Predlines

Predlines • July 9th, 2026

Tommy Bleyl embraces next chapter with Predators, heads off to Michigan State

Growing up in Upstate New York, hockey has always been a part of Tommy Bleyl's life, and after being drafted by the Nashville Predators in the first round, it's here to stay.The 6-foot, 174-pound defenseman was projected to be drafted 27th overall on average among the mainstream draft rankings. However, as pick 27 passed and the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft was nearing an end, something suddenly rang out.The trade horn sounded at pick No. 31, and it was announced that the Predators traded u...

Predlines • July 3rd, 2026

A strong development camp giving Predators lot to look forward to in coming seasons

The Nashville Predators Development Camp has always been a gift for Middle Tennessee, but this year's may just be one of the most treasuring.After a near-miss on the postseason, the Predators are preparing for a comeback season, loading up the roster with young and experienced NHL players, while also prepping the system for its eventual welcome to the big league. Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager expressed excitement with the level of prospect development the team has seen...

Predlines • June 21st, 2026

Aiden Fink continues to prove Predators right, doubters wrong

Many teams passed on Aiden Fink in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, but the Nashville Predators didn't, and now they're reaping the benefits.While scouts struggled to get past size, former Predators General Manager David Poile saw nothing but potential, and he was right. Hobey Baker Finalist and program record holder are just a couple of things Fink has accomplished since draft night, and after signing his entry-level contract in April, he's ready to continue proving doubters wrong.He joined the Predat...

Predlines • July 2nd, 2026

MacFarland hints at more offseason moves for Predators, reveals strategy for roster's future

If you thought things on the Nashville Predators were getting crazy, think again, because it could be getting even more crazier.Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager Chris MacFarland met with local media yesterday to discuss his offseason plans, answer questions on day one of free agency, and talk about prospect development. Throughout the press conference, he teased the idea that something big could be coming.MacFarland has been reconstructing the team ever since he was hired...

Predlines • June 27th, 2026

Predators select Wyatt Cullen with No. 10 overall pick in 2026 NHL Draft

The Nashville Predators added another franchise cornerstone Friday evening, drafting winger Wyatt Cullen with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.Heading into the draft, Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager Chris MacFarland made it clear that his number one priority would be to continue reeling in top prospects to an already promising prospect pool, and he sure did that by drafting the Minnesota native. In his first year in Nashville, MacFarland i...

Predlines • July 1st, 2026

MacFarland reels in Bourque, Lyubushkin in steal of a deal for Predators

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager Chris MacFarland announced Wednesday that he acquired forward Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2027 2nd and Vegas' 2028 3rd.In his first months with the Predators organization, MacFarland has singlehandely flipped things around, prioritizes NHL-ready, young talent over veteran presence. With the addition of Bourque, a right-handed center, the team's forward core just keeps gett...

Predlines • July 1st, 2026

Kerfoot signing sends clear message to Predators' next wave of prospects

The Nashville Predators continue to add winger depth, this time reeling in left winger Alex Kerfoot on a two-year, $7 million deal.NHL Insider Darren Dredger first reported the signing on X shortly after 1 p.m CST. The contract averages out at $3.5 million per year, bringing the cap space to just north of $11 million remaining. It is Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager Chris MacFarland's first free agency signing with the organization, and an interesting one at that.Kerfoot,...

Predlines • June 29th, 2026

Predators continue to add forward depth, acquire Nils Hoglander from Canucks

Just a day after re-signing forward Jack Drury to a five-year, $22.5 million deal, Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager Chris MacFarland went out and secured another forward, this time being winger Nils Hoglander from the Vancouver Canucks.MacFarland announced today that he acquired the 25-year-old at the cost of the Colorado's 2029 third-round pick that was acquired in the Drury trade. It is the fourth player trade the recent hire has made with the Predators, and i...

