Nashville Predators' depth making their mark early on and giving hope

After taking on the Winnipeg Jets in a 4-1 loss, the Nashville Predators (2-2-2) sit among a bunch of jumbled up team among the wildcard bubble in the early going of 2025-26.

Even though we are only a handful of games into the season, things are looking a lot better than what they looked like before. At this point, anything looks good when compared to the disaster that was the 2024-25 season.

One of these bright spots for Nashville is the ample amount of depth scoring. Many players have a had a breakout start to the year. Guys like Erik Haula, Michael Bunting, and Nick Perbix have all seen statistical improvements in the lineup. Let's take a look into the guys that are lighting the lamp behind all the stars on the roster.

Bunting was the lone goal scorer for Nashville in the loss to Winnipeg, which completes the four-game road trip to Canada. They head back home to Nashville with a 1-2-1 record on the road trip.

Erik Haula Making His Presence for Nashville Predators Known

Many had their doubts when General Manager Barry Trotz made a trade with New Jersey to acquire veteran forward Erik Haula. At the time, the 34-year-old center recorded 21 points in the Jersey Shore and an additional point in the postseason.

For a team trying to get younger, reeling in Haula was questionable to say the least. However, he quickly answered those questions as he started the month hot. In his first game in the mustard yellow, he tallied an assist on Nashville's first of the game. From there, he went on a four-game point streak, recording two goals and assists a piece.

He's also played really well at the faceoff dot, having a 53% success rate. Haula averages 15:32 minutes a night as a third liner which is a really good sign. He isn't afraid to get his nose out there in tight situations on the penalty kill. The Finn is the backbone to the Predators third line, which brings us to the next player.

Michael Bunting is Redeeming Himself as a Staple to Nashville's Offense

Bunting entered the Predators organization with a lot of distaste. After being acquired in a trade that sent young centerman Tommy Novak to the Pittsburgh Penguins, a lot of fans weren't happy. In turn, Bunting had to prove his worth. In 18 games, he scored five goals and recorded four helpers. Safe to say that he impressed some, and swayed others away.

However, this season, he's playing his part. He has a +1 rating and has drawn six penalties. He tries to draw a penalty any chance he gets and nine times out of ten, he gets it done. Bunting also has a fun time playing defense when needed as he has already racked up four blocked shots. His work on the experiment line with Haula and Jonathan Marchessault is paying off well for Nashville.

With a 25% scoring accuracy when the puck hits the toe, he is reliable on both ends of the night. He's able to play both left and right wing which is another plus with him in the lineup. For the time being, I'm not too sure that the third line will be split up. They've played surprisingly well and let's hope it continues to be like that.

Nick Perbix Taking Advantage of More Ice time

Perbix left Tampa Bay as a bottom-line defenseman and entered Nashville as a top four d-man. He went from playing only 14 minutes a night to an astounding 20. With his linemate Brady Skjei, he's racked up a +4 rating. Offensively, he's even better, netting two and recording an additional helper.

At a low price of $2.75M AAV, he is saving his team money while playing big minutes. He's blocked eight shots and laid the body twice. The Minnesota native has made a statement all around the league that he was underestimated all along. You can't let a 6'4" 206 lbs. body sink in the lineup, you got to take advantage of that and that's what the Preds are doing.

Once Nicolas Hague comes back, his lineup spot will be highly contested. However, if he continues to lay his case, Hague might have to fight for that spot. Perbix is a solid pickup by Nashville and it works out for both parties in the longrun. More defensive talent for the Preds, and more ice time and development for Perbix.