Five 2024 Free Agent Forwards Nashville Predators should target on July 1

Chandler Stephenson

Stephenson on the surface might not seem like the most appealing option, as he is the oldest player on this list (granted, not by much) and has only cracked the 20-goal mark once in his career. But two things alone make him a must-watch for the Predators: his Stanley Cup history and familiarity with Trotz.

Stephenson has won the Cup twice with two different teams -- the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights -- and was a heavy contributor during the run with Vegas. He was also not only coached by Trotz in Washington, but was with them when they won the Cup and he played every game during that run.

We have seen how much Trotz values both things, especially the Cup pedigree, and his style of play would make him a good fit for Brunette's system.

He is primarily a playmaking forward who gets so many goals off the rush and in transition, and once again, a major part of Brunette's system is strength in the transition game. He also is not afraid to go to the net to score and can play a physical game.

He is coming off of a down-year production wise, and with him hitting the 30-year old mark before July 1, he is unlikely to receive an outrageous contract. It will probably be more expensive than what it would be to sign Bertuzzi, but certainly nothing you would give to an elite player.

And with how uniquely made his resume is for the Predators, it would not be surprising if Trotz was actively looking to make this move. With how he and Brunette talk, they seem to value culture and intangibles above all else, and a Stephenson signing might mean they see that in him.