Predlines • June 27th, 2026

Predators make unexpected trade to draft Tommy Bleyl at No. 31 overall

In a serious of unexpected events, the Nashville Predators moved up in the 2026 NHL Draft to select right-handed defenseman Tommy Bleyl No. 31 overall.The selection came after the Predators traded picks No. 42 and 57 to the Carolina Hurricanes for the No. 31 pick in the first round. Bleyl's selection marks the second-straight season where the club possesses two or more first round picks and the fourth in the last six seasons.Bleyl, 18, led both the Moncton Wildcats and league defensemen in scori...

Predlines • June 24th, 2026

Predators trade Svechkov, L'Heureux to Avalanche for Drury, prospect and pick

After a flurry of trades leading up to the 2026 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators have joined the party.Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager Chris MacFarland announced Wednesday that he acquired center Jack Drury, left wing prospect Chase Bradley and a 2029 third-round pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for centers Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L'Heureux. It is his second trade in the role and his second with his former club.Drury, 26, was drafted 42nd overall by the...

Predlines • June 22nd, 2026

Pekka Rinne named to 2026 Hockey Hall of Fame class

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame's class of 2026 along with five others Monday.Rinne played all 15 seasons of his career with the Predators, starting in 683 games, winning 369, and averaging a .917-save percentage and 2.43 goals against. He is the only player in franchise history to have their number retired, with his #35 hanging in the rafters at Bridgestone Arena since February 2022.He will join defenseman Shea Weber and general manager David Poile, b...

Predlines • June 18th, 2026

Bowen Byram is perfect pickup if Predators decide to go all in this offseason

Another name has been added to the offseason trade board, and this time it's Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram.Following a successful season, the Sabres are looking to shift up their blueline. NHL insider Darren Dreger reported on X Thursday that multiple teams are exploring a trade surrounding Byram. Defenseman Michael Kesselring was recently dealt, so could Byram be next, and should the Nashville Predators be interested?For the Predators, Byram may be the best option for an offseason splas...

Predlines • June 17th, 2026

Predators deepen center depth, acquire Ross Colton from Avalanche

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chris MacFarland has officially made his first player move.MacFarland announced Tuesday that the team acquired forward Ross Colton and goalie prospect Isak Posch from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for the Nashville's 2026 third-round pick, Colorado's previously owned 2027 third-round pick and goalie prospect Magnus Chrona.Colton, 29, played 73 games with the Avalanche last season, scoring nine goals and 24 points, along...

Predlines • June 12th, 2026

MacFarland seems to be giving Andrew Brunette a shot to redeem himself

Nashville Predators Head Coach Andrew Brunette just may be on one of the hottest coaching seats in the NHL entering next season.President of Hockey Ops/General Manager Chris MacFarland told reporters in his first Predators media conference his plans heading into his first season with Nashville. One of the most urgent questions asked was by Chris Harris of WSMV, who asked what the outlook would be on coaching decisions. MacFarland responded with full confidence, telling Harris and others:MacFarla...

Predlines • June 5th, 2026

Predators recent hiring is a story known all too well for Predators fans

Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chris MacFarland announced Friday that Rob Blake was hired as the team's Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations.Blake's hiring is MacFarland's first move made as a part of Predators management. He will join MacFarland in managing the team's coaching staff, roster situation, scouting and drafting.He served as the Los Angeles Kings VP of Hockey Ops. and General Manager from the 2017-18 to 2024-25 seasons. Blake won a Sta...

Predlines • June 4th, 2026

Chris MacFarland just told Predators fans what they've been waiting to hear

Chris MacFarland made his first appearance to the Nashville media Wednesday, June 4, and his responses sparked hope among many Nashville Predators fans.The newly hired President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Predators piqued the interest of reporters in a media conference alongside Predators Chairman and Majority Owner Bill Haslam, and CEO Sean Henry to discuss the vision for the team going forward.After missing the playoffs for the second-straight season, the Predators organiz...

Predlines • June 1st, 2026

Nashville Predators prospect Cameron Reid captains Kitchener Rangers to Memorial Cup win

Nashville Predators prospect Cameron Reid is a Memorial Cup champion.The 19-year-old defenseman guided the Kitchener Rangers to their third Memorial Cup victory in franchise history Sunday, May 31. Reid tallied two secondary assists in the title-clinching game against the Everett Silvertips. He finished the tournament with one goal and six points and a +9 rating.Reid spent the last three years with the Rangers, playing 173 regular season games and recording 133 points. He finished this season wi...

