The Nashville Predators are facing early struggles in the 2024-25 season, sitting at the bottom of the Central Division with a 4-7-1 record. Despite spending heavily on veterans Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei over the summer, the team’s performance has fallen short of expectations, prompting general manager Barry Trotz to hint at a potential rebuild if the failures continue.
Trotz discussed the situation on Nashville’s 102.5 The Game, suggesting that if the team doesn’t improve, he would start the rebuilding process. However, he quickly clarified that the rebuild would not involve a full teardown. Instead, it would focus on creating space for the team’s promising young players. Trotz named roughly 10 prospects he believes could form the core of Nashville’s future, including forwards Teddy Stiga, Reid Schaefer, Joakim Kemell, and Matthew Wood, and defensemen Tanner Molendyk and Andrew Gibson.
While the team walks a fine line between competitiveness and development, Trotz acknowledged the possibility of moving veterans down the lineup to give young prospects more playing time. One key area of need is a productive second-line center, a role that could eventually be filled by Schaefer, Kemell, or Zachary L’Heureux.
The Predators’ AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, is having a strong start to their season, with Kemell, L’Heureux, and Fedor Svechkov leading the charge. Despite their AHL success, only L’Heureux has seen NHL action this season. However, Trotz remains hopeful about the potential of his young talent and is committed to avoiding a prolonged rebuild, stressing that he doesn’t want to drag Predators fans through a long-term rebuilding process.
Trotz also defended head coach Andrew Brunette, who is not on the hot seat despite the team’s disappointing start. Brunette, who led the Predators to a 47-30-5 record and a first-round playoff exit last season, has expressed frustration with the team’s lack of cohesiveness. Despite the struggles, the addition of veterans like Stamkos and Marchessault has not yet paid off, with the trio combining for just 18 points through 12 games. Meanwhile, the team’s depth players, like Philip Tomasino and Jeremy Lauzon, have struggled to produce. This has left the Predators in a tough position, but Trotz remains optimistic that the development of their young players will help propel the team forward as they make tough decisions about their future.
