Nashville Predators Puck Drop: Yakov Trenin Days Until Season Opener

Welcome to The Puck Drop, a weekly roundup of all things Nashville Predators. We look at news stories, social media posts, and everything else regarding YOUR NASHVILLE PREDATORS.

The moment we have all been waiting for is close at hand. While we are all enjoying the NHL preseason games, the season opener for the Predators is only 13 days away.

As we draw near to the first game of the season, we anxiously await the news of a final roster for Nashville. Several different players have made strong cases for themselves so far in the preseason, but head coach John Hynes must narrow the field down to 23 roster players.

While we know the seasoned veterans will make the grade, several prospect players have legitimate shots at making the Predators’ roster. Players like Philip Tomasino, Egor Afanasyev, and Rem Pitlick have fared well in the preseason matchups.

And while it isn’t a question of if but when these players make the jump to the NHL, you have to wonder if any of them have made enough of an impact to take the place of a regular NHL roster player.

One player, in particular, seems to be catching the eye of Hynes in this preseason. Afanasyev has played excellently in these matchups, scoring two goals against Tampa and almost tallying a third.

“Egor looks really good, and the way he can shoot the puck, he has a knack for scoring,” Hynes said. “He’s a guy that even in practice catches your eye. He’s really making a strong impression.”

The prospects have three more preseason games to make their case. With the way some of them are playing so far, we will more than likely see them in NHL games at some point this season, if not on opening night.

Nashville Predators Preseason Rolls On

So far, the Predators have played two preseason games against the Florida Panthers and one against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Three more preseason contests remain; one against Tampa and two against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Even though they lost both games against Florida, the young roster fared well against some of Florida’s seasoned veterans. However, the game against the Lightning, featuring some of Nashville’s veterans, went much better.

The Predators won that contest 6-2 with strong showings from Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg, and Egor Afanasyev. Forsberg and Afanayev had two goals apiece and looked comfortable on the ice, as did goaltenders David Rittich and Connor Ingram.

These last preseason games are important primers before the puck drops on the regular season on October 14 when the Predators take on the Seattle Kraken.

Vote Gnash!

We all know how great our beloved Predators mascot is. Now you can make your voice heard and help Gnash get into the Mascot Hall of Fame.

There really is only one clear choice in this contest. So make sure you cast your vote starting on October 3. Voting ends on October 9.

Good luck, Gnash. You deserve it.

Predators To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

The Predators are planning a big celebration to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. The celebration will occur before and during the October 9 preseason game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Predators have lots of activities planned, including a pre-game party featuring live music and local vendors. There will also be a Latin Art exhibit inside Bridgestone Arena.

So come on out to the game and join the Predators as they honor the Latin American community.

Stick To Your Day Jobs

There have been some pretty good posts recently featuring some artwork by some of the Predators players.

We all remember Roman Josi’s rendition of the Predators logo during NHL Media Days. If not, here is a reminder.

And here is a great meme featuring the Captain by our friend Kyle Perkins.

Other players took up the marker and did their best with varying results. Unfortunately, predators prospect Matt Luff may have drawn the worst logo that we have seen so far.

It is no contest when comparing Luff’s and Josi’s drawings to defenseman Matt Benning‘s. Hands down, Benning won the art contest.