Predlines • May 31st, 2026

Annunen, Finland win gold in 2026 Men's World Championship, Josi named MVP

Nashville Predators goalie Justus Annunen and Finland beat Switzerland in the gold medal game at the Ice Hockey World Championship Sunday.Annunen stopped all 22 shots in the 1-0 overtime win, helping Finland secure its fifth gold title in its tournament history. He averaged a .934-save percentage with 1.47 goals against average in eight games. It's his second gold finish in at the international level with his first from the 2017-18 U18 World Juniors.Roman Josi, the captain for Switzerland, was n...

Predlines • May 22nd, 2026

Nashville Predators prospect Surin's 2 goals wins him second KHL championship

Yegor Surin is a two-time KHL champion with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.The 19-year-old scored two goals in game six of the KHL playoffs, helping Yaroslavl win its second-straight Gagarin Cup. He ended the postseason with a career-high eight points (3g, 5a) in 22 games. Surin was drafted by the Nashville Predators 22nd overall in 2024.After staying off the scoresheet in the series' first five contests, Surin scored twice in game six to give Yaroslavl a commanding 2-0 lead. Lokomotiv made it 3-0 in the t...

Predlines • May 16th, 2026

Ryan O'Reilly's two-point performance versus Italy proves why he's Canada's X-Factor

Ryan O'Reilly and Canada shut down Italy 6-0 Saturday, May 16 following a 5-3 win against Sweden the day prior.O'Reilly, who tallied a goal against Sweden, topped off the win with a goal and an assist. The two points tie him for second in tournament points with three, only behind Jesse Puljujarvi with five. O'Reilly scored the final goal for Canada with 1:21 left in the middle frame. The assist came off the opening goal, scored by Dylan Holloway 9:21 into the contest.Here is Factor's goal in cas...

Predlines • May 15th, 2026

Ryan O'Reilly reminded fans why he's called Factor with beautiful goal versus Team Sweden

Day one of the Ice Hockey World Championship is in the books and we've already seen a handful of beautiful plays, including one from Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly.O'Reilly is representing Canada in this year's tournament, and he's already made himself known. Factor scored Canada's second goal of the night versus Sweden in beautiful fashion, going backhand on a rebound. Here's the goal in case you missed it:Sweden was on a delayed penalty prior to the goal, giving Canada full control o...

Predlines • May 7th, 2026

Current and former Nashville Predators among those named in IIHF's Team USA preliminary roster

USA Hockey announced its preliminary roster for the IIHF Men's World Championship taking place in Switzerland later this month, and a handful of players will represent the mustard yellow.The Nashville Predators will send two of their players to compete: forward Ryker Lee and defenseman Ryan Ufko. Additionally, there will be a three former Preds members in the lineup: goalie Devin Cooley, forward Mathieu Olivier and forward Tommy Novak.They'll help Team USA in its attempt to win gold for the thir...

Predlines • May 3rd, 2026

Nashville Predators rookie defenseman quietly mirrored Ryan Ellis in 2026

No one could've imagined the progression we saw at the end of this season from this youngster.When rookie defenseman Ryan Ufko entered the Nashville Predators lineup in early March, many assumed it was to shake up the at-the-time slumping blueline. Ufko quickly proved that he wasn't just a call-up, but that he was a roster lock.In his first game of the season, the second of his career, the former 4th-round pick tallied his first career point, a secondary assist on Filip Forsberg's power play goa...

Predlines • April 29th, 2026

Comment from Steven Stamkos hints that Nashville Predators will pass up on a rebuild once again

For the second-straight season, the Nashville Predators face the intimidating decision of whether or not to commit to a rebuild, and a recent comment from one of their top scorers confirms that it might not happen.Uncertainty will fill the air for the next few months in Nashville as its front office sits vacant. With General Manager Barry Trotz leaving the organization, and a search for a new one in the works, priorities on the offseason moves will be redirected. Despite this, the same message s...