The St. Louis Blues are pushing to return once again to a dominant force in the Central Division. With their division opponents, the Nashville Predators looking to reclaim their form after an unexpected 30-44-8 record during the 2024-25 season, the Blues could have a divisional opponent looking to rebound in a big way.
The Predators, led by stars like Filip Forsberg and Steven Stamkos, will look to return to the postseason and bring a Stanley Cup to the Music City. Using the Predators’ 2024-25 stats from hockeyreference.com and their projected 2025-26 lineup courtesy of puckpedia.com, lets break down how St. Louis can capitalize on Nashville’s weaknesses in this intense divisional matchup.
Central Division Series
Nashville Predators’ Offseason Moves: Openings for the Blues
The Predators made roster adjustments to manage their lineup, but vulnerabilities emerge that St. Louis can target:
Key Additions
- Nicolas Hague (D): Acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights for Colton Sissons and Jeremy Lauzon on June 27, 2025. The 26-year-old (6-6, 245 lbs) contributed 12 points (5G, 7A) and 82 hits in 2024-25.
- Michael Bunting (F): Acquired from Pittsburgh in the Luke Schenn trade, adding 20 points (9G, 11A) in 62 games. His gritty style fits Nashville, but the Blues’ physicality can neutralize him.
- Nick Perbix (D): Signed to a two-year, $5.5 million deal on July 1, 2025. The 26-year-old defenseman (2G, 11A in 2024-25 with Tampa Bay) adds right-side depth but an uncertainty as to how much value he brings to the blue line.
Key Subtractions
- Colton Sissons (F): Traded to Vegas, losing 23 points (7G, 14A) and 100 hits from 72 games.
- Jeremy Lauzon (D): Traded to Vegas removes a physical presence from the blue line (127 hits from 28 games).
- Luke Schenn (D): Traded to Pittsburgh, losing a small amount of points (1G, 4A) and 228 hits from 61 games.
- Thomas Novak (F): Traded to Pittsburgh, losing 27 points (13G, 9A) from 52 games.
Impact on Depth
The Predators’ additions (Hague, Perbix and Bunting) aim to offset losses (Sissons, Lauzon, Schenn, Novak), but the roster relies heavily on veterans returning to form. The loss of physicality and depth players sets up St. Louis’ middle-six (Holloway, Schenn) and forecheck to dominate, especially with Nashville’s third pair and bottom-six exposed.
Projected Predators Lineup and Special Teams
Forwards:
- Forsberg – O’Reilly – Marchessault
- Evangelista – Svechkov – Stamkos
- Bunting – Haula – Kemell
- Smith – McCarron – L’Heureux
Defense:
- Josi – Blankenburg
- Skjei – Barron
- Hague – Perbix
Goaltenders:
- Saros
- Annunen
Power Play 1: Forsberg – O’Reilly – Stamkos – Marchessault - Josi
Power Play 2: Bunting – Svechkov – Evangelista – Skjei – Blankenburg
Penalty Kill 1: Smith – McCarron – Skjei – Blankenburg
Penalty Kill 2: Haula – O’Reilly – Hague – Josi
Key Matchups: Where the Blues Hold the Edge
The Blues-Predators rivalry heats up with Nashville’s changes, but St. Louis’ depth gives them the advantage:
- Jordan Kyrou vs. Filip Forsberg: Kyrou’s speed and scoring touch (projected 30-35G) can match Forsberg’s output (31G, 76 PTS in 2024-25). With his ability to create odd-man rushes, Kyrou can exploit Nashville’s thinner defense, especially with Holloway providing support to neutralize Forsberg’s playmaking.
- Cam Fowler vs. Roman Josi: Fowler’s veteran experience and puck-moving skills can challenge Josi’s offensive dominance (23G, 82PTS in 2023-24). Backed by the Blues’ physical defense, Fowler can be a true difference-maker again this coming season.
- Depth Battle: The Blues’ middle-six of Holloway, Schenn, Neighbours, Bjugstad outmatches Nashville’s unproven group top-heavy group on paper. As long as the Blues can shutdown the Predators top performers, the Blues have the potential to capitalize rolling four lines.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Blues’ Path to Victory
Predators’ Strengths:
- Top-Line Firepower: Forsberg, Marchessault, and Stamkos are potent, but unpredictable where and when their offense will show up.
- Goaltending: Saros’s .895 SV% and 4 SO are serviceable and could return to form (.914 career SV%), but St. Louis’ high-volume shooters (Kyrou, Snuggerud, and Holloway) will test him.
- Defensive Core: Josi and Skjei will provide stability on the blue line in all situations.
Predators’ Weaknesses:
- Depth Scoring Gaps: Beyond the top lines, production drops and becomes unpredictable. St. Louis’ depth overwhelms Nashville’s bottom-six.
- Physicality Deficit: Losses of Sissons, Schenn and Lauzon reduces the amount of grit they bring to their matchups, giving the Blues’ fourth line a chance to take over.
- Injury Risks: Aging veterans Stamkos, O’Reilly, Marchessault, and past injuries (Josi’s IR stints) expose Nashville to St. Louis’ relentless play.
What to Expect in 2025-26: Blues Poised to Outshine the Predators
The Predators aim for a playoff spot with their core before looking to make further adjustments. However, their depth losses and aging stars weaken them.
St. Louis’ physicality and scoring depth, bolstered by Holloway and Kyrou’s speed, Thomas’ playmaking abilities, and the anchoring blueliners of Fowler and Parayko, combined with emerging talents like Holloway and Snuggerud, positions them to control this rivalry.
If the Blues maintain their health and capitalize on Nashville’s weakened third lines, they could claim the upper hand in these Central Division matchups and march toward a strong playoff showing. The Predators’ star power with Forsberg and Saros keeps them competitive, but their exposed weaknesses make them prime targets for the Blues to overcome.