Three Reasons the Predators Will Struggle to Make the Postseason in 2023-24

There is excitement about the new chapter the Nashville Predators are embarking on, but making the playoffs is going to be a challenge. Here are three reasons why the Preds may miss the postseason for a second year in a row.

Nashville got a taste of a "youth movement" at the end of last season as young players stepped into the lineup for injured veterans and kept the Predators in the postseason conversation through the final week of the regular season. There was plenty of excitement after watching Cody Glass play big minutes, Luke Evangelista and Egor Afanasyev score their first NHL goals, and Tommy Novak emerge from Milwaukee. The added pieces of Ryan O'Reilly, Gustav Nyquist, and Luke Schenn have many in Nashville intrigued about what the '23-24 roster can do. 

Excitement shouldn't lead to unrealistic expectations. The Predators missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2014 and getting back won't be easy. Nashville will need far better offensive production, peak performances from three core players, and a bit of luck against teams that are taking steps forward. 

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