the Nashville Predators entered the 2024 offseason with high hopes, making headlines as one of the most active teams in the NHL. General manager Barry Trotz secured the franchise’s future by signing goaltender Juuse Saros to a long-term extension until 2033, while also making a splash in free agency by adding star forwards Jonathan Marchessault and Steven Stamkos, along with defenseman Brady Skjei. These moves positioned the Predators as a team to watch,with many anointing them as offseason winners and potential Stanley Cup contenders [[1]].
However, the 2024-25 season has not gone as planned. Sitting third from the bottom in the Western Conference with just 35 points, the Predators have effectively waved the white flag on their campaign. Internally, the team appears to be shifting focus toward the future, with no plans for a last-ditch effort to salvage the season through blockbuster trades. Instead, the Predators are expected to unload players on expiring contracts or those with one year remaining, aiming to inject youth into their lineup [[2]].
While core players like filip Forsberg, Roman Josi, and Juuse Saros are unlikely to be moved, the Predators’ fourth-line forwards—Mark Jankowski, Michael McCarron, and colton Sissons—are among those who could be on the trading block. Jankowski, a versatile 6’4” forward, has contributed three goals and five assists in 35 games this season. McCarron, a towering 6’6” center, has two goals and three assists in the same span. Both players are signed through 2026 at affordable cap hits of $800,000 and $900,000, respectively, making them attractive depth options for playoff-bound teams [[3]].
The table below summarizes the key players perhaps on the move:
| Player | Position | Age | Height | 2024-25 Stats (35 GP) | Contract Details |
|—————–|———-|—–|———|————————|—————————|
| Mark Jankowski | F | 30 | 6’4” | 3G, 5A | $800K AAV, signed until 2026 |
| Michael McCarron| F | 29 | 6’6” | 2G, 3A | $900K AAV, signed until 2026 |
| colton Sissons | F | 31 | 6’1” | N/A | N/A |
As the Predators pivot toward rebuilding, the focus will be on developing young talent and acquiring assets for the future. While the season might potentially be lost, the moves made in the coming months could set the stage for a brighter future in Nashville. For fans, the hope is that this transitional phase will eventually lead to a return to contention. Stay tuned for updates as the trade deadline approaches and the Predators continue to reshape their roster.
Luke Schenn: A Veteran Defenseman Drawing Trade Deadline Interest
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As the NHL trade deadline approaches, veteran defenseman Luke Schenn has emerged as a hot commodity for teams looking to bolster their blue line for a deep playoff run. The 34-year-old, who signed a three-year contract with the Nashville Predators in 2023, brings a wealth of experience, physicality, and a winning pedigree that makes him an attractive target for contenders.
A Proven Winner with Stanley Cup Pedigree
Schenn’s resume speaks for itself. A two-time Stanley cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, he has established himself as a reliable presence on the back end. His physical style of play, combined with his right-handed shot, makes him a valuable asset for teams seeking defensive depth.
In 2023, Schenn returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team that drafted him fifth overall in 2008, and played a key role in helping the Leafs secure their first playoff series win as 2004. While he may be more suited to a third-pairing role on a Cup-contending team, his intangibles—grit, leadership, and playoff experience—are qualities that teams covet as they gear up for the postseason.
Contract and Trade Value
Schenn’s contract, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $2.75 million, runs through the 2024-25 season. This affordable cap hit, combined with his proven track record, makes him an appealing option for teams looking to add defensive depth without breaking the bank.
Potential Suitors: Edmonton Oilers in the Mix?
One team that stands out as a potential fit for Schenn is the Edmonton Oilers. Despite not being directly linked to Schenn in recent reports, the Oilers have a glaring need for a right-shot defenseman to solidify their top four. While Schenn may not be a top-pairing option, his physicality and experience could provide stability to an Oilers blue line that has struggled with consistency.
As Oilers GM Stan Bowman evaluates his options, Schenn’s availability could be a low-risk, high-reward move to address the team’s defensive shortcomings.
Other Predators on the Trade Radar
while Schenn is the most intriguing name on the Predators’ roster, he’s not the only player drawing interest.Forward Colton Sissons, known for his versatility and ability to play up and down the lineup, could be a bargain for teams seeking depth in their middle or bottom six. With an AAV of $2.86 million and another year left on his contract, Sissons offers value for multiple playoff runs.
Additionally, pending unrestricted free agent Gustav Nyquist could attract attention from teams in need of secondary scoring. Despite a dip in production this season,Nyquist’s offensive pedigree and expiring $3.185 million contract make him a viable option for contenders looking to add depth upfront.
Key Points at a Glance
| Player | Position | Contract Details | Key Attributes | Potential Suitors |
|—————–|————|—————————|————————————|—————————-|
| Luke Schenn | Defenseman | $2.75M AAV through 2024-25| Physicality, right-handed shot, Cup experience | edmonton Oilers |
| Colton Sissons | Forward | $2.86M AAV through 2024-25| Versatility, middle/bottom-six role| New Jersey devils |
| Gustav Nyquist | Forward | $3.185M AAV (UFA) | Secondary scoring, offensive upside| Contenders seeking depth |
Final Thoughts
As the trade deadline looms, the Nashville Predators find themselves in a position to capitalize on their assets. Whether it’s Schenn’s physical presence, sissons’ versatility, or Nyquist’s offensive potential, these players could provide the missing pieces for teams with championship aspirations.
