Gina: I am not joking when I say this is the most loaded center ice we have ever seen in Nashville. We are talking about Steven Stamkos, Ryan O'Reilly, and now a newly acquired Mavrik Bourque all fighting for minutes. But before we dive into the chaos, let’s get one thing straight: the hockey world just lost a legend.
Wes: It’s a somber note to start on, Gina. Dolly Parton passing at eighty years old is a massive moment for Tennessee and for the entire culture of music and sports in this state. The tributes from Peyton Manning and the Dallas Cowboys show how far her influence reaches beyond just country music.
Gina: Absolutely. It’s a reminder that Nashville is more than just a hockey town; it’s a cultural hub. But today, we are turning our focus back to the ice because you guys have been flooding the inbox. This is the Beatline Podcast Network, and I’m Gina alongside Wes Miller. Welcome to the Predators Mailbag!
Wes: Good morning, Preds Nation. It is September first. The preseason is wrapping up, the roster is set, and we are exactly one month away from the opener against the Minnesota Wild on October second. Today, we are answering your questions about the Bourque signing, the goalie battle, and whether those playoff predictions still hold water.
Gina: Here is what we are tackling today. First, we’re looking at the new centerpiece of the forward group, Mavrik Bourque, and his six-year deal. Second, we’re breaking down the depth chart battles, specifically the defense corps and the backup goaltending spot. And third, we’ve got a fun hypothetical scenario about the top line chemistry. Let’s get into the mailbag.
Gina: Our first question comes from 'ChasingPucks' on Twitter. He asks: 'Wes, you predicted 25 goals for Mavrik Bourque two days ago. Now he’s signed to a six-year, $33 million contract. Is that investment justified based on his last season with Dallas?'
Wes: Okay, so let’s look at the facts. In his final season with the Stars, Bourque posted twenty goals and twenty-one assists in eighty-two games. That is a point-per-game production rate. For a restricted free agent coming off the trade block, that is solid offensive upside.
Gina: And remember, the Predators acquired him from Dallas along with Ilya Lyubushkin, sending back a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick. So they didn’t give up their future just to grab him; they moved some pieces to make room.
Wes: Right. And paying him five and a half million a year over six years is a reasonable bet on a twenty-four-year-old who already proved he can score at the NHL level. If he hits that twenty-five goal mark like we predicted, that’s an absolute bargain. If he doesn’t, it’s still a manageable cap hit.
Gina: But here is the kicker, Wes. You put him in the middle of a logjam. We have Ross Colton, Jack Drury, Adam Edstrom, Tyson Jost, Alexander Kerfoot, Ryan O'Reilly, and Steven Stamkos. Where does Bourque actually fit?
Wes: That is the tactical question. With Stamkos and O'Reilly likely anchoring the top two lines, Bourque probably slides into a top-six role where he can play with pace. He needs zone entries and power-play time to hit those numbers. If he gets buried in the bottom six, those twenty-five goals become very hard to come by.
Gina: Fair point. Our next question comes from Sarah in Franklin. She writes: 'The standings show us fifth in the Central Division. With the Wild coming up on October second, do we really think we can climb that ladder with this new roster?'
Wes: Fifth place is right in the thick of it. The Central is always tough. But adding scoring depth like Bourque helps. We talked about this yesterday—the strategy here is clear. They want to ensure that if Roman Josi isn’t carrying the offensive load every night, there are other creators.
Gina: And let’s not forget the other acquisition: Ilya Lyubushkin on defense. He adds physicality. Does that help the penalty kill structure against teams like Minnesota?
Wes: Definitely. Lyubushkin is a shutdown defenseman. Pairing him with someone like Brady Skjei or Justin Barron gives the coaches flexibility on the penalty kill. You need size and positioning to slow down teams like the Wild. It’s a smart complementary move.
Gina: Let’s pivot to the depth chart. Marcus in Denver wants to know: 'With Justus Annunen and Isak Posch both on the roster, who is the backup? And does Juuse Saros have any reason to worry?'
Wes: This is the classic backup goalie duel. Annunen has been with the system longer, but Posch has shown flashes. Usually, the team goes with the player who has the most NHL experience unless the rookie has been sensational in camp. Right now, the brief doesn’t give us camp stats, so we rely on pedigree.
Gina: Saros is an elite starter. He’s going to play sixty-five games no matter what. But having two competent backups is huge for a playoff push. If Saros gets tired or injured, you don’t want a significant drop-off in net.
Wes: Exactly. And look at the defense around them. We have Nicolas Hague, Nick Perbix, Christoffer Sedoff, Hunter Skinner, Ryan Ufko, and Adam Wilsby. That is a lot of bodies. The coaching staff will have to decide who sits.
Gina: Roman Josi is the anchor, obviously. But who is the number two? I see Kevin Gravel and Ilya Lyubushkin as the veterans. Do you think Lyubushkin takes that second pair slot immediately?
Wes: I would expect it. The Predators traded for him specifically for his defensive reliability. He brings a different skill set than the younger skaters like Perbix or Skinner. It makes sense to lean on him in tight games.
Gina: Our next question is from '@PredsFan88'. He asks: 'Filip Forsberg is our star left wing. Who is he pairing with on the right side? Jonathan Marchessault or Luke Evangelista?'
Wes: Marchessault is the veteran presence. He knows how to win. Evangelista is young and hungry. Forsberg needs someone who can read the game well. Marchessault’s experience might give him the edge for the top line, but Evangelista could steal minutes elsewhere.
Gina: And what about Nils Hoglander? He’s another left wing. Does he push for a spot on the second line?
Wes: Hoglander is fast and aggressive. He fits the Predators’ identity. If he can handle the forecheck pressure, he earns a spot. But the competition is fierce with Reid Schaefer and Isaac Ratcliffe also in the mix.
Gina: Alright, let’s lighten it up. Timmy in Murfreesboro asks: 'If Mavrik Bourque scores twenty-five goals, should the Predators rename the arena the 'Bourque Building'?'
Wes: Whoa, hold on. Twenty-five goals is great, but renaming the Bridgestone Arena? Maybe not yet. Let’s see if he can hit thirty first. Then we’ll talk about statues.
Gina: Fair enough! Okay, lightning round. Quick takes. Roman Josi’s shot from the blue line—still the best weapon in the league?
Wes: Without a doubt. It’s his signature move. Teams have to respect it every single shift.
Gina: Isak Posch or Justus Annunen for the backup job? Go.
Wes: Posch. I think he has the higher ceiling right now.
Gina: Will the Predators make the playoffs with ninety-seven points?
Wes: I stand by that prediction. Ninety-seven points is a playoff ticket in the Central.
Gina: There you have it, folks. The Predators are loaded, the center ice is crowded, and the road to the playoffs starts in October. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network wherever you listen.
Wes: Stay locked in. The Wild game is coming up fast. Prepare for the grind.
Gina: Go Vols, Go Preds! See you next time.