NHL Central Division Predictions for the 2024-25 Season

3. Nashville Predators

Nashville finished last season with 99 points and fourth in the Central.

Nashville was one of the biggest players in the summer. They added Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei, and Scott Wedgewood amongst other organizational depth moves. They lost Ryan McDonagh, Jason Zucker, Kiefer Sherwood, Cody Glass, Yaroslav Askarov and Tyson Barrie.

Askarov forced himself out of Nashville after Saros signed his eight-year extension. Nashville didn't have much leverage and dealt him to San Jose for two prospects and a conditional 2025 first-round draft pick.

I'm a fan of this forward core in Nashville. Stamkos and Marchessault going into the season with a chip on their shoulder is interesting to me. I think they're going to have a great year. On top of that Forsberg is one of the best players in the league that gets little media love, O'Reilly is solid, Nyquist had a great year last year, and I like Tommy Novak. Another step from Luke Evangelista would be great for this team.

The blue line has some great pieces on it. Josi is unreal, I'm a fan of Carrier, and I think Luke Schenn is still a solid third-pair guy. Skjei was given a big deal but I do like him. This defense core on top of their forward core as well as one of the best goalies in the league in Saros should make for a great team.

I had them as one of my top five cup contenders but I think it will take time for the new pieces to gel with each other. I think Nashville finishes third in the central and will be a threat in the playoffs.