Last season, the Nashville Predators and GM Barry Trotz made the biggest splash in free agency, signing Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. However, these moves did not result in a playoff berth, and the entire team struggled. This summer, Trotz did the bare minimum this offseason. Will they repeat last season's fate?
Predators' lack of offseason moves
The Predators added quality players during the offseason but failed to make more moves to stregthen the roster. Defenseman Nick Perbix was signed to a 2-year deal and he brings size, experience, and a bit of offense from the backend. He can be a first or second-pairing defenseman and can also work the penalty kill, something Nashville can use.
Also added were defenseman Nicolas Hague and forward Erik Haula via trade. Hague was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick, forward Colton Scissons, and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon. Hague is a massive defenseman at 6-feet-6 and 245 pounds and can play in all sitautions.
Haula was acquired from the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Jeremy Hanzel and a 2025 fourth-round pick. Haula brings a feisty, gritty, offensive game to the top six, where he should be a mainstay. Haula comes back to Nashville where he palyed during the 2020-21 season, where he accumulated nine goals and 12 assists for 21 points in 51 games.
There is no question that these moves will help Nashville be a deeper and more experienced team. However, with only a few moves being made, they failed to make themselves a Stanley Cup-quality contender. They could make the playoffs but they are far from being serious threats. Maybe Stamkos has a bounce-back season. Maybe goaltender Juuse Saros becomes an elite goaltender.
Several factors could result in them making a deep playoff run but a lot has to go right for that to happen. If all else fails they could be good team that just is not good enough to make a playoff run. Time will tell if Nashville feels comfortable with its roster or if Tortz will be forced to make other moves.