The Nashville Predators have a big week ahead of them as the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and free agency is jam-packed into a few days. The Predators are in a position to compete and have tons of space to improve upon a solid 2023-24 season in which the team lost in the first round. Free agency this year is much bigger for the Predators than the draft unless Nashville pulls off a trade or two on draft day, which is very viable. With over $26 million to spend on upgrades, multiple positions can be addressed and give the Predators the best shot at being even more competitive in 2024-25. Barry Trotz spoke on free agency [https://x.com/AlexDaugherty1/status/1805350806733951071] and what it means for the Predators, saying that "I think we'll be a prime target for free agents to come to and I think that we will be active in free agency as much as we can." There are a few areas where the Predators could really benefit from adding to. Acquiring a top-6 center, top-6 scoring forward, and a top-4 right defenseman are at the top of the list. In free agency, this isn't going to be cheap, but it also won't cost any assets. Trotz understands that there is no room to just sit back and do nothing. Nashville is a place that many players would love to be and the fans and ownership are great as he mentions as well. There is a solid team already assembled that made the playoffs this season. With the right moves, that first-round exit could turn into a much deeper run next year and beyond. It was interesting that Trotz didn't mention bolstering their lineup through a trade, but he could also not be revealing his hand or think anything is close at the moment. During the draft, last minute decisions are made and the Predators could be offered something they really like to then pull off a trade. Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz speaks to the media following the team's trade of Ryan McDonagh to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The best bet is to expect Nashville to upgrade in free agency though. They can offer more as a full package than many other teams. The Predators can compete, have enough money to offer the top players to sway their decisions, and may even opt to offer longer term contracts. The top free agents are likely being offered 5-7 years anyways. If the Predators are able to pick up players for two of the three areas they most need (top-6 C, top-6 F, top-4 RD), who knows what kind of depth Nashville brings in as well. The Predators have a great opportunity to really take a leap forward and with Trotz at the helm, the team should be able to do so. RECENT PREDATORS NEWS Podcast: The Stanley Cup, NHL Draft Preview & Nashville Predators Trade Talk [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/podcasts/podcast-the-stanley-cup-nhl-draft-preview-nashville-predators-trade-scenarios] What Nashville Predators Can Learn About Building a Champion From the Florida Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/what-nashville-predators-can-learn-about-building-a-champion-from-the-florida-panthers] David Poile, Shea Weber Elected to Hockey Hall of Fame [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/david-poile-shea-weber-elected-to-hockey-hall-of-fame] Nashville Predators 2024 Mock Draft Roundup [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/latest-news/nashville-predators-2024-mock-draft-roundup]
