Who Will be the Nashville Predators' Forward, Defense and Goalie Selected First for 2024-25?

Nashville Predators will kickoff their 2024-25 season at home against Dallas Stars on Thursday, October 10, with finalization of their roster currently taking place. Predators have looked strong this season and could surprise many by reaching the playoffs to potentially finish near the top. However, it’s unlikely the entire team will remain healthy throughout the entire season, leaving Nashville to select who it should recall when reinforcements become necessary. Anything can happen at any of three positions within Nashville Predators organization’s system as evidenced through training camp performances and players being considered by Nashville. Some young players could make their NHL debut this season while other veteran veterans could return. Zachary L’Heureux (forward), Spencer Stastney (defense), and Magnus Chrona (goalie). are likely candidates. Let’s go through each candidate and why they deserve consideration; and in case another situation or better play emerges. Zachary L’Heureux made his presence felt over the course of last season and into the AHL playoffs with some impressive performance – garnering much-deserved accolades late in both periods. He may not yet have played in an NHL game and didn’t make it on to Nashville Predators roster out of training camp, but that doesn’t stop him trying! He appears close to breaking through into NHL play this season. L’Heureux was one of the last cuts from training camp; however, had it not been for taking away one of Milwaukee’s more experienced players who played most of the year 2023-24 as opposed to waiting, L’Heureux would likely still have had to wait his turn in 15 playoff games; scoring 10 goals and 15 points overall in that span for Milwaukee. Ozzy Wiesblatt may gain the edge that will propel him far in his NHL career, making Ozzy Wiesblatt likely to receive at least some games with Predators this season. Spencer Stastney caught people’s eyes during training camp. With only six defenders available for opening night, it will be interesting to see who emerges victorious on opening night. Marc Del Gaizo (AHL) and Tanner Molendyk (WHL) were two of the final cuts made, while Spencer Stastney had to be designated for assignment due to personal reasons and therefore missed training camp altogether. Stastney is also listed as non-roster. After getting some time in the NHL last season, but was awarded with a two-way deal allowing Nashville to move him between AHL and NHL at will, Stastney remains eligible to return under either contract for two more seasons with them. He may be NHL-ready, but missing camp has hindered him in getting integrated into the lineup and starting off strong this season. He would fare much better playing every day but that may take longer to realize. According to Nashville Predators General Manager Peter Fico, Stastney should become an everyday member at some point this season – just edging out Del Gaizo for now. Del Gaizo should’ve been an ideal candidate, given that Stastney was expected to make the team and there are only seven defensemen currently listed as Predators roster players. Stastney will only miss out if his personal issues remain unresolved, necessitating Nashville needing immediate replacement in its lineup. Magnus ChronaWith Yaroslav Askarov now playing with San Jose Sharks instead, the Predators no longer have a clear cut initial callup in goal this season. Magnus Chrona returned as part of the Askarov trade and played nine NHL games last season. Since it was his rookie season, more development will definitely benefit him if given his first callup this season. Juuse Saros tends to remain healthy with Scott Wedgewood being his backup, yet an incident could occur that requires someone other than them for backup duties for just a short period. Matt Murray comes out of the Dallas Stars organization just like Wedgewood but only played once last season. Chrona could make his return at some point during the season if his AHL performance warrants it and Nashville wants a closer look behind an effective team. Reece Chrona could potentially come up at some point this season after having had a strong year; and Odds Suggest Improved Nashville Predators Still Underappreciated