The projections are in and the Predators are expected to finish just outside the playoff window in the Central Division. What could improve Nashville's postseason chances and what is the worst case scenario for 2023-24?
The projections are in and the Predators are expected to finish just outside the playoff window in the Central Division. What could improve Nashville's postseason chances and what is the worst case scenario for 2023-24?
Nashville Predators Projections
Last year: 42-32-8, 5th in the Central Division (missed playoffs for the first time since 2013-2014)
Projected: Finish 5th in the Division, miss out on a wildcard spot but closest if any team slips*
(*Rankings calculated by KEVIN, a predictive learning model created by Rachel Doerrie.)
Keys to the Season
1. Nashville's new veterans jump start a sluggish offense. Ryan O'Reilly was brought in to help shape the locker room culture, but the Predators need the 32-year-old to impact the on ice production of Filip Forsberg this season. If Forsberg stays healthy and he and O'Reilly find that top line chemistry, Forsberg could get back to his career best 2021-22 stats. Gustav Nyquist and Cody Glass are also likely to spend time together this season on a line. If Nyquist and O'Reilly's lines can generate offense and Brunette can identify a handful of depth scorers, the Predators could record far better than their 2.72 goals per game from last season.
2. Young players continue to improve with experience. Developing young talent is near the top of Barry Trotz's "to do" list, and there are several players who could have a breakout season in 2023-24. Juuso Pärssinen, Luke Evangelista, and Tommy Novak each showed exciting potential in their limited games last season. If they can replicate those performances with help from new head coach Andrew Brunette and the a return of healthy veterans for an 82 game season, the young players could affect how quickly the Predators can get back to being a serious playoff contender.
3. The X factor for the Nashville Predators is Juuse Saros. At the end of last season, Saros kept a young, pieced together Predators team in the wildcard hunt right up until the final week despite losing top veterans to injury and trade. Saros is the key to the Predators being a a "reset" versus a full on "rebuild" because he can steal games with his play in net. Saros could provide stability early while the team continues to grow more comfortable together and with Brunette's new system. If he has a season like 2022-23 and the Predators pull off some upset wins, look for Saros to be in the Vezina conversation once again.
Most Likely Scenario
The end of the 2023-24 season is likely going to look like the end of last season with the team pushing to be in the race for a second wildcard spot. If somehow the Predators sneak into the postseason, be prepared for them to make a first round exit. The upside is that it wouldn't feel as disappointing as in previous seasons when postseason expectations were much higher but unmet.
Worst Case Scenario
Juuse Saros gets injured, the young players have the dreaded sophomore slumps, or the new additions O'Reilly and Nyquist don't gel with their new teammates could spell disaster for the Predators. If Nashville can't come up with a handful of wins over playoff caliber teams and struggles into the new year, look for Barry Trotz to potentially move more pieces at the trade deadline and push back Nashville's "reset" to a longer term "rebuild".
Central Division Previews
Check out how the other Central Division teams see their seasons playing out.
2. Dallas Stars