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2024-25 Nashville Predators Predictions and Odds to Win Stanley Cup Finals

by Ryan Cobbett - 9/25/2024

Nashville Predators predictions Filip Forsberg

Last season was a good one for Nashville, as they exceeded expectations, reached the playoffs, and played competitively against the Canucks in the first round. The Predators secured the first wild card spot, as they finished with 99 points thanks to a hot streak to end the season. From February 17th to the end of the season, the Preds went 20-5-3, giving them a huge boost into the playoff picture. Nashville was one of just two teams to go undefeated in shootouts last season. The Preds, despite being overmatched on paper, held their own against the Canucks, taking the series to six games with just a -1-goal differential in the series.

Offensively, the Predators ranked 10th in the league in scoring, as they averaged 3.24 GF/G. However, their special teams’ play was not very good, as they ranked 15th with a PP% of 21.6%, while ranking 23rd in the league with a 76.9% PK%. They were the only team in the NHL to be perfect during shootouts, cashing in on all five of their attempts. Filip Forsberg led the way for Nashville with 94 points and 48 goals. Forsberg finished sixth in the NHL in goals and 12th in points. Roman Josi finished right behind him with 85 points and a team-leading 62 assists. Josi, along with Gustav Nyquist and Ryan O’Reilly, were the only other Nashville players to record more than 20 goals.

The goaltending was as good as Juuse Saros wanted it to be. He appeared in 64 games last season, the most in the NHL, and the Fin went 35-24-5, allowing 2.86 GA/G on a .906 SV%. Saros led the league in saves while also completing three shutouts. His backup, Kevin Lankinen, appeared in 24 games, allowing 2.82 GA/G on a .908 SV%. Saros carried most of the workload and has continued to be one of the best netminders in hockey.

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Seasons come and go, so now it’s time to take a look at what we can expect from the Nashville Predators in 2024-25:

Nashville Predators Key Additions/Losses

It was an incredibly busy offseason for the Predators, as they try to elevate their roster to compete with the Avalanche and Stars. At first, the offseason had a grim look to it as they shipped Ryan McDonagh (32 points) back to Tampa Bay for a 2025 second round pick. In addition to shipping out McDonagh, the Predators also traded top goalie prospect Yaroslav Askarov to San Jose, along with Nolan Burke and a third-round pick. The team also saw rental Anthony Beauvillier, backup goalie Kevin Lankinen, Kiefer Sherwood (27 points), and Jason Zucker (seven points), all found new homes.

While there was significant production lost over the course of the offseason, the Predators got better. Way better. First, in addition to the 2025 second round pick they received in the McDonagh trade, the Predators also received a 2025 first round pick from the Sharks as a part of the return in the Askarov deal. Not only did they collect future capital, but they also added some big time pieces who will make an immediate impact. They brought in Steven Stamkos after 16 years in Tampa Bay. Stamkos recorded 81 points (40 goals, 41 assists) last season for the Lightning. Nashville also added Jonathan Marchessault (69 points, 42 goals) and blueliner Brady Skjei (47 points), along with backup netminder Scott Wedgewood (2.85 GA/G).

Nashville Predators X-Factors

The 40-Goal Guys- Filip Forsberg got a huge boost with Jonathan Marchessault joining the top line. Nashville will now have two 40-goal potential skaters on their top line, with another one in Steven Stamkos on the second line. The offensive attack for Nashville suddenly looks a lot better than it was a year ago as long as these guys can produce and fight off father time.

Additional Additions- After a busy offseason of reshaping the roster, the Predators will no doubt be in playoff contention this year and should be one of the Top Three teams in the Central Division. However, as they look to bring a Cup to Nashville, the Predators could add more at the deadline. Their top two lines should be highly productive, but the depth on the third and fourth lines can use a little boost if the front office can get a deal or two done in season.

Nashville Predators Goalie Outlook

There were a lot of changes between the pipes for Nashville this season. However, Saros signed an extension and will remain in Nashville for a while longer. Saros has averaged 64 starts over the last three seasons. And while he is coming off a career high 2.86 GA/G, he is still one of the best netminders in the NHL. Now with all the offense in front of him, he does not have to carry as much pressure from game to game, knowing his guys will score often. Kevin Lankinen and Yaroslav Askarov are gone, but Scott Wedgewood should be more than capable of filling in as the backup. Wedgewood was solid as the backup netminder for the Stars, as he allowed an average of 2.79 GA/G in his two years in Dallas. All in all, Saros will shoulder most of the workload this season, giving the Predators a good chance to make a run.

Grade: A-

Nashville Predators Key Schedule Stretch

January 16th-February 8th- This is by no means the toughest stretch for Nashville this season. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. During this three-week period, the Preds have 11 games, six at home and five on the road. Their home games include Chicago, Minnesota, San Jose, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Buffalo. The road opposition is San Jose, Anaheim, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Other than the Canucks, the rest of the opposition are fringe playoff teams at best. There are 22 points here, leading up to the All-Star break, that could go a long way in determining how Nashville is fairing in the playoff race as well as shining light on areas of need before the deadline.

Nashville Predators Notable Odds

Stanley Cup Champions: +1600

Conference Winner: +750

Division Winner: +500

To Make the Playoffs- Yes: -265

Hart Trophy- Steven Stamkos: +10000

Jack Adams Award- Andrew Brunette: +900

Norris Trophy- Roman Josi: +1200

Vezina Trophy- Juuse Saros: +1500

Nashville Predators Prediction

Though I think depth will limit their ability to compete with Dallas and Colorado in the division standings, there are a lot of futures to like. Andrew Brunette is likely going to be the Jack Adams recipient if the Predators can wrap up a guaranteed spot while Roman Josi and Juuse Saros are always in the hunt for the Norris/Vezina trophy year in and year out and are always worth a look. However, if last year’s team would have hit the over on this year’s team point total, there is little reason to think they can’t do it again this season. The Predators are much improved and should see their point total eclipse the 100-point mark. This is a very good team that could sneak up on some of the favorites come playoff time.

Over 98.5 Team Total Points

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