The 2024–25 campaign was a rough one for Nashville. The team finished with a 30–44–8 record and 68 points — their lowest full-season total since 2001–02. They missed the playoffs, falling short in a season that began with high expectations and ended with disappointment.
Offensively, the Preds struggled mightily. They ranked 31st in goals, and were blanked a league-high 10 times during the season. Meanwhile, defense and goaltending were under constant pressure: the team allowed 274 goals — one of the worst totals in the league.
- Filip Forsberg carried much of the offense. He led the team in goals (31), assists (43), and points (74) despite the drop-off from his previous seasons. Unfortunately Juuse Saros, long considered the backbone of Nashville’s defense, had one of the worst statistical seasons of his career. His save percentage dipped to .896, and his GAA rose to 2.98.
- What to expect in the 25-26 campaign
- The goal is clear: bounce back. The front office, led by GM Barry Trotz, knows this roster needs better balance, greater defensive stability, and more consistent offense. With stars like Forsberg, Josi, and seasoned newcomers like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei in the mix, the margin for error is thin. That said, the aging core raises questions about sustainability.
- The Predators acquired Nic Hague from Vegas and Nick Perbix to deepen the defense corps and Luke Evangelista recently signed a two-year deal and is viewed as part of the young core that could help reignite scoring.
- What to Watch This Season:
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What to Watch This Season
- Will Forsberg, Marchessault, and Stamkos bounce back to their elite levels?
- Can Svechkov take a jump and solidify himself as a top-six forward?
- Will the defensive upgrades translate into fewer high-danger chances against?
- Can Saros rediscover his elite form under pressure?
- Most critically — how Josi handles his POTS diagnosis and returns to full force.
- And finally: can the Preds get off to a fast start? Their 2024–25 season spiraled early, and establishing momentum early will be key.
- Given the improvements and internal expectations, several analysts peg Nashville’s over/under point total in the mid-’80s range — a meaningful bump over last season. But playoff odds remain long; many see this as still a bubble team. Can the Predators make strides and compete for Lord Stanley’s Cup?