Nyquist on the right wing. Forsberg achieved career highs with 48 goals, 46 assists, and 94 points; O’Reilly had his most productive season in four years with 69 points; and Nyquist set a personal best with 75 points.
While there’s no guarantee that the trio will replicate their previous success, the arrivals of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault—who are expected to form their own line—should ease the scoring responsibilities that Forsberg, O’Reilly, and Nyquist carried last season.
“It certainly gives us options as a team,” Forsberg commented. “We had a strong year as a line last season, and we want to maintain that momentum, continue playing the way we did—solid two-way hockey with an offensive edge. Now we have [another] line that can replicate that, if not exceed it.”
Tommy Novak, a talented center who set career highs with 18 goals and 27 assists last season, may be the first to center Stamkos and Marchessault. Other emerging forwards to watch for include Luke Evangelista (16 goals last season), Philip Tomasino, Juuso Parssinen, and Zach L’Heureux. The physical presence will be provided by players like Colton Sissons, Cole Smith, Michael McCarron, and Mark Jankowski.
On the blue line, Brady Skjei will step in for Ryan McDonagh, who was traded back to Tampa Bay. Skjei is likely to pair with Roman Josi, providing a steady defensive presence that will allow the skilled Josi to venture into the offensive zone.
“I’ve always thought [Skjei] was a great player when competing against him,” Josi said about Skjei, who had a career-high 47 points last season. “He had an amazing year and is a tough defenseman to play against. I think he fits perfectly into our system, which would be great for me.”
The second defensive pairing will probably feature two tough French-Canadians, Jeremy Lauzon and Alex Carrier, who complement each other’s style well.
Brady Schenn and Dante Fabbro are options for the final defensive pairing. While Spencer Stastney was also expected to be part of that mix, he was absent from the start of training camp for personal reasons.
In goal, Juuse Saros is recognized as one of the league’s top netminders, having recorded over 30 wins for the third consecutive season. Although some of his stats were down last season—with a 2.86 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage, both lower than his career averages—the Predators’ commitment to Saros with a new contract indicates they view last season as an anomaly.
“Goaltending is a huge part of any winning team,” O’Reilly emphasized. “We were all a bit worried about what would happen with his contract. He’s such an integral piece for us, and we can’t do it without him. Securing that deal is a big relief.”
No Guarantees
On paper, the Predators are set to field the most talented roster in franchise history starting October 10, when they kick off the regular season with a home game against Dallas.
The additions of Stamkos, Marchessault, and Skjei should provide a significant offensive lift for a team that has struggled to score at times. For instance, Nashville managed only 12 goals in their six-game playoff series against Vancouver last season. These new players are also expected to enhance the Predators’ power play, with Stamkos being one of the league’s top performers in that area.
In short, there’s no doubt that the Preds are better positioned to make a Cup run this season than they have been in years.
“I truly believe those moves we made will make us a stronger team and bring us closer to our goal,” Josi states.
However, if the Predators need a reminder that high-profile offseason signings don’t always lead to immediate success, they can just look to the Tennessee Titans, who spent over $ 300 million in free agency last spring but began the 2024 season with a series of disappointing losses.
“With our summer moves and last year’s playoff push, we definitely look like a better hockey team,” Trotz comments. “I believe we are a better hockey team… But it’s all just theoretical until we actually play.”
What will transform theory into reality this season?
“At the end of the day, it’s still a workman’s league,” Trotz explains. “The game is played on the ice. It requires a lot of effort, hard work, and determination.”
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