We're about a month out from the 2025-26 NHL season, and the wait is getting increasingly difficult. The Nashville Predators are going to be a team that boasts some serious storylines to start the season and we think that these five players have a chance to be among the most talked about on the roster.
Roman Josi has to Answer the BIG Question
Fair or foul, Roman Josi is a source of curiosity and of concern going into the start of the season. With his diagnosis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and his NHL future unclear, the Predators are hoping to have a clearer answer regarding their Captain during training camp.
Still, even if Josi looks great in practice, an NHL game is very different. If Josi is going to continue his career and play at a high level, it might become unrealistic for him to play 25 minutes a night as a 35-year-old with a neurological condition.
The Predators currently lack an heir apparent to the number 1 position on defense, so if Josi is anything less than, well, Josi, the Predators are likely cellar-bound.
Jonathan Marchessault looks to Back Up his Talk
It is really simple when it comes to Marchy. If you criticize the coaching, you've got to come out playing well.
With management now on alert for a possibly disgruntled star, Jonathan Marchessault has made himself an unofficial barometer for how things are with the Predators. If he starts hot, it signals that he's engaged and he earnestly wants to be here, and that Head Coach Andrew Brunnette has made the adjustments that Marchessault was calling for.
If he's goalless for the first 10 games? Then GM Barry Trotz probably fires up the trade machine.
Brady Skjei might be Olympics Bound, but Nashville Comes First
Calling the 2024-2025 Brady Skjei season an unmitigated disaster is probably a bit harsh, but being -24, having 101 giveaways, and not driving play well by the advanced metrics means he has to really prove the doubters wrong in his second year with the Predators.
Still, Skjei is in the running with the top American defensemen to be on the Olympic team, and should still be in his "prime" years. With Josi now a question mark, Skjei is well paid and will be well played should Josi not be able to eat minutes in the same way.
Skjei flat out has to be better, and might have to be the #1.
Michael Bunting Needs a Home to Avoid Journeyman Status
Now, being an NHL journeyman isn't a bad living at all, just ask Michael Bunting. He's been on 5 teams in 6ish seasons, and he's making $4.5 million this season. If he doesn't play up to that price tag this year, he'll be hard-pressed to get a contract that big, or top-6 minutes anywhere else, if he isn't productive here.
Now, Bunting could be trade bait come trade deadline time, but again, if he's been unproductive for the first 50 games, his price tag won't yield a draft pick or prospect that will be of much use to the team. If he falters early, he might get moved before he overly damages his value.
Justus Annunen Has The Least Stable Spot On The Roster
Why would Justus Annunen need a hot start? Why would we care about a backup goalie? Well, while Juuse Saros is probably in line to play 55 or 60 games, then for the other 22ish you really could play any serviceable goalie.
Annunen has a chance to get out of the backup goalie carousel and secure a nice home for himself and a decent payday. If not, he's got draft picks and AHL standouts behind him. With limited spots in the NHL, Annunen could be in a backup or bust kind of scenario.
If it doesn't work, I hear Finland is nice this time of year.