When the Nashville Predators drafted Brady Martin fifth overall, they picked more than just a future star. Martin has everything you look for to evolve into the next surefire centerpiece for the Preds. He's got NHL-ready size, tenacity, and a motor that never stops, which is what helped him reach the NHL so quickly.
But, coming in from the junior leagues, Martin has nine games to show coaches and the front office that he's ready for the 82-game slate. Knowing Martin's playing style and that these will be the nine biggest games of his hockey career so far, Martin must keep up his high-octane style of play.
For one, he can't go out there and hesitate, not when he's on the first line with Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly. Two proven veterans who are hoping to show fans that the 2024-25 season wasn't the real deal for the Preds. Having two veterans flanking him is the best-case scenario Martin could have asked for, but he'll need to maximize that with creating chances, taking shots, and winning puck battles consistently.
There can't be lapses here, where he looks great in one game before disappearing for another two contests. Instead, he's got to play every shift as if it's a make-or-break, almost with a playoff hockey mentality.
Brady Martin is capable of making this Nashville Predators team
The Predators are in a strange spot. On one hand, you look at them and think, "This team is still good enough to make another playoff run or two." But on the other, you might say, "Yeah, but if they go out there and are as miserable as they were last season, why keep the vets around long-term?"
Should Martin go in there, consistently create chances, win puck battles, take advantage of opponents' blunders, and carry that same reckless abandon he's known for, and the Preds have a grand total of eight points or less after his nine-game trial, then there is a good chance fans will see a "changing of the guard."
Martin would be part of that group, as would the recently-signed Luke Evangelista. It would mean a lot of losses early on, but with the Gavin McKenna Sweepstakes in full force, fans shouldn't be complaining. Especially when they factor in that they will already have future cornerstones like Martin.
If Martin shows after nine games he's not ready, and by not ready, it means inconsistent overall play, send him back to the Soo Greyhounds regardless of what kind of shape the big club is in. Still, if Martin is getting a nine-game trial now, all signs point to him sticking around with this club.
Why? Because if Barry Trotz didn't believe Martin could handle the NHL, he wouldn't have kept him around. That said, don't be surprised if Martin is still wearing a gold sweater in November and into December.