TNT and ESPN announced their 2026-27 TV broadcast schedule for the NHL Wednesday, and one thing that caught the eye of many Nashville Predators fans was the lack of televised games for their favorite team once again.
Last season saw the Predators take a leap in the right direction, narrowly missing the playoffs with a 38-34-10 record. Then-general manager Barry Trotz quietly improved the team over the 2025 offseason, adding to the defensive core and reeling in a middle-six centerman. With those pieces, Nashville took huge steps out of the deep hole it dug itself in 2024-25.
When compared to the 2024-25 season, which saw the team air nine times on national television, largely in part to Trotz's massive offseason spending spree, it only secured two broadcast slots. This season, the Predators got three ESPN+ slots, and zero TNT slots. The drop off for the 2024-25 season was understandable, but you'd think an increase in production would result in more televised games. Given the team's 2026 offseason additions, it certainly improved, but it looks like some think otherwise.
Arguably the biggest addition this offseason was forward Mavrik Bourque, who is expected to spark more goalscoring in the Predators top six core. Alex Kerfoot, Nils Hoglander, Ross Colton and Jack Drury were solid bottom six additions and could provide stability to Nashville's forward depth. Ilya Lyubushkin is a strong stay-at-home defender, and will be crucial to keeping the puck out of the Predators' zone, giving goalies Juuse Saros and Justus Annunen some time to breathe.
Overview of 2026-27 nationally televised games
While it is unfortunate that the Predators won't be as noticed this season despite a roster overhaul, we shouldn't forget the three games that will be televised all across North America.
Nov. 5 | Nashville @ Colorado
This game is a no brainer. It's not only the return of forwards Jack Drury and Ross Colton to their former Avalanche squad but also Predators President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chris MacFarland. He helped construct a competitive team after their cup run, and acquired some key pieces through some high risk, high reward deals. Considering a good chunk of his signings/hirings came from the Colorado organization, it'll be fun to see if that deepens the rivalry anymore.
Nov. 10 | Nashville @ Los Angeles
Much like the Colorado game, the Los Angeles Kings game is all about reunion. This time, the reunion is only in the front office. One of MacFarland's biggest offseason moves wasn't a signing, but the hiring of Rob Blake as Executive V.P of Hockey Ops. Blake was previously the general manager of the Kings. He brought in several core pieces like drafting Brandt Clarke and Quinton Byfield and trading for Kevin Fiala and Trevor Moore.
Jan. 5 | Edmonton @ Nashville
This game is an interesting one. There isn't really any significance to this game like Colorado and Los Angeles. The real important thing to note is that this is at home. This gives the Predators a chance to showcase their League-renowned fanbase and atmosphere. If anything, this game was created more for the Oilers, was Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl typically play better against Nashville.
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