Following a disappointing 2023-24 season, the Nashville Predators made significant offseason moves, adding Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei, and extending Juuse Saros to bolster their playoff hopes. Last season, the Predators relied on standout performances from players like Gustav Nyquist and Ryan O’Reilly, raising concerns about how potential regression in their forward unit could impact their playoff chances.
Marchessault, who signed a five-year, $5.5 million per season deal with Nashville after scoring 42 goals with the Vegas Golden Knights, is a notable candidate for regression. Despite his impressive numbers, his success largely came with Vegas, and his only other notable season was with the Florida Panthers. Nashville’s challenge will be to maximize his impact, especially as he ages.
Ryan O’Reilly, another key acquisition from last offseason, delivered a strong performance with 69 points and solid defensive play. However, with new high-profile additions, O’Reilly’s role might be less prominent, and he must maintain his scoring and defensive prowess to help secure a playoff spot for the Predators.
Gustav Nyquist, who had a career-high 75 points last season, may see a change in role if Marchessault maintains his form. At 35, Nyquist’s performance could decline with reduced ice time and a potential move to the second line. Despite his age, Nyquist’s ability to replicate last year’s success will be crucial for the Predators’ success in the upcoming season.
Overall, the Predators must ensure that their new and existing players continue to perform at a high level to make a strong playoff push in 2024-25.