For teams like the Edmonton Oilers and New Jersey Devils, the opportunity to add proven veterans like Schenn and Sissons could be the difference-maker in their quest for playoff success. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Predators GM Barry Trotz to see how he navigates the trade market.
Stay tuned for more updates as the NHL trade deadline heats up!
Nashville Predators Accelerate Youth Movement Amid Disappointing Season
The Nashville Predators are making headlines as they pivot their strategy, shifting focus toward a youth-driven rebuild after a season that fell far short of expectations. Originally planning to integrate younger talent into the lineup a year from now, the team’s underwhelming performance has forced management to fast-track their plans.
“The plan was to get a taste of their internal youth a year from now; regrettably, a dreadful season may have sped up said plan by a year,” reports Anthony Di Marco. This accelerated timeline means the Predators are now looking to move veteran players to make room for emerging talent.
A season Gone Awry
The Predators entered the 2023-24 season with hopes of contending, but a series of setbacks and inconsistent performances have left them far from playoff contention.This disappointing outcome has prompted a reevaluation of the team’s direction.
“Things may have not gone as planned this season in Nashville, but with the plan always being to get a look at the youth in the next coming seasons, management is in a position to get a jump on it and move out some veteran bodies,” Di Marco notes.
The Youth Movement
The Predators’ farm system boasts several promising prospects, and the organization is eager to see how these young players can contribute at the NHL level. By trading veteran players, the team aims to create opportunities for these prospects to gain valuable experience and develop their skills.
This strategy isn’t just about salvaging the current season—it’s about building a foundation for future success. the Predators are betting on their young talent to lead the charge in the coming years, and this accelerated timeline could pay dividends down the road.
What’s Next for Nashville?
As the Predators prepare to offload veteran players, fans can expect a flurry of activity leading up to the trade deadline. The team’s management is focused on acquiring draft picks and prospects to bolster their pipeline, ensuring a steady influx of talent for years to come.
While the immediate future may be uncertain, the Predators’ commitment to developing their young core offers a glimmer of hope for a franchise in transition.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Original Plan | Integrate youth into the lineup in 2024-25 season. |
| Accelerated Timeline | Poor performance has pushed the youth movement forward by a year. |
| Strategy | Trade veterans to create opportunities for young players. |
| future Focus | Build a competitive team around emerging talent. |
Final Thoughts
The Nashville Predators’ decision to accelerate their youth movement is a bold move, but one that could reshape the franchise’s trajectory. By prioritizing advancement over short-term gains, the team is laying the groundwork for sustained success.As the season progresses, all eyes will be on nashville to see how their young players rise to the occasion. For fans, this shift represents a new chapter—one filled with potential and promise.
What do you think about the Predators’ strategy? share yoru thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on Twitter.
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This article is based exclusively on details from Anthony Di Marco’s report. For more insights, check out his latest analysis here.
Tors’ 2023-24 season has been a stark departure from thier usual competitive standards. Despite entering the season with hopes of contending for a playoff spot, the team has struggled with inconsistency, injuries, and a lack of offensive production.Consequently, they find themselves well outside the playoff picture, prompting a shift in focus toward the future.
Youth Movement in Full Swing
The Predators have a promising pipeline of young talent,including prospects like Yaroslav Askarov (goaltender),Philip tomasino (forward),and Luke Evangelista (forward). These players, along with others, are expected to see increased roles as the team transitions to a younger core.
- Yaroslav Askarov: Widely regarded as one of the top goaltending prospects in the NHL, Askarov has been dominant in the AHL and is seen as the future cornerstone of the Predators’ net.
- Philip Tomasino: A dynamic forward with offensive upside,Tomasino has shown flashes of brilliance in limited NHL action and is poised for a larger role.
- Luke Evangelista: A skilled playmaker, Evangelista has impressed with his hockey IQ and ability to contribute at both ends of the ice.
Veterans on the Move
To facilitate this youth movement,the Predators are expected to explore trade options for several veteran players. As highlighted earlier, Luke Schenn, Colton Sissons, and Gustav Nyquist are among the names drawing interest from playoff-bound teams. Moving these players would not only open up roster spots for younger talent but also allow the Predators to acquire draft picks and prospects to further bolster their rebuild.
Looking Ahead
While the immediate future may be challenging for Predators fans, the organization’s commitment to developing young talent offers hope for a brighter tomorrow. By prioritizing player development and accumulating assets, Nashville is laying the groundwork for a return to contention in the coming years.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Predators’ front office to see how they navigate this pivotal moment in the franchise’s history. Stay tuned for updates as the team continues to reshape its roster and build for the future.
