Season Summary and Off-Season Moves Transform Nashville Predators’ Outlook
A Stellar Season Ending and a Bustling Free Agency
As part of our Off-Season Review, we now turn our focus to the Nashville Predators, who after a dynamic second half of the 2023-24 season, made splashy moves in the free agency to bolster their roster.
2023-24 Season Overview:
The season’s turning point came on February 15, 2024, after a devastating 9-2 defeat by the Dallas Stars on home ice. Their record then stood at a middling 27-25-2.
However, the cancellation of a planned outing to a U2 concert seems to have inadvertently fired up the team. They immediately embarked on a five-game road-trip winning streak.
This momentum carried the Predators to an impressive 47-30-5 finish, securing a playoff berth with 99 points. Key trades played a role; they acquired Jermery Hanzel, Anthony Beauvillier, and Jason Zucker to deepen their attack, while moving out some assets like Yakov Trenin and prospect Graham Sward.
Despite their powerful late-season run, the Predators were ousted in the playoffs’ first round by the Vancouver Canucks in a six-game series marked by dramatic finishes and a heartbreaker in Game 4 that could have shifted the series balance.
Key Players and Stats:
Filip Forsberg had an outstanding season, leading with 48 goals and 94 points. Roman Josi not only captained the team but also hauled in Norris Trophy votes by leading all defensemen with 85 points. Other notable performances included Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist who significantly contributed, scoring 69 and 75 points respectively.
Veteran goaltender Juuse Saros, despite average season stats, remains crucial for the Predators, confirmed by his new eight-year contract extension, signaling long-term trust in his abilities.
Aggressive Off-Season Strategy:
The Predators have been busy in the free agency, keenly addressing their offensive needs by signing high-profile forwards like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. The addition of defenseman Brady Skjei also indicates an effort to shore up their defense further.
Financially, the Predators realigned by trading Ryan McDonagh to free cap space, and saw departures of several players like Kiefer Sherwood who joined the Canucks, and Anthony Beauvillier who signed with the Penguins.
Amid these exits, Nashville welcomed additions like Vinnie Hinostroza and goaltenders Scott Wedgewood and Matthew Murray to boost depth across the roster.
Looking Ahead:
The Nashville Predators’ impressive finish last season and their proactive stance in this off-season lay a strong foundation for potential success in the 2024-25 season. The additions of Stamkos and Marchessault could be pivotal, providing the scoring edge the team seeks. As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if these strategic moves translate into a deeper playoff run or perhaps, a Stanley Cup contention.
