The Nashville Predators announced their schedule for the 2025-26 season and oh my gosh is it stacked. The boys begin their season with two games at home and end the season with three. It will be the team's year to revive their expectations after failing to reach them the year prior. With the new editions Nicolas Hague and Nick Perbix, Nashville is hoping for something better.
With this year's schedule, it certainly is possible. They'll play against less playoff bound teams in the opening months than they did last year. The league got better over the offseason so the relatively same rostered Nashville team will have to adapt fast. Without any more yap, let's dive into the first of many crucial matchups of the upcoming season, starting with the home opener.
Oct 9th, Predators vs. Blue Jackets
Nashville was a tough team to watch at the beginning of last season. The Preds started the year with a 5-game losing streak, 4 of which were at home. If they can snag a win in their first game of the season, things will start off on a good note for Nashville. The Columbus Blue Jackets almost clinched a playoff berth last year and they're pushing to get it this year. Things could be sour to start with the return of Dante Fabbro but regardless, expect an action-packed game to start the year off.
Oct 11th, Predators vs. Mammoth
Personally, this is the matchup I was most hoping for. Nashville's social media accounts have teased a potential rivalry between the Predators and the Mammoth. With both representing an extinct prehistoric animal—the saber-toothed tiger and the woolly mammoth respectively—the battle of the ice age will be born. Fans should be excited for a potential franchise first rivalry.
Oct 28th, Predators vs Lightning
There's a lot of history between these 2 teams, despite playing in separate conferences. The Preds and Lightning are notorious for being big time trade partners. The Tanner Jeannot trade has put a gaping hole in the Bolts future draft stock. Nashville used Tampa's first rounder to select Cameron Reid in the draft. If Tampa is looking to push the blame for their poor future, it's Smashville. Not to mention that the team lost Nick Perbix to none other than the Preds. A mixture of familiar faces and some angry ones, Preds hockey will go down south to battle with the former dynasty.
Nov 14th & 16th, Predators vs Penguins in Stockholm
These games are special for two reasons. The most obvious one is the fact that we're going to be playing in Stockholm, Sweden. Filip Forsberg grew up not too far from Stockholm, so it'll be a homecoming couple of games for him. The second reason is the amount of reunion we'll be seeing on the ice. Former Preds forwards Philip Tomasino and Tommy Novak will be in the lineup for Pittsburgh. Two young stars we lost last season will get to see Nashville in its current state. Should be fun for all.
Nov 24th, Predators vs Panthers
The Florida Panthers are two-time reigning champs of the Stanley Cup Finals. They were somehow able to keep Aaron Ekblad, Brad Marchand, and Sam Bennett under contract, so they'll still be stacked. In the case of Nashville, playing a good game against them would mean a lot to both the team and fans. The Preds used to have a good winning history against the Panthers; Can they revive it this season?
Dec 9th, 11th, 13th, & 15th, Predators vs Avalanche & Blues
Nashville will sure have it's hands full when it comes to these 4 games all against division rivals. It starts with 2 home games against Colorado and St. Louis. After, they'll take fly out to the Mile High City to battle out the Avs again before heading down to the Midwest to take on the Blues. If Nashville hopes to rise in division standings, these four matchups are crucial must wins.
Dec 31st, Predators @ Golden Knights
Like Tampa, Nashville seems to like making trades with the Vegas Golden Knights. Recently, we saw Preds General Manager Barry Trotz ship off long-time team veteran Colton Sissons and Jeremy Lauzon in exchange for star defenseman Nicolas Hague. We signed their Conn Smythe winning winger Jonathan Marchessault. Safe to say that these two teams will be fighting to see who got the better of the moves.