The Nashville Predators are struggling this season despite big signings like Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. Their record of 4-7-1 places them at the bottom of the Central Division, even behind the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks. General Manager Barry Trotz hinted at a possible rebuild if things don’t improve, saying on Nashville’s 102.5 The Game, “I’m trying to do some things right now… but if we don’t get it going, then I’m going to start our rebuild plan.”
Trotz later explained to Alex Daugherty from The Tennessean that any rebuild wouldn’t be drastic. Instead of tearing everything down, he aims to make room for young talents in the team. He mentioned about ten players as part of this future core: forwards Teddy Stiga, Reid Schaefer, Joakim Kemell, Matthew Wood; and defenders Tanner Molendyk and Andrew Gibson. Trotz noted that balancing competitiveness with developing young players is tricky and suggested veterans might be moved aside for prospects.
These young players are already showing promise in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals boasting an impressive 8-1-0 start . Kemell has eight points in nine games while L’Heureux has five points in four games. Although L’Heureux had a brief NHL stint with two assists and one penalty over seven appearances, more development is needed for these prospects to shine at the top level.
Building Around Young Talent:
Fans might wonder if focusing on youth will bring success faster than expected. Trotz believes that these prospects have what it takes to make an impact soon without dragging fans through a long-term rebuild process.
Head coach Andrew Brunette isn’t facing immediate pressure despite last season’s playoff exit after a 47-30-5 record. He expressed his frustration over lineup issues to GM Trotz saying nothing seems to work right now: “You’re trying hard to find the magic potion.” Meanwhile, new signings Stamkos (five points), Skjei (six points), and Marchessault (seven points) haven’t lived up yet through twelve games—leaving much room for improvement.
Philip Tomasino and Jeremy Lauzon haven’t scored either while goalie Juuse Saros managed an assist! With such struggles continuing on ice performance-wise though there lies potential among younger ranks waiting eagerly behind-the-scenes readying themselves alongside seasoned stars like Stamkos or Josi could speed up their growth journey quite cheekily indeed!
Do you think relying on these young guns will save Nashville’s season?
