Ready to contribute
The Predators are looking to get younger, and Matthew Wood is one of the players who can potentially provide a spark. The 20-year-old played six NHL games last season (one assist) after he had a point per game with the University of Minnesota (17 goals, 22 assists in 39 games). He’s expected to begin the season on the fourth line but could move up if he provides the offense Nashville is looking for.
Fantasy sleeper with EDGE stats
Jonathan Marchessault, F: Known for his strong category coverage, Marchessault ranked second on the Predators in assists (35), points (56), even-strength goals (17), power-play points (23) and shots on goal (206) last season. Considering he had a career-high 75 points with the Golden Knights in 2017-18 and won the Conn Smythe Trophy when they won the Stanley Cup in 2023 (25 points in 22 games during that postseason), he should be considered a prime fantasy bounce-back candidate. Per NHL EDGE stats, Marchessault ranked highly among forwards in all three shots by location categories: high-danger shots on goal (66; 91st percentile), midrange shots on goal (54; 84th percentile) and long-range shots on goal (20; 90th percentile). — Pete Jensen
Projected lineup
Filip Forsberg — Ryan O’Reilly — Jonathan Marchessault
Steven Stamkos — Fedor Svechkov — Luke Evangelista
Michael Bunting — Erik Haula — Zachary L’Heureux
Cole Smith — Michael McCarron — Matthew Wood
Roman Josi — Justin Barron
Brady Skjei – Nick Blankenburg
Nicolas Hague — Nick Perbix
Juuse Saros
Justus Annunen