Gina: Mavrik Bourque signs for six years and thirty-three million, and we've got the mailbag stacked with your hottest takes. This is Beatline, the Nashville Predators podcast.
Wes: And we're answering your questions about the new-look lineup, the goaltending, and whether this team can finally make some noise in the Central.
Gina: I'm Gina, and as always, Wes is here with the deep dive. We've got three segments packed with your questions, plus a lightning round that might get a little spicy.
Wes: Let's get into it. First up, the big move of the summer: Bourque coming over from Dallas.
Gina: We've got questions on that, on the forward lines, and on who's backing up Juuse Saros. Stick with us.
Gina: Alright, let's open the mailbag. First question comes from Marcus in Denver: 'What does Mavrik Bourque actually bring to this team, and is six years for thirty-three million a fair deal?'
Wes: Great question. Bourque is a 24-year-old center who put up 20 goals and 21 assists in 82 games last season. That's a solid two-way guy who can drive play.
Gina: And the Preds gave up a 2027 second-rounder and a 2028 third-rounder to get him and Ilya Lyubushkin. That's a real commitment to the future.
Wes: Exactly. And the contract locks him up through his prime years. If he keeps developing, that AAV of five and a half million could look like a steal.
Gina: Speaking of the trade, we've got a question from @SmashVille_Sam: 'With Lyubushkin coming over, how does that change the blue line depth?'
Wes: Lyubushkin is a physical, stay-at-home defenseman. He adds grit and penalty-killing ability. He's not going to put up points, but he's the kind of guy who makes his partner better.
Gina: So he's a stabilizing presence, especially on the third pair or as a fill-in on the second.
Wes: Right. And with Roman Josi and Brady Skjei anchoring the top two pairs, Lyubushkin gives them depth they didn't have last year.
Gina: Next up, Sarah from Rochester wants to know: 'Is the Central Division going to be a bloodbath again, and where do the Preds really stand?'
Wes: The Central is always tough. But the Preds finished fifth last season, and with the additions up front and on the back end, they should be in the mix for a top-three spot.
Gina: That's a bold claim. What gives you that confidence?
Wes: Bourque adds scoring depth, Lyubushkin shores up the defense, and you still have Saros in net. That's a recipe for climbing the standings.
Gina: Alright, we're just getting warmed up. After the break, we're diving into the roster battles that will decide opening night.
Gina: Welcome back. Segment two is all about the lineup battles. First up, @GoalieGuru asks: 'Who backs up Saros this year — Justus Annunen or Isak Posch?'
Wes: That's a great question. Annunen has more NHL experience, but Posch is a young prospect with upside. I'd say Annunen gets the nod to start the season, but Posch could push him.
Gina: So it's a classic veteran versus prospect battle. And what about the bottom-six forwards? David from Nashville wants to know who cracks the lineup among the younger guys.
Wes: You've got guys like Adam Edstrom, Tyson Jost, and Alexander Kerfoot fighting for spots. And then you have prospects like Joakim Kemell and Matthew Wood knocking on the door.
Gina: That's a lot of competition. How do you see the lines shaking out?
Wes: I think you'll see a top line of Forsberg, O'Reilly, and Marchessault. Then Bourque centering the second line with Stamkos on the wing. The bottom six will be a mix of veterans and hungry kids.
Gina: And what about the defense? We've got a question from Rachel in Franklin: 'Is there a spot for Ryan Ufko or Nick Perbix?'
Wes: Ufko is a smart, mobile defenseman who could thrive in a third-pair role. Perbix has size and a right-handed shot, which is valuable. They'll be battling it out in camp.
Gina: So the blue line is deep. That's a good problem to have.
Wes: It is. And it means the coaching staff will have tough decisions, but that's what you want.
Gina: Stick around — we've got a fun hypothetical and a lightning round coming up next.
Gina: Segment three. Let's have some fun. @PuckHeadPat asks: 'If you could add any one player from the 2026 free agent class to this Preds team, who would it be?'
Wes: I'm going to say a top-six winger who can score. Someone like a pure sniper to play with Stamkos and Bourque. But honestly, the Preds have enough depth up front now.
Gina: That's a safe answer. But what about a game-changer on the blue line? We've already got Josi, but imagine adding another Norris-caliber guy.
Wes: Sure, but that's not realistic. The Preds have their core locked in. I think they're set.
Gina: Alright, lightning round. Quick takes, no hesitation. First: Will the Preds make the playoffs this year?
Wes: Yes. I think they're a playoff team.
Gina: Will Bourque score 25 goals?
Wes: I'll say yes. He's got the talent and the opportunity.
Gina: Will Saros win the Vezina?
Wes: He's capable, but it's a tough award. I'll say he's a finalist.
Gina: Will the Preds win the Central?
Wes: That's a big ask. I'll say top three, but not first.
Gina: Bold. We'll check back on those in April.
Gina: That's all the time we have today. Thanks for sending in your questions, and thanks for listening to Beatline.
Wes: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review. And share it with a fellow Preds fan.
Gina: Until next time, stay loud, stay gold, and go Preds!
Wes: Go Preds!