How much cap space do the Nashville Predators have in the 2024 NHL offseason?

From a team that was barely thought to be a wild card contender to one you can legitimately believe will contend for a Stanley Cup, few teams have surprised, like the Nashville Predators. To pending unrestricted free agents, the program Barry Trotz has taken over will look like a lucrative landing spot as they could be just one big-time player away from earning at least a top-three placing in the Central Division next year. 

Yes, their top rivals, like the Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche will be tough to beat, but Nashville can make a lot of noise if they make the right moves in the offseason. Some of which will include extending those pending unrestricted free agents this summer, but now that we know that this team can compete among the NHL’s elite, signing Juuse Saros to a long-term deal should also take precedence. 

Nashville Predators will have modest cap space in the 2024 NHL offseason

Cap space, however, could be an issue for the Predators as they will go into the 2024 offseason with roughly $16.8 million, which is the 18th most in the NHL. This could limit what Trotz can do, but remember, there will be some turnover as players like Anthony Beauvillier and Tyson Barrie should be heading to another one of the league’s 31 clubs this summer. 

Others, like Alexandre Carrier, should be keepers, and again, it’s paramount that the Predators get a deal done with Saros to avoid any potential trade. Retaining pending restricted free agents - all two of them in the active lineup - would also be wise. 

This means the Predators may not have enough to bring in an elite name unless Trotz is willing to move some pieces. But if he can afford one, look for him to easily lure a useful asset to Tennessee, and that could make for a massive game-changer regarding where the Preds stand vs. their elite division rivals.