The postseason and playing for the Stanley Cup is always the initial goal for every NHL team, and even the last-place Nashville Predators still aren't techinically eliminated here in late November. It sure feels like it, though.
The Predators come out of Thanksgiving with the lowest point total in the entire NHL. Ironically, the Predators have the exact same record through 23 games as they did last season at 7-12-4 with 18 points. They're all alone at the bottom this time around, and last year they were tied with the Chicago Blackhawks for last place in the entire NHL.
To further the pain of Predators fans everywhere, GM Barry Trotz is deciding to stand by his embattled head coach, Andrew Brunette. Leaving fans frustrated that change and accountability isn't happening yet. At least for now.
So with the table set on how bad things currently are for the Predators, the question becomes what else is there to gain for the remaining 59 games? Of course assuming the Predators don't go on some magical run to rally and make the playoffs.
According to MoneyPuck, the Predators currently have a 4.3 percent chance to make the playoffs. They have an 11.5 percent chance to land the No.1 overall pick, which would be the first time getting that honor in franchise history.
Here are three realistic things the Predators have to gain for the rest of this season so we can at least feel like we came out of 2025-26 with something positive.