The 2024-25 season for the Nashville Predators was a very difficult one. Their poor play caused General Manager Barry Trotz to move out a few defenseman, making room for a few younger faces. With Captain Roman Josi missing a chunk of the end of the season, these young players saw their roles elevate.
One of these young blueliners is Marc Del Gaizo. Playing in nine games in 2023-24, including his NHL debut, this was his first long look at the top level. This year, skating in 46 games, he registered nine points. With an average ice time of nearly 17 minutes per game, he even saw time on the penalty kill in his new role.
With big names like Josi and Brady Skjei still under contract, and other defenders like Justin Barron, Adam Wilsby, Nick Blankenberg, and Jeremy Lauzon returning, the back end is getting crowded. Did Del Gaizo show he is more valuable than these other players?
A crowded Nashville Predators d-corps for Del Gaizo to win a spot in
The Predators have a number of other D-men waiting to get NHL looks, like Tanner Molendyk, Andrew Gibson, and fellow UMASS defender Ryan Ufko. Ufko made his NHL debut in the second to last game of the year, not looking out of place while doling so. If some room needs to be cleared for these young players to take a new role, could Trotz let Del Gaizo walk?
This season, before he was traded, Luke Schenn was Del Gaizo's most common partner. Skating in about 279 minutes together, they were outscored eight to twelve with a 49% Corsi for (CF%). Following the change, he was joined by Justin Barron for most of his time. Still, they were outscored eight to thirteen in just about 172 minutes together. With Barron, the pair's CF% was 53.5, slightly higher.
Getting outscored and outshot is not a recipe for success for a young defender trying to prove he can be a full-time NHLer. Del Gaizo is now 25-years-old and entering the prime of his career. After this season, he will become a Group 6 UFA, meaning any team can seek his services. With how this year went, especially down the stretch, it's hard to see Trotz running it back with the same lack of experience this year's blueline had on it.
With many big names still on this roster, it is clear Trotz is in a position to try and keep this team competitive while the players that are here remain here. With three first-round picks at the draft, he could weaponize that and bring in a steadier and experienced defender.
It feels likely that the Predators will allow Del Gaizo to walk and seek to replace him, although no door is closed until the ink on his next contract dries.