The Nashville Predators host the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 9 to open the 2025-26 season.

Most of the Predators’ roster returns from last season, including forwards Filip Forsberg, Steven Stamkos, Ryan O’Reilly and Jonathan Marchessault, but there are a few names to keep an eye on. Nic Hague and Nick Perbix signed multiyear contracts over the summer, adding some size and length to the back end. Hague will begin the year on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, but should be out only two to three weeks.

“It’s been a long summer, but opening night is always special no matter what year it is,” Josi told reporters after morning skate. “The crowd’s going to be into it, playing at home is extra special.”

Additional newcomers include forward Erik Haula, back for his second stint in Nashville after being acquired in a trade with New Jersey, and four rookies: No. 5 overall pick Brady Martin, defenseman Adam Wilsby, and forwards Ozzy Wiesblatt and Joakim Kemell.

“I feel like it’s been a long time coming,” Martin said. “I’ve got a lot family coming so I’m excited to get out there.”

MARTIN: Why Nashville Predators rookie center Brady Martin is a force ‘everyone will love’

The Predators should feel lucky to get out of the second period with the game still tied. The Blue Jackets owned possession for much of the middle frame, requiring Saros to make 12 saves in the period.

With 17 seconds left in the period, it appeared Mathieu Olivier scored to give the Blue Jackets a 2-1 lead. But the Predators challenged for goaltender interference and were successful: Olivier made contact with Saros in the blue ice before scoring. No goal.

At the end of 40 minutes, the Predators and Blue Jackets are tied 1-1. Shots in favor of Columbus 28-17.

With four minutes left in the first period, Dmitri Voronkov tipped a bouncing puck past Juuse Saros to tie the game 1-1. Nashville had gained some momentum back after a strong start for Columbus, but Voronkov ensured all things were equal after 20 minutes.

Columbus leads in shots 14-8 after the first.

After a slow start for Nashville, Michael Bunting got the home crowd going with the first goal of the season. He pounced on a loose puck in the right circle and one-timed the shot right over Jet Greaves’ shoulder.

Erik Haula got the assist in his first game back with Nashville. Predators have a 1-0 lead, though the Jackets have the edge in shots 9-5.

An annual tradition for the Nashville Predators, all 23 members of the opening night roster dressed in their finest to walk to gold carpet. Some even brought their children.

Here’s our best photos from the Gold Walk:

The Nashville Predators vs. Columbus Blue Jackets game will be televised by FanDuel Sports Network South with streaming available via FUBO and ESPN+ (outside of the Nashville TV market).

Odds according to BetMGM on Thursday, Oct. 9

PUCK LINE:  Predators -1.5 at +190, Blue Jackets +1.5 at -235O/U:  6 goalsMONEY LINE: Predators -120, Blue Jackets +100

All times Central; Games on FanDuel Sports Network South unless otherwise noted

Record: 0-0-0, 0 points

October

Oct. 9: Columbus Blue JacketsOct. 11: Utah MammothOct. 13: at Ottawa SenatorsOct. 14: at Toronto Maple LeafsOct. 16: at Montreal CanadiensOct. 18: at Winnipeg JetsOct. 21: Anaheim DucksOct. 23: Vancouver CanucksOct. 25: Los Angeles KingsOct. 26: Dallas StarsOct. 28: Tampa Bay LightningOct. 30: at Philadelphia Flyers

November

Nov. 1: Calgary FlamesNov. 3: Vancouver CanucksNov. 4: at Minnesota WildNov. 6: Philadelphia FlyersNov. 8: Dallas StarsNov. 10: at New York RangersNov. 14: Pittsburgh Penguins (Stockholm, Sweden)Nov. 16: at Pittsburgh Penguins (Stockholm, Sweden)Nov. 22: Colorado AvalancheNov. 24: Florida PanthersNov. 26: at Detroit Red WingsNov. 28: at Chicago BlackhawksNov. 29: Winnipeg Jets

December

Dec. 2: Calgary FlamesDec. 4: at Florida PanthersDec. 6: at Carolina HurricanesDec. 9: Colorado AvalancheDec. 11: St. Louis BluesDec. 13: at Colorado AvalancheDec. 15: at St. Louis BluesDec. 17: Carolina HurricanesDec. 20: Toronto Maple LeafsDec. 21: New York RangersDec. 23: at Minnesota WildDec. 27: at St. Louis BluesDec. 29: at Utah MammothDec. 31: at Vegas Golden Knights

January

Jan. 1: at Seattle KrakenJan. 3: at Calgary FlamesJan. 6: at Edmonton OilersJan. 8: New York IslandersJan. 10: Chicago BlackhawksJan. 11: Washington CapitalsJan. 13: Edmonton OilersJan. 16: at Colorado AvalancheJan. 17: at Vegas Golden KnightsJan. 20: Buffalo SabresJan. 22: Ottawa SenatorsJan. 24: Utah MammothJan. 27: at Boston BruinsJan. 29: at New Jersey DevilsJan. 31: at New York Islanders

February

Feb. 2: St. Louis BluesFeb. 4: Minnesota WildFeb. 5: at Washington CapitalsFeb. 26: Chicago BlackhawksFeb. 28: at Dallas Stars

March

March 2: Detroit Red WingsMarch 3: at Columbus Blue JacketsMarch 5: Boston BruinsMarch 7: at Buffalo SabresMarch 10: at Seattle KrakenMarch 12: at Vancouver CanucksMarch 15: at Edmonton OilersMarch 17: at Winnipeg JetsMarch 19: Seattle KrakenMarch 21: Vegas Golden KnightsMarch 22: at Chicago BlackhawksMarch 24: San Jose SharksMarch 26: New Jersey DevilsMarch 28: Montreal CanadiensMarch 29: at Tampa Bay Lightning

April

April 2: at Los Angeles KingsApril 4: at San Jose SharksApril 6: at Los Angeles KingsApril 7: at Anaheim DucksApril 9: at Utah Hockey ClubApril 11: Minnesota WildApril 13: San Jose SharksApril 16: Anaheim Ducks

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