Predators Reinforce Defense: New Faces Aim to Protect Saros this Season

Nashville, USA - The Nashville Predators are set for a strategic overhaul as they aim to reinforce their defensive lineup for the upcoming 2025-26 NHL season. After facing challenges last season, the team is focusing on enhancing their defensive corps, particularly to support young forwards and provide more robust protection for goaltender Juuse Saros. Predlines reports that the Predators successfully added defensemen Nicolas Hague and Nick Perbix, which boosts both size and skill on the blue line.

General Manager Barry Trotz voiced his belief that Saros faced unjust criticism last season amid the team’s struggles. With only two right-side defensemen on the roster—Nick Blankenburg and Justin Barron—before Perbix’s arrival, the need for additional depth became clear. Coach Andrew Brunette will have the challenging task of figuring out effective defensive pairings, a process that may involve some trial and error.

Defensive Pairings and Predictions

There’s plenty of anticipation surrounding how the Predators‘ new defensive structure will look. Trotz projects Hague to play in a top-four role, which has raised some eyebrows, considering earlier expectations had him landing in a third-pairing spot. With this in mind, potential pairings are shaping up:

• Top Pair: Josi and Skjei
• Second Pair: Hague and Perbix
• Third Pair: Wilsby and Blankenburg

Blankenburg is expected to secure a starting position amidst competition from Perbix. Meanwhile, the third pairing remains competitive, with talents like Adam Wilsby, Justin Barron, Jordan Osterle, and Andreas Englund all vying for spots. Excitingly, top prospect Tanner Molendyk could see action soon, although he is yet to debut in the AHL.

Saros’s Stellar Performance

As the Predators work on their defense, all eyes will also be on Juuse Saros. At just 25 years old, the goaltender has already played four full seasons in the NHL and boasts an impressive record of 55 wins against 36 losses and 16 overtime losses. According to the NHL, Saros has a goals-against average of 2.56 and a save percentage of .918, with 11 shutouts under his belt.

It’s notable that Saros has been improving steadily, matching or surpassing his win totals each season, achieving a career-high of 17 wins during both the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. In a league where teams with capable goaltenders often find success, Saros’ role will be vital, especially as the Predators aim to reclaim their competitive edge.

Looking Ahead

As the Predators prepare for the opening night of the new season, the expected defensive lineup has generated intrigue:

• Skjei-Josi
• Hague-Perbix
• Wilsby-Blankenburg

With players like Barron, Osterle, and Englund waiting in the wings, there will be fierce competition for NHL minutes. Notably, those who do not meet performance expectations might face waivers, adding pressure and excitement to the preseason. Additionally, the loss of Marc Del Gaizo in free agency has intensified the fight for defensive positions. Midseason call-up candidates like Molendyk, Gibson, Stastney, and Ufko may also play vital roles in the team’s journey.

Ultimately, the Nashville Predators are making headlines with their proactive approach to defense, and it will be fascinating to see how these changes pan out in the coming season.