5 Unrestricted Free Agents the Predators Should Sign

Phil Kessel

Adding Phil Kessel to the lineup would do so many positive things for the Predators.

First, it would bring a two-time Cup winner into the fold, which would go a long way in helping this version of the Predators become more competitive in the postseason. Nashville is clearly going for it this year, so Kessel’s experience would be welcomed.

Second, he managed to score 52 points (eight goals and 44 assists) with the Coyotes last season. That is a tremendous amount of scoring that the Preds would presumably add to its third line, giving the team a proven scorer to complement its big guns.

Finally, Kessel is the type of player that can easily move up the depth chart in the event of injuries. Considering his scoring, his experience, and his history of staying healthy, he’s the perfect player for the Predators to fall back on.

Paul Stastny

At 36 years old, Paul Stastny is another player on this list who would not be coming to Nashville for the long haul. His purpose with the Predators would be to bring a short-term punch offensively while providing depth at the center position.

The former second-round pick still has some hockey left to play, as his 45 points (21 goals and 24 assists) with the Winnipeg Jets last season marked his best season offensively since he scored 53 points in the 2017-2018 season with the St. Louis Blues and Jets.

Like Kessel, Stastny would slot into a third-line role but would give the Predators the flexibility to include him on their special teams units or to move him into the top six when necessary.

Derek Stepan

Derek Stepan brings more of a fourth-line skillset to the Predators, and while he wouldn’t bring the same scoring potential as Kessel or Stastny, he could have a huge impact on the penalty kill.

Stepan has long been one of my favorite depth players, and he could play that role well in Nashville. He has 13 career shorthanded goals, and he knows how to use his body to deliver hits and block shots.

Last season with the Carolina Hurricanes, Stepan played less than 11 minutes per game, yet he still managed 19 points (nine goals and ten assists) in 58 games. In his career, he has notched 177 goals and 327 assists for 504 points in 817 games. He also carries a plus-90 rating.

Nashville certainly does not have room for all of these players, but each one of them could fit a specific role for the Predators that would help make this team more dangerous next season.