Nashville Predators Vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Season Opener: 3 Players to Watch

The Nashville Predators will begin the 2025-26 season with a home opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Smashville is anxious going into the new year. After falling deep in the standinglast season, the squad is looking to strike back, even if it's only a few more points.

The Blue Jackets had an impressive finish to the year after nearly making the postseason for the first time since 2020. Columbus had a pretty quiet offseason as they look to run it back with the same roster they ended the year with.

Team Stats Last Season

Nashville Predators

Record: 30-44-8

Goals Scored: 212

Goals Allowed: 274

Powerplay: 21.9%

Penalty Kill: 81.5%

Columbus Blue Jackets

Record: 40-33-9

Goals Scored: 267

Goals Against: 267

Powerplay: 19.5%

Penalty Kill: 77.0%

The Predators Are Looking to Exceed Their Expectations

General Manager Barry Trotz shifted the roster a ton this offseason. After trading away veteran pieces like Colton Sissons and Jeremy Lauzon, he was quick to replace them with other guys like Erik Haula and Nicolas Hague. He even went as far as calling in half the AHL team to kickstart the youth movement in Nashville.

There are a handful of young talents that have entered the show full time. The biggest pickup is 5th overall selection Brady Martin who looks to be starting the year on the first line with Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly. While injured, Matthew Wood successfully secured a roster spot after an outstanding preseason performance. Ozzy Wiesblatt also found his way into the lineup alongside Mike McCarron and Cole Smith.

Among everyone on the starting lineup, here are the three to watch out for this Thursday.

Filip Forsberg Is Nashville's Most Consistent Player

Despite playing on a pretty bad Predators' team for all 82 games, Forsberg still found ways to land the puck in the net. The Swedish left winger had his third best season in points with 76 and his 5th best in goals scored with 31. He was extremely reliable on the powerplay, scoring over a quarter of Nashville's 50 PPG.

In terms of what he will bring to the table this year, he's looking to be more defensive. He had a -27 +/- last season which was one of the worst among his peers. With new line combinations coming his way, Forsberg must adapt quickly, or else Nashville's offense will once again suffer. If all goes according to plan, he will continue to produce at an elite level and propel the first line to success.

Brady Martin is Ready to Shine in His NHL Debut

Martin joined Nashville this preseason in four games. In each of those games, he did everything he could to impress the coaches and the fans. Many people had doubts going into this season, claiming that Martin was just a "highly drafted prospect" and not much else. He quickly shut down those allegations by scoring two beautiful goals and racking up an assist. He was 2/4 on shots taken which is a good sign already.

As mentioned previously, Martin is projected to be the Predators' top line centerman for the time being. If this is the case, expect a lot of action from him and his linemates. He's a speedy, skilled puck handler and will do anything it takes to push into the offensive zone. The 6'0" 185 lbs. forward has truculence and isn't afraid to lay the boom if someone is in his way.

Luke Evangelista Looking Fresh Off a New Contract

After signing a sweet $3Mx2 contract not too long ago, Evangelista is ready to strike back. Like Forsberg, Vange was one of the only consistent players on the squad. He put up his normal statline, recording 32 points in 68 games. This season at a more elevated role, he is determined to reach the 40-point plateau for the first time in his career. He will be joined by Steven Stamkos and Fedor Svechkov on the second line.

Smashville fans have been a bit worried when it comes to player development, seeing that most, if not all of their prospects end up leaving the organization not too far into their career. Tommy Novak signed an extension with Nashville and was traded just a few months into it. If Evangelista can impress and carry the team, we shouldn't have to worry about where he goes.

The Other Guys: Columbus Blue Jackets

Sean Monahan: He recorded his first point-per-game season for the first time since 2019 last year. As Columbus' first line centerman, he'll be on the ice almost all the time. His durability and resiliency is something Nashville should prepare for.

Dmitri Voronkov: After signing a two-year extension with the Jackets this July, Voronkov is looking to become the team's number-one left winger. He scored 23 goals last season, with an impressive 14.9 S%. He'll be a threat for Nashville if they can't tighten up their defense once again.

Zach Werenski: He had a breakout year with the Jackets last season, recording 82 points (23g, 59a) in 81 games. He was a Norris Trophy candidate and is hoping to continue proving to the league why he is a top five D-man. Fueled by offense, the Predators need to focus a lot on not only his playmaking, but his goal scoring from the blueline.