Nashville Predators: Can they reverse their disastrous season?

Nashville Predators: For Sale or Rebuilding?

The Nashville Predators’ season hasn’t started as expected, and calls from other NHL teams are already coming in. General managers are looking for veteran players, which puts the team and its management to the test.

“You hear this from a lot of teams: ‘We’re looking for a top-six forward.’ You know, I’ve got a couple of top-six players,” Trotz said.

Barry Trotz

With a points percentage of .364, the Predators are in last place in the league. In addition, their defense and scoring ability are also among the worst. The recent 8-3 loss to the Florida Panthers is an example of their difficulties. Coach Andrew Brunette commented that the game slipped away in “11 seconds”, the time it took Florida to take the lead. Nashville has had difficult starts, repeating the trend of the previous season. Although the calls are more exploratory than concrete offers, Trotz is evaluating the situation. Players like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, with no-movement clauses, could be targets for potential trades. The general manager believes that the upcoming games will be key to making decisions. Center Ryan O’Reilly, another possible trade target, is focused on winning each game to regain momentum. Despite the situation, Trotz supports Brunette, believing in his ability. He hired Brunette in 2023, seeking a more dynamic offense. Although Nashville finished tenth in scoring during Brunette’s first season, they have struggled in the last two seasons. In an interview, Trotz emphasized the need for his star players to perform more. Although he is not committed to keeping Brunette for the entire 2025-26 season, he has not considered replacing him.

Trotz’s experience as a coach influences his decision, as does the support he received from David Poile, the only other general manager in the team’s history. Trotz believes that the players have shown effort, even if the results have not been as expected. O’Reilly, for his part, lamented his public frustration after a defeat, but captain Roman Josi and defenseman Brady Skjei support him. O’Reilly, signed in 2023, brings leadership. Skjei, Marchessault, and Stamkos joined the team the following season, seeking to improve the offense. Stamkos, at 35, has struggled this season, but remains optimistic. Despite no-movement clauses, his name and Marchessault’s have surfaced in trade rumors, as has O’Reilly’s. Stamkos believes the rumors reflect the team’s situation and hopes things will change. Josi’s return, after an injury, could be a boost. The captain hopes the team improves and that, instead of selling players, they can strengthen.