Is Predators 1-5 start a reason for concern?

The Nashville Predators made such a splash in free agency that they had the entire NHL talking. A future Hall of Famer, a consistent point producer, and an offensive defenseman were all added to the Predators roster in a matter of weeks. Those additions raised talk about them being the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Realistically or not, expectations were high heading into the 2024-25 season. As we quickly found out, those expectations were a bit too high, at least at this point they were.

Predators find themselves in a hole

Nashville finds themselves in last place in the Central Division with a 1-5 record. They have been outscored 23-14 on the season and are 1-4 at Bridgestone Arena. They have been outplayed for the most part and have not looked like the perennial contender most thought they would be. However, it is still extremely early in the season.

Jonathan Marchessault signed a 5-year deal worth $27.5 million after playing with the Vegas Golden Knights. He has been a consistent scorer and is also dangerous come playoff time. He is a top-six forward who could change the forward group and their outlook based on his production and leadership qualities. This season, he has one goal and three assists for four points in six games.

Forward Steven Stamkos, a future Hall of Famer, was the highest-profile forward available in free agency. He signed with Nashville for $32 million over four years. Without a doubt, the best offensive player in the organization, Stamkos came with plenty of offense and playoff experience. So far, it has not paid off, as he has one goal in six games.

Defenseman Brady Skjei came to the Predators on a massive 7-year, $49 million deal. He had previously spent time with the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes and was a proven defenseman who had shutdown abilities but could also provide offense. Skjei, like Stamkos, is struggling early but has one goal and one assist for two points in six games.

With little offensive production from two big free agent signings, most focus will be on Stamkos and Skjei. However, the problem also lies with standout goaltender Juuse Saros, who has given up 14 goals, the sixth most in the league. Saros is an excellent goaltender who has proven he is an NHL goaltender, but he is struggling this season. He is usually reliable and dependable, but the team as a whole is in a state of flux right now. He had a spectacular game last night, as he is on one of the elite teams in the league, the Boston Bruins, 4-0.

Not all things are horrific in Nashville this season. They average the most shots per game at 36.5, the best in the league. The quality of shots is top-notch, and the rebounds are there, just not going in. The power play, ranked 20th in the league at an 18.2% clip, is also a place they could use improvement. Stamkos is a power play beast, and Marchessault is an effective player on the man advantage, so these stats will likely change.

This season got off to a bad start, but after last night's win, things could be heading in the right direction. The roster is solid and has offensive players with a solid defensive core to match. Saros is better than his numbers indicate and is sure to turn things around. This team is not elite, but it is better than what we have seen so far. They still have time to turn it around, being only six games in. A playoff spot is still very much a reality.