The forward core additions were contrary to what many predicted the Predators would do, but they do provide some interesting commentary. They could also give fans a glance on what MacFarland believes the plan is for next season. Here are some insights I\u2019ve gleaned from the moves.<\/p>\n
Mavrik Bourque Can Be a Legitimate Top-Six Forward<\/p>\n
I loved the Predators going out and acquiring Bourque from the Stars. He was a major candidate to be offer sheeted as a pending restricted free agent (RFA), and the Stars had very little cap space to attempt to re-sign franchise super-star winger Jason Robertson.<\/p>\n
![\"Mavrik](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Mavrik-Bourque-Stars-1200x800.jpg\")
Dallas Stars forwards Justin Hryckowian and Mavrik Bourque celebrate Bourque\u2019s goal against the Vancouver Canucks (Bob Frid-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n
The Predators were smart in going for Bourque, who has been steadily progressing into a top-six forward. He scored 20 goals and added 21 assists this past season, but he was mostly used on the bottom six, with Roope Hintz, Matt Duchene, and Wyatt Johnston taking minutes away from him. They also took on one year of a rough contract from Lyubushkin so they wouldn\u2019t have to trade a second.<\/p>\n
With Nashville, Bourque will immediately slots into the top six. He could be the second-line center alongside Matthew Wood and Steven Stamkos on the wings, and he can make that line a lot better. They were solid last season, but in need of one more forward who could contribute.<\/p>\n
The Bottom Six Is Crowded<\/p>\n
Outside of Bourque, I don\u2019t see any of the forwards as top-six material. Hoglander, Drury, and Colton make a very intriguing third line<\/a>, and Kerfoot and Edstrom could slot into the fourth line, although Kerfoot is paid more like a thir -liner. Hoglander is a great two-way forward with goal-scoring potential, Drury might be the best defensive bottom-six center in the league, and Colton also provides energy and goals.<\/p>\n Still, several young Nashville forwards might not get the opportunities they should. I was interested to see Aidan Fink, Cole O\u2019Hara, Joakim Kemell, or Vitali Pinchuk get extended looks in Nashville, but it looks like they could be slotted into the fourth line at best. We\u2019ll get a clearer picture during the preseason.<\/p>\n Prospects like Brady Martin and Wyatt Cullen are a little more raw, so they can be stashed for a little longer, but what about when Yegor Surin\u2019s contract expires in the Kontinental Hockey League after 2026-27 and he wants to play in the NHL? Will there be a spot available for him to show his promise? That will be an interesting question to answer.<\/p>\n Perhaps Another Move Coming?<\/p>\n With the sudden glut in the forward core, things could be gearing towards another move. When Predators beat writer Alex Daugherty asked MacFarland about the roster limit and whether that would necessitate a move, MacFarland said, \u201cMaybe. If we can improve the team, we\u2019re gonna try to do it. It\u2019s going to require some creativity, some threading the needle at times. It may require some tough decisions, or moving some players that normally you wouldn\u2019t look to move.\u201d (from \u2018Predators GM Chris MacFarland has \u2018tough decisions\u2019 ahead after free agency adds<\/a>,\u2019\u00a0The Tennessean,\u00a0July 1, 2026)<\/p>\n If the Predators do shake up the forward core, who would be moved? Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L\u2019Hereux were traded in the Drury deal, but neither of them would\u2019ve played higher than the fourth line either. Do the Predators consider trading or buying out Jonathan Marchessault? It\u2019s doubtful they would get much from him considering his down 2025-26, but he could benefit from a change of scenery.<\/p>\n Does it involve one of the young forwards who are NHL-ready, like Fink, Kemell, and O\u2019Hara? Does it involve a young forward who has made the NHL but could be expendable, like Ozzy Wiesblatt or Reid Schaefer<\/a>? Does it involve pending RFA Luke Evangelista<\/a>?<\/p>\n Regardless, Nashville still has around $12.8 million to play with. They still need to sign Bourque to a new deal as he is an RFA right now. They also need to iron out extensions to Evangelista and Matthew Wood, if they want to keep them in Nashville long-term.<\/p>\n They could use another defenseman as depth, unless the coaching staff believes prospect Tanner Molendyk is ready for that role. The Predators don\u2019t seem to be finished yet, but with the moves they\u2019ve made, they\u2019ve already set themselves up for a very interesting season.<\/p>\n Free Newsletter<\/p>\n \n Get Nashville Predators coverage delivered to your inbox <\/p>\n In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.<\/p>\n