Old Guard, New Blood: The Predators' Next Chapter Begins
Barry Trotz's plan in pen has some young talent potentially penciled in, and the Predators' veterans are buying in to the youth movement.
The Nashville Predators’ predominant offseason storyline was all about the veterans - would Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Roman Josi bounce back after a disappointing 2024-25 season? With less than a week left before the regular season begins the discourse surrounding the Predators is changing. Now the storyline is more about the long discussed but just now materializing “young players with veterans” vision Barry Trotz cast when he first took over as Nashville’s General Manager.
The potential penciling in of young players for opening night is as much a result of unfortunate circumstance as long term planning. An as of yet unsigned Luke Evangelista, preseason injuries, and strong training camp performances by young players have opened the door for the first real iteration of that veteran and youth mix. While unexpected, these turn of events have brought new energy to a Predators locker room ready for a fresh start.
(Photo credit: Nashville Predators)
The buy in from the veterans is critical but already evident. Players like Steven Stamkos, Roman Josi, Ryan O’Reilly, and Filip Forsberg are sharing ice time with the young and hungry with no complaints.
“We’re fortunate to have great veterans on our team,” head coach Andrew Brunette said this week.
“It’s not always the case where Fil Forsberg has the time and patience to deal with a little bit of growing pains, to help [young players] out, to be a shoulder.”
“I’m very grateful we have those guys that are willing to be selfless enough, that they’re willing to watch and help the young guys grow and to watch them get better. I think it’s rewarding not only for them, but for all of us,” Brunette said.
Forsberg has spent time this preseason playing with young standouts Brady Martin and Matthew Wood. Despite a strong camp, Wood won’t be on the opening night roster. He is listed as week to week with a lower body injury sustained on September 25. In recent practices, Martin has been skating on the top line with Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly.
(Photo credit: Nashville Predators)
There is a lot of veteran wisdom in the locker room for young players like Martin, Wood, Joakim Kemell, Fedor Svechkov, and Tanner Molendyk to soak in.
There are also a lot of adjustments to make to succeed at the NHL level.
“You’re so used to being probably the best player on your team and being the guy in all situations and having the puck all the time,” Steven Stamkos said of the jump to the NHL.
“You just don’t have the puck as much,” Stamkos explained. “The most important thing is your play away from the puck. That is something I was taught at a young age by some older veteran guys that really helped me, and that’s what you try to do.”
“When you’re a good player you know what to do when you have the puck. These are the things you’ve done well your whole life, but when you’re in situations where now you don’t have the puck for as much or you’re playing a little different role, maybe those are the things you have to focus on. That’s something I try to help the guys out with.”
Although the starting lineup for Nashville’s opening night is far from set, Stamkos has spent time at camp this week centered by Fedor Svechkov who made his NHL debut last season. Joakim Kemell and new waiver acquisition Tyson Jost rotated in and out on the opposite wing.
With the preseason injury to Nic Hague, captain Roman Josi has shared ice time in recent preseason games and practices with Adam Wilsby. Wilsby made his NHL debut last season but only played 23 games before injury ended his 2024-25 season early. Tanner Molendyk is getting another extended look on the blue line at camp as well.
Josi hopes the young defensemen learn how important mental focus and consistency are in the NHL.
“Every night you are playing some superstar players, and it’s really easy to be off a little bit,” Josi said. “They’re going to make you pay for that.”
Andrew Brunette credits the veterans with embracing a potentially new looking roster this season.
“They’ve bought into the organizational route we’re going. For us to be successful they understand we need the young guys to get better,” Andrew Brunette said.
The veterans appreciate the work players like Svechkov, Kemell, Martin, Wilsby, and Molendyk are putting in.
“It’s been pretty clear that young guys are going to get a chance, and that’s a great thing,” Stamkos said.
“Obviously, nothing’s given in the league. They have to go out there and earn it, but so far in camp the guys have played well. They’ve earned it - at least a look and an opportunity.”
The benefit of veteran experience for the youth is obvious, but the perks of the age range go both ways.
“I love it,” said Josi who is kicking off his fifteenth season in the league.
“Some guys are like fourteen, fifteen years younger than me, so it’s fun to just talk to them. They grew up in a different world. I love it. They have a different perspective on things.”
“I think the young kids are a little more carefree. They come up and they just have fun, and they love being here. They love playing in the NHL. They just play. They go out there and just play.”
“They’re just excited to be here, and that’s pretty cool to see,” Josi said.
Nashville will give this mix of veteran and youth one more preseason look on Saturday as the Predators host the Carolina Hurricanes at 3:00 pm CT. The final 23 man roster will be submitted on Monday.